Perched off the northwest shore of mainland Greece, Corfu has a rich history in mythology, the island was revered as the home of Poseidon, God of the Sea. Spend just a few moments surrounded by Corfu’s beautiful blue water, and you’ll quickly understand just why the ancients revered this place as they did. Here, we’ll take a look at just a few of the many breathtaking dive sites Corfu has to offer.
Monastery Reef
Named for the monastery that’s visible on shore, Monastery Reef features a rocky slope that gradually slides away from the headland and down to a plateau located at a depth of 24 meters. Small pinnacles and gorgeous rock formations covered in red algae, pink seaweed, and golden zoanthids host shrimp and damsels here, and at a depth of 32 meters, you’ll have the opportunity to enter a small cave that is equally colorful. Clouds of sea bream sparkle in the light from above, making you feel fortunate to have the opportunity to spend just a little time in their world.
Barbaro Caves
Located near Corfu channel, the Barbaro Caves are in shallow water, but they are amazing. There are a total of ten caves and swim-thoughs here; it takes at least two dives to see them all. Covered in red false coral, red encrusting algae, and red and yellow zoanthids, the cave walls are home to Christmas tree worms and other sessile animals, along with brilliant starfish, lots of crabs and shrimp in incredible fluorescent hues, and plenty of interesting nudibranchs. If you’d like to dive the Barbaro Caves, do make reservations in advance. This site is in high demand and space is limited; in addition, the caves are only diveable at certain times due to current. Maximum depth is 7 meters.
Nissaki Wall
A truly spectacular site, Nissaki Wall is an underwater photographer’s dream come true. Beginning with a plateau at a depth of about 5 meters, the wall makes a sudden drop to a depth of 32 meters, where a small wreck is located, and then a second drop to 38 meters, where a mound of round boulders creates a haven for huge groupers and lobsters. As you explore this wall, you’ll notice holes filled with shrimp and brightly colored cardinal fish, as well as beautiful bearded fire worms, purple sea urchins, and bright red and yellow sponges and zoanthids. On nearby sand flats, cuttlefish can often be seen, and along the wall, octopus peer out from their dens. Tech divers get some special treats nearby: along the wall to the south; a pair of WWII aircraft lie partly buried in the sand, and to the east, about 200 meters away, an 80-meter ferry boat wreck lies in state at depths between 42 and 48 meters. Plan a few dives here if you like; there’s plenty to see no matter what your experience level.
Topside, castles and monuments tell the story of Corfu’s many conquests and battles; so amazing are the fortifications found on this island that it has earned a coveted spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Excellent dive operators, wonderful accommodations, historic and cultural attractions, and endless views come together to create a place that will never leave your memory. Stay for a while if you can – there is much to see and do here in Poseidon’s kingdom.