One of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea with emerald waters and lush nature is Zakynthos Island. Located on the west coast of Greece and being the third largest island in the Eptanisa complex, the "Flower of the East" as the Venetians used to call it, boasts amazing white sandy beaches, unique natural beauty and is also the prime nesting area for the endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles.
Favored with mid Mediterranean climate, the island is the ideal destination for summer holidays and attracts the nature and sea enthusiasts, as it provides a wide variety of outdoor and water sports activities. Nature lovers and volunteers from all over the world also visit Zakynthos during summer, in order to sail and dive around the island, observe and monitor the turtle populations.
One of the most impressive diving locations are the Keri Caves, also known as the Blue Caves. Located on a remote beach accessible only by a boat, the caves are two different diveable spots in the same place, but the most impressive one is the big Blue Cave. As it is big and wide enough like a cathedral, it offers a great variety of marine life to explore and divers might also come across monk seals feeding or sleeping inside.
Once you cross the entrance, there is no light in the cavern and torches are necessary. If you are experienced enough, you can proceed more within the cave, where you will come across a second spacious cavern. The maximum depth of this dive is at 98.4 ft/30 m and is suitable for all divers, even the most experienced ones. Visibility is excellent and the best season for this dive is from May to September, when the sea temperature reaches up to 27 °C/ 80 °F. On your way out of the caves, turn off your torch and let the sun light guide you outside. You will then find out why they call them the blue caves.
