Crete’s New Underwater “Living Museum”: EU-Funded Stalis Reef Dive Park Debuts

Dive enthusiasts and marine conservation advocates have reason to celebrate: Crete has unveiled its inaugural dedicated dive park off the coast of Stalis, thanks to a pioneering EU-funded initiative. This new underwater attraction is not only a draw for divers – it’s a blueprint for marine regeneration and sustainable tourism.

From Vision to Vibrant Reality

Led by the non-profit Diving Parks of Crete, formed in collaboration with the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce and local municipalities, the project sprang from a passion ignited in 2014. After navigating complex legal hurdles and overturning a decade-long organizing diving ban, official approval was granted in December 2023.

A Living Museum Beneath the Waves

Explorers diving into Stalis will discover a spectacular seabed teeming with over 50 unique fish species, thriving amid crystal-clear waters and vibrant ecosystems. The dive park has effectively become a protected marine sanctuary, placing restrictions on fishing to help revive local fish stocks and support sustainable livelihoods.

Artificial Reefs That Come Alive

Forty innovative, patented artificial reef structures, designed by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, were deployed using EU funds to create ideal habitats for marine life and scuba exploration alike. “Seeing the artificial reefs come to life and attract vibrant marine species has been incredibly rewarding,” said George Karapidakis of the Heraklion Chamber of Commerce.

Economic Uplift Through Sustainable Tourism

Thanks to EU support through the Local Action Group of Heraklion’s CLLD (Community Led Local Development) program, all infrastructure costs were fully funded, bringing the long-held vision into existence. The park is projected to boost economic growth, drawing high-value tourists, extending Crete’s dive season, and generating employment in the region. Full operation is slated for 2026.

Expanding the Wave: A Network of Dive Parks

The Stalis site is just the first step. The team aims to establish a network of five to six dive parks across Crete, combining artificial reefs with submerged shipwrecks to entice divers from around the world. One additional park near Agia Pelagia is currently awaiting licensing.

A Model for Conservation and Community

As Karapidakis puts it, the Stalis dive park offers visitors a unique chance to explore “a living museum beneath the waves,” where innovation and nature harmoniously coexist. This community-driven project underscores the value of partnerships with scientists and local stakeholders in crafting an initiative that nurtures marine life and supports local fishers.

In Summary:

• What’s happening? Launch of Crete’s first dedicated dive park at Stalis, featuring artificial reefs and marine protection.
• Who’s behind it? Diving Parks of Crete, Heraklion Chamber of Commerce, local municipalities, and EU funding.
• Why it matters? It revitalizes ecosystems, supports sustainable tourism, and strengthens the local economy.
• What’s next? A growing network of dive parks across Crete, with full operations at Stalis coming in 2026.