Diving in Skopelos

Counting over 15 diving spots, Skopelos invites you to experience its underwater biodiversity and impressive underwater landscapes, enjoying services from certified professionals. You have the possibility to try the unique experience of diving, or even to become certified as a free diver.

Wreck diving tourism is now offered in Skopelos, because it gathers all the conditions for a magical trip under the surface of the Sporades sea (Marine Park of Alonissos and Northern Sporades) which, as is known, is the most extensive marine park in Europe. It is home to a great marine biodiversity combined with a large number of shipwrecks, which are the silent but undeniable witnesses of the long history of the Aegean civilization! For the more experienced, the 85m long truck-ship stands out.

Christophoros, the best-preserved wreck in the wider area that sunk in 1983 and which offers incomparable wreck-diving experiences! We are referring to a historical event, which turned from a disaster into an alternative diving experience. A ship named “Christophoros” in October 1983, en route from Volos to Piraeus with a cargo of 2,600 m2 of cement, due to a change in the weather, tilted 7 degrees to the right.

The contacts of the captain and the owners with the operations room of the Ministry of Merchant Shipping resulted in the ship being taken to Panormos, with the aim of saving it. Ultimately, however, the goal was not achieved, as a result of which the ship was abandoned and wrecked. After 35 years, the wreck of “Christophoros” is standing upright at the bottom of Panormos, at a depth of 40m.

Regarding the history of the ship,  Christophoros, with a length of 85m. and 13m wide. approx., built in January 1950 at Grangemouth Shipyard originally under the name “Thomas Hardie”. Subsequently, during the period from 1968 to 1975, the ship made voyages under the name “Birling” so from 1976 it joined the Greek Merchant Fleet under the name “Christophoros”.

The shipwreck of “Christophoros” is considered perhaps the most well-preserved shipwreck and is ideal for underwater visits, while those interested are given the opportunity to train by following specialized programs of underwater activities organized by the Skopelos Diving Center.