scuba diving corfu
Corfu, a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, offers an unforgettable scuba diving experience with its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, Corfu has something to offer everyone.
Getting There
Corfu is easily accessible by air and sea. Corfu International Airport (CFU) is located just 3 km from Corfu Town and is served by several major airlines. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel or dive center.
If you’re coming from mainland Greece, you can take a ferry from Igoumenitsa or Patras. The ferry ride takes about 1-2 hours. Once you arrive at Corfu Port, you can take a taxi or bus to your hotel or dive center.
Here are some tips for getting to Corfu⁚
- Book your flights and ferry tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
- If you’re flying into Corfu, consider renting a car to get around the island.
- If you’re taking a ferry to Corfu, be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance.
- Allow plenty of time to get to your hotel or dive center, especially if you’re arriving during peak season.
Once you’re on Corfu, you’re ready to start exploring the island’s underwater world!
When to Go
The best time to go scuba diving in Corfu is from May to October, when the water is warm and visibility is good. However, it is possible to dive year-round, as the water temperature never drops below 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).
Here is a breakdown of the diving conditions in Corfu throughout the year⁚
Spring (May-June)
- Water temperature⁚ 18-22 degrees Celsius (64-72 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Visibility⁚ Good to excellent
- Conditions⁚ Spring is a great time to dive in Corfu, as the water is warm and visibility is good. However, it is important to be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all types of conditions.
Summer (July-August)
- Water temperature⁚ 23-27 degrees Celsius (73-81 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Visibility⁚ Excellent
- Conditions⁚ Summer is the best time to dive in Corfu, as the water is warm and visibility is excellent. However, it is important to be aware that the water can be crowded with tourists, so be sure to book your dives in advance.
Autumn (September-October)
- Water temperature⁚ 20-24 degrees Celsius (68-75 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Visibility⁚ Good to excellent
- Conditions⁚ Autumn is a great time to dive in Corfu, as the water is still warm and visibility is good. However, it is important to be aware that the weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack for all types of conditions.
Winter (November-April)
- Water temperature⁚ 14-18 degrees Celsius (57-64 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Visibility⁚ Fair to good
- Conditions⁚ It is possible to dive in Corfu year-round, but the water temperature can be cold during the winter months. Be sure to wear a thick wetsuit and hood if you’re diving during this time.
No matter what time of year you visit Corfu, you’re sure to have an unforgettable scuba diving experience!
Where to Dive
Corfu offers a variety of dive sites to explore, from shallow reefs teeming with marine life to deep walls and wrecks. Here are some of the most popular dive sites on the island⁚
The Diapontia Islands
The Diapontia Islands are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Corfu. These islands are home to a variety of dive sites, including shallow reefs, caves, and walls. The most popular dive site in the Diapontia Islands is Blue Lagoon, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.
The Corfu Channel
The Corfu Channel is a strait that separates Corfu from the mainland of Greece. The channel is home to a variety of dive sites, including wrecks, reefs, and walls. One of the most popular dive sites in the Corfu Channel is the wreck of the SS Express, which sank in 1940.
The Ionian Sea
The Ionian Sea is home to a variety of dive sites, including reefs, walls, and wrecks. One of the most popular dive sites in the Ionian Sea is the wreck of the HMS Perseus, which sank in 1941.
The Paxos Islands
The Paxos Islands are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Corfu. These islands are home to a variety of dive sites, including shallow reefs, caves, and walls. The most popular dive site in the Paxos Islands is Lakka Bay, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.
The Antipaxos Islands
The Antipaxos Islands are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Corfu. These islands are home to a variety of dive sites, including shallow reefs, caves, and walls. The most popular dive site in the Antipaxos Islands is Voutoumi Bay, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of marine life.
No matter what your level of experience, you’re sure to find a dive site in Corfu that’s perfect for you!
What to See
The underwater world of Corfu is teeming with marine life, from colorful fish and invertebrates to larger creatures like sea turtles and dolphins; Here are some of the most common marine life you can expect to see while scuba diving in Corfu⁚
Fish
Corfu is home to a variety of fish species, including damselfish, wrasses, parrotfish, and groupers. You may also see larger fish like tuna, barracuda, and sharks.
Invertebrates
Corfu’s waters are also home to a variety of invertebrates, including sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers, and octopuses. You may also see larger invertebrates like lobsters and crabs.
Sea Turtles
Sea turtles are a common sight in Corfu’s waters. You may see loggerhead turtles, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles.
Dolphins
Dolphins are also common in Corfu’s waters. You may see bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, and striped dolphins.
Other Marine Life
You may also see other marine life in Corfu’s waters, such as rays, eels, and jellyfish.
No matter what you see while scuba diving in Corfu, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!
Safety Tips
Scuba diving is a safe and enjoyable activity, but there are some safety tips you should keep in mind to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience⁚
Get certified
Before you go scuba diving, it is important to get certified by a reputable scuba diving organization. This will ensure that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to dive safely.
Dive with a buddy
Never dive alone. Always dive with a buddy who is also certified and experienced.
Check your equipment
Before each dive, check your scuba diving equipment to make sure it is in good working order. This includes checking your tank, regulator, buoyancy compensator device (BCD), and other equipment.
Stay within your limits
Do not dive beyond your limits. This means diving to a depth that you are comfortable with and that you have the experience for.
Be aware of your surroundings
Be aware of your surroundings while diving. This includes being aware of other divers, boats, and marine life.
Listen to your body
Listen to your body while diving. If you are feeling tired, cold, or short of breath, it is time to ascend.
Respect the marine environment
Respect the marine environment while diving. Do not touch or harass marine life.
By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience in Corfu.