Naxos: Beginner Shore Dive Agia Anna Beach with Nima Diving

Summary

First-time scuba dive at Agia Anna with friendly local team

You’ll start right on Agia Anna beach with a friendly local instructor who walks you through every step—even if you’ve never worn scuba gear before. Expect clear water, easy shore entry, all equipment included, and simple safety guidance before diving down to six meters. You’ll get those first underwater jitters out of the way fast—and maybe spot an octopus if you’re lucky.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the wetsuit felt—kind of snug and awkward, but also like I was about to do something real. At Nima Diving Center on Agia Anna beach, you can hear the waves even from inside the little shop where we met our instructor, Yiannis. He grinned when he saw me fumble with my mask (apparently everyone does that their first time). There’s this salty tang in the air and sunscreen smell everywhere, which made me think of summers as a kid.

We sat down for a quick safety chat—nothing too heavy, just enough so I didn’t feel clueless. Yiannis explained everything in simple steps (his English is better than mine some days), and he checked if we’d filled out the PADI app stuff before coming. I liked that he asked about shoe size and height; makes you feel less like a number. The gear looked intimidating at first, but once it was on, I honestly felt kind of invincible—like I could walk into the sea and not worry about anything except maybe stepping on a shell.

Walking into the water from shore is gentler than I expected. The sea was cool but not shocking, and there’s this muffled hush as soon as you go under—suddenly it’s just your own breathing and little flashes of silver fish darting past. We only went about six meters deep, but it felt like another world already. At one point Yiannis pointed out a tiny octopus hiding in some rocks; I tried to wave at it (not sure why) and nearly lost my mouthpiece laughing underwater. That moment sticks with me—how small things look different when you’re floating above them instead of standing on sand.

Afterwards, peeling off the wetsuit felt weirdly satisfying. My hair was a mess and my hands smelled like seaweed for hours but honestly, I’d do it again just for that quiet feeling underwater. It’s not about being an expert—it’s more about seeing what’s below the surface for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Beginner scuba diving experience

• Briefing on safety rules
• Prepare scuba equipment
• Dive from shore to 6 meters

Top questions

Is this beginner scuba dive suitable for first-timers?

Yes, it’s designed specifically for beginners with no prior experience needed.

Where does the dive take place?

The dive happens from shore at Agia Anna beach on Naxos island.

How deep will we go during the session?

You’ll dive to a maximum depth of 6 meters in front of the diving center.

What should I bring for my dive?

You only need your phone, towel, swimsuit—and provide your shoe size, T-shirt size, height, and weight beforehand.

Is all scuba equipment provided?

Yes, full use of SCUBA equipment is included in your booking.

Is Nima Diving Center wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to complete any forms or online learning before arrival?

You should fill out a medical form and complete a short eLearning section via the PADI app before arriving.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes full use of scuba equipment plus a relaxed safety briefing at Nima Diving Center on Agia Anna beach; just bring your swimsuit (and maybe a sense of humor) before heading straight into your first guided shore dive alongside an experienced local instructor.