Greece aims to become global freediving hub with “Dive in Greece” initiative

According to its recent article, Greek Reporter highlights that Greece is taking significant steps to establish itself as a premier destination for freediving. 

A breathtaking underwater park, one of Europe’s most anticipated new attractions for diving enthusiasts, is set to open in Greece in 2025.

Currently under construction on the island of Crete, specifically in Ombros-Gialos in the Chania province, the park will span over 60,000 square meters and feature 37 specially crafted artificial habitats, along with two sunken warships.

The park promises visitors a captivating underwater experience, with diving depths ranging from 8.5 to 25 meters. It will offer three distinct diving routes catering to both beginners and experienced divers.

The artificial reefs, which have been in place in a protected area of Souda port since last year while awaiting necessary approvals, will be integrated into the underwater environment to enhance the local ecosystem and meet the park's needs. Following the installation of the reefs, two decommissioned navy ships will be placed in the area, creating an extraordinary setting for diving tourism.

The decision to establish the diving park in Crete was made in September 2024 by several Greek ministries, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, and the Ministry of Tourism. The park is expected to be finished by the summer of 2025, just in time for Greece’s high tourist season. To date, the project has cost nearly half a million euros.

Charalambos Koukianakis, the Mayor of Asprokoronas, where the park is situated, stated after the joint ministerial decision that they had to overcome "bureaucratic hurdles" that had been "placed on the already approved park in the Municipality of Asprokoronas."

“We are very pleased to have succeeded and we are proud that we will implement the first diving park in Greece, stimulating the island's alternative tourism and in particular, the very promising diving tourism,” Koukianakis said.

In August 2024, the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports established a new initiative called “Dive in Greece,” with the goal of transforming the country into a global hub for freediving. Freediving, which involves diving underwater on a single breath, relying solely on one's lungs until resurfacing, is a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide.

Through a memorandum of understanding with the World Underwater Federation (CMAS), Greece has committed to promoting and hosting freediving competitions and events starting in 2025. A seminar, along with an international apnea competition (in which participants voluntarily hold their breath while submerged), is scheduled to take place on the Greek island of Amorgos, famously featured in Luc Besson’s 1988 classic The Big Blue. The film, inspired by the life of renowned freediver Jacques Mayol, helped bring global attention to the sport, along with his passion for dolphins.

As a Mediterranean nation surrounded by sea, Greece already boasts numerous freediving schools, with new ones emerging each year. Most of these schools offer official freediving certifications accredited by international organizations.

By Naila Huseynova