The sinking of the naval vessel R/K NESTOR in Ombros Gialos Bay will put the local Kafalas community on the map as home to the very first Marine Leisure Dive Park in Crete. It is a historic moment for the island, one celebrated by residents and media alike.
Imagine it—an old navy tugboat transformed into a diver’s paradise while giving marine life a cozy new neighborhood. The project is backed by the Greek Navy and funded by the Region of Crete, signaling how seriously they mean business (or pleasure, depending on your perspective).
The sinking ceremony this morning drew a crowd, including government officials, tourism organizations, marine experts, and curious onlookers from Crete and abroad. Once fully operational, the Marine Leisure Dive Park will do more than lure divers. All the while maintaining environmental effect as green as seaweed, it will increase regional tourism, drive the local economy, and provide Crete a place in alternative travel circles.
The scope of the dive park goes beyond boosting tourism. Carefully positioning the sunken R/K NESTOR on a specified seabed site will help to turn it into an artificial reef. The hope is that it will slowly become a thriving underwater ecosystem and an unforgettable diving site that will attract both Jacques Cousteau wannabes and casual ocean lovers alike.
Soon, a second military ship will join the underwater fleet. Progress is remarkable in the meantime: Forty-four artificial reefs and marker buoys have already been built, carving out a sheltered and well-organized diving area.
Once finished, the Marine Leisure Dive Park will have three distinct diving paths to suit all ability levels—from novice dives to those who believe they are half-fish.