Scuba Diving in Crete: Beginners with Personal Instructor

A brief theory session, then underwater time, with an instructor watching you breathe

Scuba diving in Crete for beginners pairs a short theory lesson with a 45-minute guided dive led by a personal instructor in your language. You learn to communicate and breathe underwater, observe fish and octopus in their habitat, and receive an SSI Try Scuba certification diploma: no prior certification required. Pickup from your hotel is available on two of the three options. The third option is diving only, without transport.

The experience

The day starts with 30 minutes of instruction on the ground, covering the basics of underwater communication and breathing before you get in the water. A personal instructor stays with you the entire dive, watching your movements and adjusting the pace. The 45-minute dive itself is where the learning happens: you practice equalizing pressure, move through the water, feed the fish that gather around you, and watch octopus and morenas move through their space. The guide handles the technical side. Your job is to stay calm and observe.

You get full SCUBA equipment for the dive, diving insurance that covers the activity, and bottled water throughout. At the end, you receive an SSI Try Scuba certification diploma: a real credential, not just a souvenir. The whole experience runs three hours from start to finish. If you book one of the transfer options, the operator picks you up from your hotel and brings you back. If you arrange your own way to the dive site, you pay less and keep the same instruction and dive time.

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and the medical questionnaire completed before the dive is standard. It screens for conditions like recent surgeries, ear problems, or respiratory issues that would make diving unsafe. The operator asks that you wait at least 12 hours after flying before diving, so plan accordingly if you arrive by air the same day.

What’s included

• All SCUBA equipment.
• diving insurance.
• 45-minute guided dive with a personal instructor in your language.
• 30-minute theory lesson.
• SSI Try Scuba certification diploma.
• bottled water.
• hotel pickup and return (on the two transfer options).

Options for this experience

3 options

Scuba trial without transferGuide in 6 languages · 09:00Without transfer option: we will meet directly at the base.

Scuba trial with transferGuide in 6 languages · 09:00With transfer option: pickup from Fodele, Heraklion, Karteros, Gouves, Gournes, Kokkini Hani, Chersonisos, Stalida Malia

Try Scuba - Extended TransferGuide in 6 languages · 09:00Pickup and drop-off: available from Malia, Stalida, Sisi. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SaturdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to8h before

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

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Greek and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight 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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by AQUADIVE unique scuba experience

Is this one for you?Book the option with transfer if your hotel is in Heraklion and you'd rather not arrange your own ride to the dive site. Book without transfer if you have a rental car or prefer to meet the instructor directly at the location. The three-hour commitment fits a half-day slot in your schedule, leaving the rest of the day free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Russian and Greek.

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.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

Yes, the scuba diving in Crete is designed for beginners with no certification. The 30-minute theory lesson covers everything you need to know before entering the water, and your personal instructor stays with you the entire 45-minute dive.

What exactly happens during the 45-minute dive?

You practice underwater communication with your instructor, learn to breathe and equalize pressure, feed the fish around you, and observe the marine life: small fish, octopus, and morenas in their natural habitat. Your guide controls the depth and pace.

Do I get a certification after this dive?

Yes, you receive an SSI Try Scuba certification diploma at the end, which is a recognized credential. It documents that you completed the course and can be used as a stepping stone if you want to pursue full scuba certification later.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is included in two of the three options: Try Scuba with Transfer and Try Scuba - Transfer Extend. The third option, Try Scuba without Transfer, does not include pickup, so you arrange your own way to the dive site.

What do I need to bring or know before I arrive?

Bring a valid ID and wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet. You'll complete a medical questionnaire before the dive to screen for conditions that would make diving unsafe. Wait at least 12 hours after flying before diving if you arrive by air the same day.

What's included in the price?

The scuba diving in Crete includes the 30-minute theory lesson, 45-minute guided dive, all SCUBA equipment, diving insurance, bottled water, and the SSI Try Scuba certification diploma. On the transfer options, hotel pickup and return are also included.