Naxos and Paros

Use local operators for wrecks, caverns, and deeper reefs. Carry an SMB, stay close to the guide on boat dives, and confirm whether a site is suitable for your certification before boarding. Do not turn the Bristol Beaufighter into a long air dive; it sits around 33 m and bottom time is limited. In caverns, stay in the light zone unless properly trained, avoid silting, and never touch walls or formations. Watch for fishing line, boat traffic, surge around rocks, and wind-driven chop on exits.

Naxos and Paros have local medical facilities for stabilization, and serious diving injuries may require evacuation to Athens or another specialist facility. There is no practical assumption of an island recompression chamber for a visitor dive plan. Call local emergency services first for life-threatening situations, put the diver on oxygen if trained to do so, contact DAN Europe, and preserve the dive computer data for medical review.

The Central Aegean Natura 2000 network includes priority Posidonia meadows and important habitats for rare and protected species. Do not anchor independently on seagrass, harass turtles, approach monk seals or sea caves, collect shells from living habitat, feed fish, or remove artifacts. Naxos Wildlife Protection asks visitors to keep distance from turtles, avoid touching or feeding them, and report injured animals or hatchling tracks. Underwater antiquities and wreck materials are protected by Greek authorities, so photograph only.