Dive Sites

1. Dive Site "RED CANYON"

Located 4.5 miles from Kapsali. Depths from -6 to -32 meters. Protected from all times. Streams very rarely weak and parallel to the coast. It is a beautiful canyon formed along the coast and a vertical cave with an open roof. All the walls are colored by sponges and small corals in shades of purple to red, but also with touches of yellow. The whole route is done on an almost vertical wall. Lots of small fish, but many times larger ones.

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2. Dive Site "RED COMPLEX"

Located 4.5 miles off the coast of Kapsali. A dive site that is always protected from adverse weather. Depths from -6m to -28m. There are no currents within the gulf while mild currents might be observed towards the end of the peninsula, with an easterly or westerly direction depending on the weather. Awe inspiring, unique rock formations delineate the complex creating arches of monumental proportions and comfortable passages. Large anchors lay on the sea bed waiting to tell maritime stories of days gone by.

Vibrantly coloured sponges of purple, yellow, green and mostly red hues adorn the entire site that is aptly named after them. A vertical wall running for several meters features openings that resemble large portholes and housing an ample variety of small orange corals, marine spirographs in various shades and a microcosm of brightly coloured invertebrates.

It’s no wonder that with all these visual stimuli many divers don’t even realise that by the end of the dive they have made their way underneath the little cape and finish their underwater exploration in an inviting sheltered bay where schools of friendly parrot fish (Scarus Cretensis), cow bream (Sarpa Salpa) and red scorpion fish (Scorpaena scrofa), among others, await.

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3. Dive Site "National Geographic I"


 

4. Dive Site ''HYTRA''


3 miles off the coast of Kapsali. Protected from all weathers except winds with a westerly direction. Depths -6 to -40. There are no currents within the cave while mild currents might be observed off the cape with a westerly direction. This dive involves the underwater exploration of a massive open cave that is also appropriate for snorkeling. The isle of Hytra is one of the few locations on Kythira where the rare Sempreviva plant grows. Seagulls, cormorants and hawks can be spotted nesting on the steep cliffs. Underwater, divers encounter colossal stalactite formations that almost touch the sea bed. The rocks at the bottom of the cave are brightly coloured in various shades of red, purple and green.

Venturing towards depths of 8-6 meters, divers can follow a drop off wall that is covered with marine vegetation. This wall leads to areas of the cave where sponges in blazing colors and small orange corals can be found. A small double entry cave holds the nicest surprise since it is filled with thousands of prawns with bright eyes that reflect the light and leave an unforgettable impression on the visitor. If we are discreet and fortunate enough, we may even encounter one or two seals that live in the cave, but are very shy.

On the other hand, groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) that reside in deeper waters outside the main cave are rather sociable. Most of the time schools of small barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) may be seen. Beautiful parrot fish (Scarus Cretensis), moray eels (Muraena Helena) and marbled spinefoot fish (Siganus rivulatus) can be sighted along the wall around the islet. The occasional dolphin fish (Coryphaena equiselis) might also be sighted if we focus outwards into the deep blue.

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5. Dive Site "GROTTE OUVERTE"

1.5 miles from Kapsali. Depths from -3 to -18m. Sheltered dive site not affected by inclement weather. Currents nonexistent. Relaxed dive where one can visit two easily accessible, beautiful, safe caves and a shallow water passage among spectacular rock formations.
One of the caves has a hollow ceiling (hence the name '' hollow cave '') while the other is at the end of a narrow inlet and has fresh ice cold water. 

 

 

 

 

6. Dive Site "THE CATHEDRAL"

2 miles from Kapsali. Depths up to -16m. Completely exposed to the west winds. There are no streams. It is a huge shallow open cave reminiscent of a cathedral.

Rocks that emerge from the seabed break the monotony and form an easy simple and different path

 

 

7. Dive Site "NARROW GROOVES"

4 miles from Kapsali. Depths from -2 to -18 meters. Fairly sheltered from almost all times. There are no streams. Relaxed dip in the depths, This is a tour of small and large openings in the rocks that are completely open from above.
Green sponges decorate the recesses and several small fish hang out with us. Ideal spot for a combination of diving and swimming on a beautiful secluded beach. Of particular interest is the exploration of a secret smaller beach whose entrance is very well hidden and only underwater.




 

 

8. Dive Site "ANCHOR REEF"


Located 5 miles from Kapsali. Exposed to north and east winds. Depths from -7 to -26 meters. Streams quite often and powerful. It is a reef that starts at 7 meters rich in aquatic life with all species of the area.
A huge anchor many years ago, located on the northern slope of the reef, gave its name. Its layout gives us the opportunity to enjoy a small wall as well as softer slopes up to 26 meters. The main feature is many fish.



 

9. Dive Site ''JU-52''

Located at a depth of 35 meters. Completely exposed to westerly winds. Weak currents rarely observed. A deep dive site where one can visit the remains of a Junkers 52, a 2nd World War German Luftwaffe transport plane that alighted at sea during the war. Eyewitness reports (thanks to which the wreck was located) mention 18 German soldiers abandoning the plane unharmed.

Two out of three engines have been perfectly preserved while part of the tail section remains in a poor condition. Testimonies from locals say that the third engine was hauled up and sent to Athens. The Junkers JU-52 was a German trimotor transport aircraft manufactured from 1931 to 1945 at the Junkers works at Dessau. It saw both civilian and military service during the 1930s and 1940s.
In a military role, it flew with the Luftwaffe as a troop and cargo transport and briefly as a medium bomber. Its capacity was 18 passengers (plus pilot & co-pilot).

During the 2nd World War most existing JU-52 aircrafts were seized for military use, while production also continued for the same purpose. General characteristics Crew: three (two pilots, radio operator) Capacity: 18 troops or 12 litter patients Length: 18.90 m (62 ft 0 in) Wingspan: 29.25 m (95 ft 10 in) Height: 4.5 m (14 ft 10 in) Wing area: 110.5 m² (1,190 ft²) Empty weight: 6,510 kg (14,325 lb) Loaded weight: 9,200 kg (20,270 lb) Max. takeoff weight: 10,990 kg (24,200 lb) Powerplant: 3 * BMW 132T radial engines, 533 kW (715 hp)[46] each Performance Maximum speed: 265 km/h (165 mph) at sea level Cruise speed: 211 km/h (132 mph) Range: 870 km (540 mi) Service ceiling: 5,490 m (18,000 ft) Rate of climb: 2.99 m/s; 17 minutes to 3,050 m (10,000 ft) Armament Guns: 1 * 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine gun in a dorsal position 2 * 7.92 mm (.312 in) MG 15 machine guns Bombs: up to 455 kilograms (1,000 lb) of bombs (some variants).

 

 

 

10. Dive Site "NORDLAND"


NORDLAND nationality: dutch purpose: transport type: cargo ship propulsion: motor vessel (diesel) date built: 1986 status: live details tonnage: 7.562 grt dimensions: 127.2 x 11.3 x -- m material: steel engine: 1 diesel engine, single shaft, 1 screw speed: 16 knots Located 12,5 miles from Kapsali. Depths from -3.5 to -29 meters. Affected by inclement weather. Favourable weather conditions are required in order to enjoy the dive. Quite often moderate currents are observed along the wreck.

The dry cargo ship "NORDLAND", had sailed under the flag of St. Vincent from the port of Piraeus laden with perlite to Belgium. She run aground on 29/8/2000 with a 14-strong crew (3 Poles, 4 Croats and 7 Kiribati) at Dragonares, Kithira Island, and her engine room was reported to be flooded. She continued to take water and her stern finally rested on the seabed at a depth of 29 meters while her bow remained out of the water in its present position. The weather in the area was good (4 BF).

According to rumors during the incident the crew was inebriated and didn’t realise that they were heading towards the islet. Efforts were made to bring the ship to the surface but to no avail. Meanwhile the wreck gave a different aspect to Diakofti and has since become its trademark. Underwater, the sunken hull became host to numerous microorganisms, colourful invertebrates and a multitude of fish.

Divers would usually encounter thousands of damselfish (Chromis chromis), fewer white seabreams (Diplodus sargus sargus), groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) and occasionally blue fin tuna (Thunnus thynnus). In other words the Nordland became, within a short period of time a beautiful artificial reef with an abundance of aquatic life. https://youtu.be/mY1ACLRBkdk



 

 

11. Dive site ''MOON LANDING''

 

 

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