Snorkelling in the Greek Islands

18 09 2011

I thought I’d share some pictures from a recent holiday to the Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Ithica, which have some of the most sublime coastlines in the world.

The waters around Kefalonia are amongst the warmest, calmest and clearest in the Med.

We took a boat out one day to explore the hidden coves and beaches along the Western coastline of the island and every time I dropped the anchor in around 10m of water, you could easily see right to the bottom.

This made it perfect for snorkelling and freediving, and beneath the azure waves were shoals of beautiful, inquisitive fish, ancient volcanic rock formations and gently-sloping shelves which dropped gradually into the deep.

We didn’t take our dive kit as we’d heard Greece was rubbish for diving, and didn’t have the best reputation for safety and competency. But having met the man who runs one of the best-known dive centres on the island, we realised this had been a mistake.

Greece actually does have some of the best diving in the world, and the most incredible, in-tact wrecks.

The reason that it’s been relatively ’off the radar’ in the diving community is that Greek authorities have been tremendously protective over the country’s reefs and wrecks in an effort to preserve them.

Only recently have they started to loosen their laws this issue, since Greece’s turbulent economy has meant they’ve had to do far more to attract tourists and divers.

Next time we go, it will definitely be to dive. But in the meantime, click on the link below to see some pictures from our snorkels!

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SSAC to host Try Snorkel sessions

1 02 2010

BSAC have launched their free Try Snorkel initiative to get more snorkel members into BSAC clubs - and SSAC have registered to take part!

These sessions will take place with Jane on 25th March and 1st April – divers please note that  on these two dates, pool use will be entirely dedicated to Try Snorkel and scuba training will be put on hold.

The minimum age is 9 years old and participants will meet in the upstairs café at the Quarry at 7pm.

Could SSAC members please bring in any spare basic kit they have, and either leave it in the kit room or give it to Jane? We’ll be supplying all equipment for participants during the Try Snorkel sessions and we need to make sure there’s enough for everyone.

BSAC are hoping the sessions will raise awareness of learning to snorkel and showcase the sport of snorkelling to a wider audience.

For more information, have a chat with Jane or visit the BSAC website.