Scuba Diving in Heraklion Crete: First-Time Introduction

No swimming ability required. You learn the basics before you ever leave the shallows.

A beginner scuba diving introduction in Heraklion Crete for ages 8 and up, with no prior experience needed. You spend about 4.5 hours learning basic skills in shallow water with a professional instructor, then explore the underwater life of the Cretan sea at a depth matched to your comfort level. All equipment, a small snack and water are included. Instructors speak English, French, German or Greek. A medical questionnaire screens for conditions that would require a doctor's clearance before you dive.

The experience

You arrive with no diving experience and leave having breathed underwater. The morning starts with a mini theoretical lesson covering the equipment, how to equalize pressure in your ears, and a handful of skills you'll practice together in shallow water before going any deeper. Your instructor answers every question and works at your pace. There's no rush, and the depth adjusts to how confident you feel. You're never alone: a professional guide stays with you throughout, and the operation prioritizes your safety and comfort above everything else.

The dive itself happens in the crystal clear water off Crete, where you'll see the seabed and the marine life that lives there. The experience lasts about 4.5 hours total, including the lesson, the shallow-water practice, and the actual dive. All the gear (wetsuit, tank, regulator, mask, fins) is provided and maintained to professional standards. You'll also get a small snack and water to refuel afterward.

Before you book, you'll fill out a participant statement and a liability release form, plus a medical questionnaire that flags whether you need a doctor's sign-off. The minimum age is 8 years old, and you don't need to know how to swim. The operation is based in Heraklion and arranges pickup as part of the booking.

What’s included

• Use of all scuba equipment (tank, regulator, wetsuit, mask and fins).
• a small snack and water.
• professional instruction from an experienced guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Give scuba diving a go in Heraklion, CreteGuide in 4 languages · 09:00Lasts 5 hours. Includes water and a snack, plus transfer by car or minibus. Pickup is included.

Basic Scuba Diver certification course, covering two divesGuide in 4 languages · 09:00Two dives with a surface interval at the beach, going deeper into the underwater world of Crete, with the dives reaching up to 12 meters. Basic Diver program. Lasts 6 hours. Includes water and a snack. Pickup is included.

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

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 09:00, from € 99 per person, with a live guide in English, French, German and Greek, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 81 private ›

Live guideEnglish, French, German and GreekOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Horizon Diving

Is this one for you?Book this if you've never dived before and want to try it with a guide who stays with you the whole time. The shallow-water practice means you build confidence before you go deeper, and the instructor adjusts everything to your comfort level, not a fixed schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, German and Greek.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 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.

Do I need to know how to swim before I try scuba diving?

No. Swimming knowledge is not necessary for this beginner program. The instructor teaches you everything in shallow water and adjusts the depth to your confidence level.

What's included in the scuba diving experience?

All scuba equipment (tank, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins), a small snack and water, and the instruction of a professional guide are included. You pay one price and nothing else is added at the site.

How long does the whole experience take?

About 4.5 hours from start to finish, including the theory lesson, shallow-water practice and the actual dive.

Will I need a medical check before I dive?

You'll complete a medical questionnaire as part of the booking process. If the form flags any concerns (such as cardiovascular conditions or pregnancy), you may need to see a doctor before participating in recreational diving.