Plakias Diving: Try Scuba for the First Time

Your first underwater breath, weightless in the Mediterranean

The PADI Discover Scuba Dive in Plakias is a morning introduction to diving in the Mediterranean, led by a professional instructor with one other diver. You learn basic skills in shallow water, then explore the marine life on a guided dive, with all equipment provided and transport from the dive school to the site. Children from age 8 are welcome. The program takes around four hours and includes water to stay hydrated.

The experience

You arrive at the dive school in Plakias and meet your instructor, who walks you through what's about to happen: how to breathe underwater, how to move in the weightless environment, what to expect from the water and the equipment. The explanation is detailed enough that the nerves settle. Then you enter the water in a shallow area and practice the basic skills: how to stand in depth, how to control your breathing, how to move. The instructor stays with you the whole time, and because the program runs with only two divers per instructor, you get all the attention you need.

Once you're comfortable, the guided dive begins. You drop deeper into the Mediterranean and spot the aquatic life: the colors, the sunlight filtering through the water, the fish moving through the rocks. The feeling of weightlessness is what catches most people. It's nothing like being in a pool. The dive school provides all the SCUBA equipment, and vans pick you up from the school and take you to the dive site, so you don't arrange the logistics yourself. Water is provided throughout the morning to keep you hydrated under the Cretan sun.

The first dive counts as credit toward a PADI Scuba Diver or PADI Open Water Diver course if you decide to continue. Many people do after this morning. The program is available in English, French, German, and Dutch, and children from age 8 can join as long as they're comfortable in water and in reasonable health. The whole experience runs about four hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• All SCUBA equipment (tank, regulator, wetsuit, mask and fins).
• transport from the dive school to the dive site in a van with seatbelts.
• water throughout the morning to stay hydrated.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30Last departure this season: 14 Nov

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Dive2gether Crete

Is this one for you?You do the diving yourself with one other diver and an instructor who stays with you the whole time, not a group lesson, not a spectator experience. This setup suits anyone trying diving for the first time and wanting the attention of a professional without the noise and pace of a larger class.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

Can I do this dive if I've never been underwater before?

Yes, the PADI Discover Scuba Dive is designed for complete beginners. The instructor teaches you the basic skills in shallow water before the guided dive, so you learn as you go. No certification is required to start.

What does the instructor do during the dive?

The instructor stays with you and the one other diver throughout. You're never alone underwater. They show you what to look for, help you stay comfortable, and make sure you're in control of your breathing and movement the whole time.

What's included in the price?

The PADI Discover Scuba Dive includes all SCUBA equipment (wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask, fins), transport from the dive school to the dive site in a van, and water to drink during the morning. Photographs taken during the dive cost 19 euros extra if you want them.

Is there a minimum age?

Children can join from age 8, as long as they're comfortable in water and healthy enough for diving. Pregnant travelers and people with cardiovascular health concerns should not dive.

What happens after the morning dive?

You can end the day after the morning program, or you can choose to do an afternoon dive or start an entry-level diving course for an additional charge. The morning dive counts as your first course dive if you decide to continue toward certification.

How long does the whole thing take?

The program runs about four hours, including the classroom explanation, the shallow-water practice, the guided dive, and the time to get back to the dive school.