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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

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.

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Top questions

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.

What languages do the instructors speak?

The guides speak English, French, German and Greek, so you can choose the language that works for you.

Is this safe for children?

Yes. The program welcomes families and accepts children from age 8 onward. The instructor adapts the depth and pace to each diver's comfort, and safety is the top priority.

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.