# Halkidiki, a Unique Diving Destination > Halkidiki has decent diving infrastructure and a natural environment that makes it interesting for those looking to explore the underwater life of the northern Aegean. Unlike the islands of the southern Aegean... Halkidiki is a surprisingly generous diving ground: warm water, good visibility and bases that take divers of every level. Here's what awaits beneath the surface. ## Where to Dive in Halkidiki ### Sithonia Sithonia is the **best area** for diving in Halkidiki, due to its rocky coasts, underwater formations, and visibility reaching 15-20 meters in good conditions. Main spots: - **Diaporos Islands** (from Vourvourou): the rocky edges of the islands have excellent marine life. Breams, salema, saddled bichirs, octopuses, and some larger species. Depths of 5-25 meters. - **Porto Koufo**: the sheltered bay offers excellent visibility and a gradual bottom. Good for beginners and experienced divers. - **Kavourotripes**: rocky edges with short-duration caves. - **Kalamiitsi**: rocky coast with impressive underwater formations. - **Ancient Toroni**: underwater remains of an ancient city — temple columns are visible in shallow waters, with some sections of wall in deeper areas. ### Athos Side (Ierissos, Ouranoupoli) Diving around **Amouliani** and the coastal rocky landscapes towards the border of Athos. Rich marine life, several hidden coves accessible only by sea. ### Kassandra Less known for diving due to sandy coastlines at most points. Some interesting spots at **Cape Poseidi** and towards **Sani**. ## Diving Centers There are 4-6 certified diving centers operating in Halkidiki, mainly in: - **Neos Marmaras**: 1-2 centers - **Vourvourou**: 1 center - **Ouranoupoli**: 1 center - **Kallithea**: 1 center All provide equipment, training, and guided dives. PADI or SSI certifications are the most common. ## What You Can Do ### Discover Scuba Diving (for beginners with no experience) First diving experience in shallow waters (5-12 meters). Duration: 2-3 hours total, with 30 minutes underwater. No certification needed. Cost: 80-120 euros. ### Open Water Diver Course (certification) 4-5 day program with theory, practical training in a pool, and 4 dives in open water. You receive internationally recognized certification. Cost: 350-500 euros. ### Fun Dives (for certified divers) Dives at interesting spots in Halkidiki, accompanied by a guide. Cost: 40-70 euros per dive, or packages of 5-10 dives at a discount. ### Specialty Courses More specialized courses: deep diving, navigation, wreck diving, underwater photography. Cost: 150-300 euros per certification. ## Best Time for Diving - **Best visibility**: September-October (cold sea, clearer) - **Warmest waters**: July-August (25-27°C) - **Best balance**: June and September — warm waters, less crowd, good visibility Diving in winter (November-March) is possible but requires a 7mm wetsuit or even a drysuit. Few diving centers operate in winter. ## Marine Life You Will See - **Fish**: breams, salema, saddled bichirs, red mullets, scad, larger groupers are rare - **Octopuses**: often found in rocky caves - **Crabs and lobsters**: in rocky corners - **Jellyfish**: seasonal, mainly in summer - **Sea slugs** - **Rarely**: dolphins (in deeper waters) and turtles ## Ancient Shipwrecks Along the coasts of Halkidiki, there are several ancient shipwrecks, but most are under **protection of the Ministry of Culture** and diving is not allowed without special permission. The shipwrecks you can legally visit are mainly newer — vessels from the 20th century and fishing boats that have sunk. ## Practical Information - **Age limits**: from 10 years for bubblemaker programs, from 12 for Junior Open Water, from 15 for Open Water - **Medical certificate**: recommended for those with respiratory issues, heart conditions, or ear problems - **Contraindications**: pregnancy, recent surgery, certain medications - **Safety**: all serious centers have life insurance for trainees. Check before registering. - **Booking**: for discover scuba or fun dives, 1-3 days in advance is sufficient. For certifications, one week. ## Snorkeling — the alternative without equipment If you don’t want full diving but are interested in marine life, Halkidiki offers excellent areas for snorkeling: - **Kavourotripes (Sithonia)**: perhaps the best spot - **Porto Koufo**: excellent visibility at the edges - **Diaporos Islands**: on the rocky sides - **Ancient Toroni**: to see the underwater ancient columns Mask and snorkel equipment can be rented from beach bars for 5-10 euros per day, or you can bring your own. ## Practical notes for international visitors For divers Halkidiki is easy warm-water territory: 20-40m visibility on good days, bases in Kalamitsi and on Kassandra, all major certifications recognised. Bring your logbook and card; try-dives run in English almost everywhere. The season is May to October — book early in high summer. --- Source: Type: BlogPosting · Halkidiki, Greece