New Diving Park-2025-in Ombros Gialos

Experience the pinnacle of scuba diving in Chania at the Apokoronas Diving Park in Ombros Gialos (also known as Octopus Bay). As Greece’s first authorized underwater park, this site is a masterpiece of marine engineering and conservation, located just 3 nautical miles (a 12-minute boat ride) from the world-famous Elephant Cave.

Dive Site Technical Specifications

• Location: Ombros Gialos Bay, Chania, Crete.
• Wreck I:Tugboat “Nestor” (R/K Nestor) – 21.3m steel vessel.
• Max Depth: 15m.
• Min Depth: 8m.
• Reefs: 44 main artificial reef units.
• Average Visibility: 25m−30m.
• Dive Type: Artificial Reef / Wreck / Marine Protected Area.
• Level: Open Water Diver (SSI/PADI or equivalent) and above.

Visit our Blog: The Full History of the R/K Nestor

Main Attractions

• The R/K Nestor Wreck: A 23.5-meter decommissioned naval tugboat resting at 18m depth. It is perfectly preserved and serves as a focal point for the park’s marine life.
• The Artificial Reef Network: 44 eco-friendly concrete structures arranged in three distinct underwater routes.
• Marine Life: Due to the strict “No Fishing” policy, expect to see large Groupers, schools of Barracuda, Amberjacks, and a high density of Nudibranchs.

🛑 Important Site Notice

Current Status (January 2026): CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC The Apokoronas Diving Park is currently in its construction phase and is not yet operational. Per official Municipal Decision 121/2025*, diving is prohibited for the following reasons:

Stabilization Period: The scuttled wrecks (R/K Nestor) and artificial reefs require a mandatory period to stabilize safely on the seabed [Read the full status update on our Blog].

Pending Construction,Safety Certification

*Official Diving Prohibition Decree – Chania Municipality Decision 121/2025: https://apokoronas.gov.gr/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΣΗ-ΚΑΤΑΔΥΤΙΚΟΥ-ΠΙΝΑΚΙΔΑ-ola_24-07-2025.pdf