Welcome to Marathonisi — more affectionately known by visitors as Turtle Island. The nickname comes from the island’s distinctive shape, which resembles a turtle resting in the sea. But that’s not the only connection to these graceful creatures — the front beach of the island is a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), who come ashore under the cover of night to lay their eggs in the soft sand.
The name Marathonisi itself is rooted in Greek: Marathos refers to a yellow wildflower that grows abundantly across the island, and nisi means island — together, they form “Flower Island.”
Our dive takes place in the sheltered bay where our boat moors. It’s ideal for snorkelers and Discover Scuba divers, offering clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and fascinating rock formations that create small canyons teeming with life.
Certified divers begin their dive in the bay, gradually descending to around 8 meters before making their way toward the prominent rock just outside the cove. Along this route, the average depth is about 10 meters, with a maximum depth of 18 meters found behind the rock. The area offers a relaxed and scenic dive, perfect for enjoying the vibrant underwater landscape and spotting marine life in a calm, protected setting.
