

Best for beginner divers, 15-30m, boat entry, mild current.
Chimney Cave near Rethymno offers a combined cavern and wall diving experience accessible only by boat. The site is named for its distinctive chimney-like formation, which allows light to filter down into the depths. Divers can explore between 15 and 30 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Visibility ranges from 10 to 30 metres, and currents are generally mild. Due to the overhead environment within the cave sections, divers must maintain good buoyancy control and remain with a guide. This site is suitable for beginners, though cave certification is required for entry into the specific cave portions.
35.17745, 24.39235
Book a guided tour rather than diving this one independently, as the cave sections require good buoyancy control and a guide who knows the layout. The site is diveable year-round, so shoulder season visits in spring or autumn tend to mean smaller groups and more relaxed conditions.
Located on the south coast of Crete near Paleochora.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-30m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
16-23°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The site ranges from 15 to 30 metres deep, with an average depth of 18 metres.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, though the cave sections require good buoyancy control and a guide.
Chimney Cave is a boat-access site, and a boat is required to reach it.
The primary hazard is the overhead environment within the cave sections, where direct ascent to the surface is not possible. Divers should monitor their air frequently and stay with their guide.
The site is designed for diving, and the features are located at depths of 15 to 30 metres.
Diving at Chimney Cave in Spílion requires the following certifications: Open Water, Cave. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Chimney Cave in Spílion. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Chimney Cave in Spílion. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 23°C.
The best months to visit Chimney Cave in Spílion are May, June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Chimney Cave in Spílion typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Chimney Cave in Spílion typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.