Explore the secrets of Cyclades islands: The Herakleia island shipwreck

Herakleia is a tiny, peaceful island in the Small Cyclades where time seems to slow down. It is a hidden gem for travelers who love raw nature, quiet paths, and the authentic spirit of Greece.

Diving into history: The famous Herakleia island shipwreck

While the island is famous for its beautiful Cave of Saint John, its most fascinating treasure is hidden under the waves. In the turquoise waters of Alimia Bay, history rests on the sandy sea floor. The Herakleia island shipwreck, a sunken German Arado AR196 seaplane from World War II, creates a truly magical underwater scene that you must see.

The aircraft was shot down during the war and now rests at a depth of about nine meters. Furthermore, the crystal-clear waters of the bay make the plane visible even from the surface. It has become a silent museum and a natural reef where silver fish swim through the cockpit and around the engine. Snorkeling above the wings of the plane feels like discovering a secret from the past in a liquid paradise. Since the bay is protected from strong waves, you can float peacefully above this historic site and capture stunning photos of the deep blue.

Also, we know that reaching such a secluded and special spot requires the right boat and expert local knowledge. Don Blue Yachting includes this historic location in our most popular private cruises starting from Mykonos and Paros. This service allows you to visit the Herakleia island shipwreck and enjoy a private snorkeling session in total peace. Therefore, booking a private day trip is the most luxurious way to combine a history lesson with a relaxing day at sea. We provide professional snorkeling gear and refreshments for an unforgettable experience.

However, our goal is to make sure that your journey to Herakleia feels like a private adventure among friends. Our modern and privately owned fleet of RIB boats can reach Alimia Bay quickly and safely, even on windy days. You can enjoy the “silent luxury” of our deck while your captain anchors exactly above the sunken seaplane. Whether you are coming from Mykonos or Paros, our itineraries are flexible and focused on your personal enjoyment. We believe that your time is precious, so we ensure you spend it in the most breathtaking locations.

Unlocking the secrets of Cyclades islands away from the standard routes

Additionally, a private cruise gives you the freedom to explore other secret coves and beaches around Herakleia. You can experience the authentic soul of the Small Cyclades while we handle all the technical details of your sea transfer. Most of our guests say that seeing the Herakleia island shipwreck was the most unique moment of their entire Greek holiday. Choosing Don Blue Yachting means partnering with a professional team that values high-end aesthetics, discretion, and safety.

In the end, Herakleia is a peaceful place where history and nature meet. You can trust our team to help you reach this remarkable destination in the safest and most stylish way possible. Visit our website today to book your private tour and discover the hidden history of the Small Cyclades.

Contact our team today to start planning your dream summer vacation in Greece.

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Secrets of the deep: Herakleia Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Herakleia island shipwreck easy to spot if you are just snorkeling?

Yes, you don’t need any heavy scuba diving gear to see it clearly. The German WWII plane rests only about 7 to 9 meters deep in the crystal-clear waters of Alimia bay. Because the visibility in the Small Cyclades is unbelievable, you can see the entire outline of the aircraft right from the surface with just a mask and snorkel. However, the tricky part is timing. If you go with the big, slow public tour boats, the water gets crowded with dozens of people splashing around, which ruins the visibility. Arriving on a private boat means we can time it perfectly to have the whole bay and the wreck entirely to ourselves.

What happens if the weather gets rough on the way to Herakleia?

We don’t play games with your comfort, so if the Meltemi winds start blowing hard, we simply change the game plan. The open sea between Mykonos or Paros and the Small Cyclades can get pretty choppy during peak summer. But here is the thing: our boats are heavy-duty luxury vessels designed to cut through waves without making you bounce around, and our captains know these waters like the back of their hand. If the wind kicks up, we don’t just cancel your day; we tweak the route to cruise behind the wind-shadow of the islands where the water stays flat. Plus, Alimia bay itself is naturally blocked from north winds, so once we pull in, it’s like swimming in a calm, quiet lake.

Do we need to bring our own snorkeling equipment to explore the wreck?

Leave your gear at home—we have everything waiting for you on deck. There is zero reason to clutter your luggage with heavy fins and masks. We keep a full stash of high-quality, professional snorkeling gear on board in every single size, and our crew makes sure everything is spotless and ready to wear before you even step on the boat. When we get close to the wreck, we’ll hand you your mask and fins so you can jump straight in. If you want to swim down for a closer look at the plane’s wings but feel a bit unsure about the depth, just let the crew know. We’ll be right there with you to make sure you do it safely.