Ikion Diving

Located in Steni Vala on Alonissos, Ikion Diving serves as a key hub for divers looking to explore the Northern Sporades. As part of a larger professional network that includes Skopelos, the centre offers a structured and experienced approach to diving in the Aegean.

The centre operates as a PADI 5 Star facility, maintaining a professional standard across its training and excursion programmes. The team is composed of experienced instructors who are noted for their local knowledge of the Alonissos marine environment and the surrounding islands.

Instruction is available for all ages, including the PADI Bubblemaker programme for younger divers and Discover Scuba Diving for those new to the water. For those looking to advance their careers, the centre supports the full progression from PADI Open Water Diver through to Divemaster.

Ikion Diving offers a comprehensive catalogue of PADI courses. Beginners can start with Discover Scuba Diving or the PADI Scuba Diver course, progressing through to the standard Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For divers looking to specialise, a variety of PADI Specialty Diver courses are available. The centre also provides the PADI Reactivate Program and professional training, including PADI Rescue Diver and Divemaster levels. Freediving instruction is also part of their offering.

The centre is well-equipped for both shore-based and boat-based diving. While specific compressor brands are not listed, the facility is set up to support a professional diving operation in the Marine Park.

For those not travelling with a full rig, a range of equipment is available for hire, including wetsuits, fins, and masks. The centre also provides services for those looking to document their dives, utilizing ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) technology for underwater exploration, documentation, and 3D modelling.

The marine environment around Alonissos is characterised by rich biodiversity, particularly along the vertical walls and reef structures. Divers will encounter diverse gorgonian colonies and a variety of Mediterranean reef life.

On the deeper walls and near the cave systems, the landscape is defined by complex structures of gorgonians and various sponges that provide habitat for a wide range of species.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are found throughout the rocky outcrops and sandy floors of the Marine Park, though specific seasonal species lists are currently being updated.

Diving in the Alonissos area is influenced by the geography of the Northern Sporades. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions depending on whether they are diving near the reef flats or on the deeper outer walls.

Buoyancy control is a noted requirement for several of the more technical sites, such as the deep caves and the canyon at Two Brothers' Reef, where maintaining depth is essential to protect the delicate reef structures.