The Apokoronas Diving Park is located in Ombros Gialos  (also known as Octopus Bay), just a short distance from the Elephant Cave, and features the iconic Nestor Wreck. It is the first officially licensed underwater park in Greece. Located in Chania, Crete, this groundbreaking marine project is an innovative marine conservation.

Just a 3-nautical-mile boat ride (approx. 15 minutes) from the famous Elephant Cave, this site is the crown jewel of scuba diving in Crete. Designed for all Certified divers (from Open Water Divers-SSI/PADI or equivalent) , the park provides a protected environment for a thriving Mediterranean ecosystem.

Dive Site Technical Specifications (2026 Update)

• Location: Ombros Gialos Bay, Apokoronas, Chania, Crete.
• Main Wreck: Tugboat “Nestor” (R/K Nestor) – A 21.3m decommissioned naval vessel.
• Max Depth: 18m–20m (The wreck sits at 16m-18m).
• Min Depth: 8.5m (Ideal for beginners and snorkeling).
• Artificial Reefs: 44 eco-friendly reef units across 60 acres.
• Visibility: Exceptional clarity, typically 25m–30m.
• Certification Level: Beginner Friendly / Open Water Diver and above.
• Distance to Elephant Cave: ~5.5km (10-15 min by dive boat).

The Legacy of the R/K Nestor: From Naval Service to Artificial Reef

Before resting on the sandy bottom of Ombros Gialos, the R/K Nestor (A-409) served a long and honorable career in the Hellenic Navy.

1. Service in the Hellenic Navy

The Nestor was a robust Naval Tugboat (Ρυμουλκό) designed for heavy-duty operations. For decades, its primary mission was to assist large warships—including frigates and destroyers—maneuver safely within Greece’s major naval bases, primarily at the Souda Bay Naval Base (Crete) and the Salamis Naval Base.

2. Technical Specs of the Original Vessel

• Type: Steel-hulled Naval Tugboat.
• Dimensions: Approximately 21.3 meters in length.
• Power: Known for its powerful engines, it was built to withstand the toughest conditions in the Aegean Sea.
• Role: Beyond towing, these vessels often participated in search and rescue support and firefighting duties within the fleet.

3. Decommissioning and Preparation

After being decommissioned from active duty, the Nestor was selected by the Municipality of Apokoronas for a new, peaceful mission. Before its submersion in April 2025, the vessel underwent a rigorous environmental cleaning process:

• Eco-Cleaning: All oils, fuels, lubricants, and hazardous materials (like asbestos or lead paints) were removed to meet strict EU environmental standards.
• Diver Safety: The ship was modified specifically for scuba diving.

4. The Final Voyage

In April 2025, the Nestor was towed one last time across the Cretan waters it once protected. In a coordinated operation with the Hellenic Navy and the Ministry of Environment ,the Nestor “retired” to the seabed of Apokoronas to begin its second life as a sanctuary for marine life and a playground for divers.

Did you know??

A New Life in 12 Minutes: The Nestor was submerged in April 2025. It took less than 15 minutes for the vessel to settle at its final resting place, but it only took a few weeks for the first schools of fish to claim it as their new home!

The 10-Year Wait: It took over 10 years of planning and strict environmental studies for the Apokoronas Diving Park to become the very first officially licensed underwater park in Greece.

Eco-Friendly Engineering: The 44 artificial reefs surrounding the wreck are made of special pH-neutral concrete. This design mimics natural rocks, encouraging corals and sponges to “stick” and grow faster than they would on normal surfaces.