On a recent press trip to Kefalonia organised by Scuba Hellas, we had two days of diving organised to try to fit in four World War II wrecks that can be found in these usually calm waters. However, the weather had other plans for us, and on one of our diving days, strong winds meant that we could not take the boats out at all. At first, we were disappointed as we were really looking forward to diving the submarine wreck of the Perseus, but the dive centres looking after us, Pirate Divers Club and Blue Manta & Aquanautic Club, came up with an intriguing alternate dive plan.

Our coach took us to a lake that sits just by the sea called Karavomilos. Fresh water filters through the island until it reaches this cave system and then out into the sea. The water is brackish and is made up of a shallow lake that leads you into the cavern and then cave system. Nick and I are not qualified to penetrate the cave and so our plan was to photograph the entrance and the stalagmites and stalactites we were told were within sight of the exit.

With 14 divers, including guides, in our group, we decided to split-up and go in small groups to give everyone a chance to get uncrowded images of the cavern. We were last to go, and as each group surfaced, the clouds rolled in, denying us the sunlit entrance we were hoping for. But, as we descended into the shallow lake, into the chilly fresh water (only 14 degrees), we knew that it was going to be worth the wait. The lake is covered in green weed and in the sunshine the water is deep blue. There is a fallen tree at the entrance to the cave and then you go into a wide arch that is the cave system entrance.

Only a few fin kicks in and we were amazed at the geological treasures so easily accessed. We dived no deeper than 10m, stopping when we could no longer see the blue window of the exit. Here there was a line already prepared for any cave divers that wanted to dive further into the system. As we had only expected to be diving in the sea, our 5/4/3mm wetsuits were a little shy on the thermal protection required for this temperature, and whilst we were glad of our hoods and gloves, a 30 minute dive was going to be plenty.

But, even in this short exploration into the cave system, we were rewarded with some amazing scenery. The stalagmites and stalactites were huge and seemed to glow a gold colour we have never seen before. There were sections with large banks gripping the cavern roof and floor and we were very careful not to damage them. The cavern floor had huge boulders and rocks, making this a great place for underwater photography. And the water was really, really clear!

As we headed back out, we saw the surface being peppered with heavy rain, so there were no gorgeous sunrays to photograph and no sunshine to warm us up either! So, on reflection, this is a site we would love to go back to, with a bit more sunshine, and more plans on getting some stunning images. If you are planning to dive in Kefalonia, we would recommend that you put this dive on your wish list.

Watch out for our next piece on diving in Kefalonia, when we do get a day of diving in the sea, plus some culture, food & wine.

With thanks to:

www.scubahellas.com

www.pirate-divers-club.gr/en

www.bluemantadiving.gr

For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.