Head to Marathon Cape, a 45‑minute drive from Athens, for shore-access dives that drop quickly into clear, deep water. Small groups, full gear, and guides who know the reefs and relics make these certified dives a top half‑day choice.
Head to Marathon Cape, a 45‑minute drive from Athens, for shore-access dives that drop quickly into clear, deep water. Small groups, full gear, and guides who know the reefs and relics make these certified dives a top half‑day choice.
Book with Kanelakis Diving Experiences
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Kanelakis Diving Experiences · Nea Makri
Marathon Cape sits on the southern edge of the Evoikos Gulf, just northeast of Athens near the town of Nea Makri. About a 45‑minute drive from the city’s center, this rugged peninsular coastline drops abruptly into cobalt water, making it one of the best shore-access dive zones within easy reach of the capital.
Beneath the surface, the cape reads like a geological field guide. Vertical walls and sheer underwater cliffs give way to sloping reefs and scattered boulders; pockets of sand hide relics from ancient maritime traffic; and steep drop-offs provide immediate access to deep water. Visibility often runs high in summer months, and divers commonly encounter Mediterranean species such as groupers, octopus, and schools of bream among patches of Posidonia seagrass. The interplay of light on limestone and volcanic rock creates contrast-rich scenes that reward even short bottom times.
Kanelakis Diving runs guided, small‑group outings here for certified divers. With a maximum of five participants per group, the operation focuses on personalized safety and instruction. Inclusions cover full diving equipment, snacks, refreshments, and insurance—so you arrive with your certification card and swimwear and the team handles the rest. For those booking a double shore dive, expect a relaxed 1.5‑hour surface interval with refreshments; boat logistics aren’t required since the cape’s structure allows immediate shore entries into deep profiles.
What makes these dives stand out is the sheer variety packed into short distances. A single entry can lead you from a sunny shallow reef to a dramatic wall and then a slope scattered with amphorae and other traces of the region’s maritime past. Local guides speak Greek, English, and French, and tailor each profile to skill level—offering gentle reef tours for intermediate divers and more technical slopes for experienced certified divers.
Practical notes matter: divers must show proof of certification, children ten and older can participate with an adult, and all guests complete a medical questionnaire. Avoid flying within 12 hours after diving. The typical excursion runs three to five hours, making it an excellent half‑day adventure when you’re basing in Nea Makri or passing through Athens.
Booking with this operator puts you in direct contact with local dive culture: small boats and shore teams who know seasonal currents, underwater topography, and where to find archaeological fragments safe from commercial collectors. Expect friendly briefings in English or Greek, careful weight checks, and a relaxed debrief on shore. It’s an ideal option for repeat visitors and those wanting focused, environmentally aware dives.
moderate.
3–5 hours.
Moderate fitness required: be comfortable swimming, handling surface intervals, and carrying basic kit between shore and water.
Yes. All participants must present evidence of SCUBA certification (Open Water or equivalent) before diving.
Children as young as ten may dive but must be accompanied by an adult and meet certification requirements.
Yes. The listing notes that all standard diving equipment is included along with snacks, refreshments, and insurance.
Guides operate in Greek, English, and French as part of the standard service.
Typical excursions last three to five hours; the double shore dive includes a roughly 1.5‑hour surface interval with refreshments.
Avoid flying within 12 hours after diving and complete the required medical questionnaire; consult a physician if you have pre-existing conditions.
The seabed off Marathon Cape contains remnants of ancient maritime traffic; divers often encounter amphorae and ceramics among the rocks.
Respect Posidonia beds and archaeological finds by not touching them; local operators emphasize low-impact practices and will brief you on best behaviors.
Kanelakis Diving Experiences is a Nea Makri–based dive operator offering guided snorkeling trips, beginner certification courses, advanced training and boat dives in the Mediterranean Sea. Operating from the Schinias Bay area and exploring Marathon Cape and nearby dive sites, the company focuses on small group sizes and personalized instruction to maximize safety and learning. The business provides Discover Scuba Diving sessions suitable for participants aged 8 and up, complete with a comprehensive safety briefing, hands-on training and a supervised 30–40 minute introductory dive. For newcomers who want certification, Kanelakis Diving Experiences offers Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses designed for beginners, delivering full equipment, instructor-led lessons and structured pool and open-water sessions within Schinias Bay. For certified divers, guided boat dives visit diverse sites, warm waters and local wrecks roughly 45 minutes from central Athens. Advanced training is available through the Advanced Open Water Diver Course, which includes five dives covering specialties such as Deep and Underwater Navigation, with options to experience Night and Wreck dives. All courses and trips include necessary equipment, clear instruction and emphasis on safety procedures and interactive learning. Kanelakis Diving Experiences positions itself as a hands-on, locally operated provider that combines coastal accessibility in Nea Makri with focused, small-group experiences for families, beginners and experienced divers.
Book with Kanelakis Diving Experiences