Though there are only nine islands in the North Aegean they are widely dispersed; you will probably have to pick and choose between them, which is heartbreaking.
One place you should definitely go is Lesvos and Chios, one of the top rated diving areas in all of Greece. You can tour shipwrecks, peruse underwater caverns, and swim alongside tremendous sea walls. You are certain to see vibrant wrasses, perches, and flickering tunnies.
Besides the tunnies you can come across huge tuna and even swordfish. Larger marine life idles by on occasion, and you may just get lucky enough to see a sperm whale during your trek out to your dive site. Keep an eye out in shallow reef areas, you may run into turtles if the season is right.
The best time for scuba diving in the North Aegean is from May to October, when sea temperatures range from 18–25°C and visibility is at its peak. Summer provides warm water and calm seas, while late spring and early autumn offer fewer crowds and excellent clarity. Winter diving is possible but cooler and weather-dependent. Seasonal planning ensures the most enjoyable North Aegean diving experience.
A 3/5mm wetsuit is recommended in the summer and 5/7mm wetsuit in the winter months.
Accessing North Aegean dive sites typically begins with flights to Thessaloniki or direct island airports such as Lesvos. From there, short transfers connect divers to coastal dive centres. Most dive sites are reached by small boat, though some shore diving is available. Local operators provide guided dives, equipment rental, and certification courses. With accessible transport links and clear Mediterranean waters, diving in the North Aegean is both convenient and rewarding.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Easy Divers Rhodes. Disclaimer
Technical Diving
Freediving
Emergency First Response
FREE – Introduction to Scuba Diving Online
Marine Debris
Shark & Ray Protection
Adopt a Dive Site
