Clear water, teeming marine life, caves and shipwrecks attract thousands of scuba divers to Greek waters each year. Until recently diving was limited to just a few dive sites to protect the many ancient underwater treasures.
Now restrictions have been lifted and many new areas have been opened up for scuba diving. Scuba diving is now allowed in all Greek seas, except where specific prohibitions apply. In response, there has been a sharp rise in Greek diving centres.
Many Greek island scuba dive centres now offer scuba diving lesson and yacht-based diving tours. In choosing a dive centre check that the instructors have PADI qualifications and that equipment is either new or regularly serviced. Diving can be dangerous with underwater currents a particular hazard. It's a good idea to take out specialist Scuba diving insurance in case of accidents.
Spear fishing is a popular pastime for scuba divers but take care. It is illegal to spear fish in Greece without a spear fishing licence. To get a licence apply to the port authority of the island you visit. It usually takes about a week to get one. Visit the PADI site for more information.
The scuba dive centres listed here mostly have their own websites where you can check out details such as qualification, equipment, dive spots and courses on offer. To learn more about diving visit the PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) site. If your site is not listed here and you think it should be then email me.
The north-eastern Aegean has many good prospects for Scuba diving in the Greek islands with islands offering diving lessons and activities being Lesvos, Samos and Thassos. Lesvos has a wealth of dive sites right around the coast. There are popular dive spots are off the islet of Agios Georgis, near Petra, where there are several rock slides and some interesting reefs. Even better reefs are found in the northeast at Palios with good visibility and many plants. In the southeast, the islets off Tarti have exceptionally clear water and good marine life while at nearby Vatera are the wrecks of a couple of commercial ships.
Diving in Samos has only taken off in comparatively recent years. The dive sites around the coast therefore offer almost virgin diving conditions with sponge wall coverings and many varieties of fish. The relatively undisturbed sites mean you are unlikely to meet other diving groups and there is particularly clear water full of eels, starfish, octopus, lobster and more.
Thassos has several notable dive sites off the coast including popular sites such as Agios Ioannis Bay and off Seagull Island. One of the more interesting is the dive site called Volcano Tears with some remarkable underwater lava formations.
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Operating since 2002 with dive sites at Mytilene and Petra Lesvos Scuba instructors are PADI and CMAS qualified. Courses for beginners, open water and qualified divers, including Rescue and Divemaster.
Mytillene • +30 22510 - 37799 • info@lesvoscuba.gr
British run and owned, Odyssey has been operating for 10 years and was the first PADI centre to Greece. Originally based in Halkidiki it now has dive centres in Limnos and Lesvos. Diving lessons for beginners to professionals.
Skala Eressos • +30 6976 762282 • webmaster@odysseydive.com
Dozens of courses from beginner training to Divemaster from PADI professionals at the Greek owned and run Aegean Scuba Dive Club based near Pythagorio. Special programmes for children.
Pythagorio • +30 22730 61194 • info@aegeanscuba.gr
Samos Dive Center offers you many possibilities for exploring the underwater world around Samos Island, from snorkeling and discover scuba diving to guided boat dives. PADI-courses for children to PADI Divemaster.
Pythagorio • +30 22730 62517 • info@samosdiving.com
The first certified scuba diving school on Thassos is based at Pefkari on the south coast. There are CMAS and PADI recreational and professional diving courses. Instructors have a long professional experience. The centre has a Zodiac(75HP), 20-diver boat and classrooms for instruction.
Pefkari • +30 259 3051286 • jfdivers@gmail.com
Based in Potos in the south of the island this is run by an A-class scuba diving instructor, PADI OWSI (with expertise in shipwreck diving, search and recovery). Trips abroad and in Greece, especially shipwrecks, underwater caves and coral reefs. In winter dives take place in the Kavala area, specifically in Nea Iraklitsa.
Potos • +30 694 4542974 • info@scuba-vas.gr
The impressive rock formations that western Crete is famous for, such as the Samaria Gorge, continue underwater, especially along the dramatic south coast. Here divers can find many good caverns, gaps and reefs offering shelter to octopus, moray eel, grouper and a wide variety of other marine life. There are also depth walls with good drop off points along the south coast especially around the Plakias area. Besides sponges, spiny lobsters, crayfish and cuttlefish, you can also see barracuda, perch and much more.
Popular dive sites on the south coast at Skinaria which has several underwater canyons overgrown with colourful flora. The north coast diving slope at Panormo reaches a depth of 35 meters with small overgrown caves full of shoals of fish and a Venetian anchor 'cemetery'. The Damnoni three-part cave is linked by narrow tunnels full of marine life.
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The Atlantis Diving Center was founded in 1993 at the Rithymna Beach Hotel near Rethymnon. Since 2002 there has been a branch at the Grecotel Club Marine Palace in Panormo. Diving training to PADI standards from beginners to advanced.
Rethymno • +30 2831 71640 • atlant@otenet.gr
Based in the old harbour at Chania, the centre offers dives for everyone from beginners to certified divers including wall diving, deep diving, cave diving and night diving. Speciality cave dives west of Chania.
Chania • +32 8210 40608 • badiving@otenet.gr
PADI dive resort offers scuba diving courses on all levels of training from April to November. For everyone, from those with no previous experience in diving to those seeking a PADI diver license to become a certified diver.
Plakias • +30 28320 32313 • crete@dive2gether.com
The dive centre offers a wide range of PADI courses, worldwide recognized as the best starting education for a diver or to improve level and qualifications. Linked to the Kalypso Rock's Palace hotel.
Rethymnon/Plakias • +30 28310 20990 • info@kalypsodivingcenter.com
The diving centre is situated in the village Chora Sfakion, where the courses and the briefings will take place. Offers a wide range of courses by PADI instructors as well as cave dives, night dives and trips to the islands of Gavdos and Gavdopoula.
Chora Sfakion • +30 28250 91333 • office@notosmare.com
PADI centre offers daily dives to caves and wrecks,from beginners to experienced divers. There are also PADI courses for training to Divemaster standard as well as speciality courses such as night diving and search and recovery.
Rethymno • +30 28310 26317 • info@diving-center.gr
This PADI resort offers daily trips to the north and south coast and a full range of scuba diving courses run by around 10 instructors that speak most European languages. Based near Plakias with a second base at Skinaria Bay.
Plakias • +30 28320 31141 • info@seadream-divers.com
The Cyclades offers a wide range of scuba diving sites and, as ferry connections are usually goo, it is possible to take in several islands. Most of the MYKONOS dive centres are based in the south coast beach resorts where there are good reefs and caves, with the spectacular dive spot of Prasonisia considered one of the best. There is the wreck of the Greek cargo ship Peloponniso off the northeast coast but his is a difficult dive. To the southeast is the islet of Dragonisi where there are some spectacular underwater rock formations.
NAXOS has some notable dive sites including the triple caverns at Padieronissi islet between Paros and Antiparos known as the Mermaid's Cave, the wreck of the cargo ship Marianna which sunk in 1982 in a severe storm and a British bomber from World War Two off the coast at Cape Kouroupas.
PAROS has the Cathedral dive with impressive rock formations and walls covered in sponges, reefs that often teem with barracuda and the wreck of a Greek liner while at SANTORINI there are many dive sites around the caldera and off the coast at Kamari.
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Mylopotas Watersports has been around since 1986 with kiosks on the beach. As well as New Dive scuba diving they offer waterskis, wakeboard, kneeboard, windsurfing, sailing and more.
Mylopotas • +30 22860 91622/92340 mob: 6936844944 • iossport@otenet.gr
Located on Paradise Beach on the south coast of Mykonos Dive Adventures has reef, cavern and wreck dives as well as courses for beginners. They have three boats and operate from May to October.
Paradise Beach • +30 22890 24808 • info@diveadventures.gr
The Kalafati Dive Center has been operating since 1993 under German ownership with professional training to PADI and CMAS standards. It's open May to mid-October with dive training from beginner to professional.
Kalafatis • +30 22890 71677 • waldemar@mykonos-diving.com
Located at Ornos Beach and at Platy Gialos and Paradise camping they have most dives from a traditional Greek boat, converted for diving and carrying up to 45 people. Owned and run by a Greek family with 30 years of experience.
Ornos • +30 6936.023.000 • info@luckyscubadivers.gr
Since 1978 the Mykonos Diving Center has offered diving excursions for certified divers as well as training for both beginners and experienced divers. They are a PADI facility with a range of diving courses.
Psarou • +30 22890 24808 • info@dive.gr
Blue Fin Divers was established by diver Panagiotis Niflis in 2006. Equipment consists of a 9m boat, latest Paramina compressor, Oceanic and Tiquillio. Approved by the BVQI. Cave, reef and wreck diving. Beginners and advanced.
Agios Prokopios • +30 22850 42629 • info@bluefindivers.gr
Based on the beach at Plaka on the western coast of Naxos Diving is a PADI and BSAC recognized diving school. The Naxos Diving Center is the island’s first diving center and was developed based on PADI's international standards.
Plaka • +30 2285 042072 • info@naxosdiving.com
The Aegean Diving College on Paros is based at Chrissi Akti. Host Peter Nicolaides, a professional diver, oceanographer and offshore engineer, has worked with National Geographic, Cousteau and many other expeditions.
Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach) • +30 693 27 57 123 • info@aegeandiving.gr
The dive center is on the beach road at Antiparos, 300m from the port. It is equipped with the latest models of Aqualung, Technisub and Beuchat. Tourches, computers and underwater scooter available. Paramina silent compressor .
Antiparos • +30 22840 61493 • info@blueisland-divers.gr
Offers guide dives and snorkelling in small groups for beginners to full professional PADI diving certification. Director Sara Gorretta has been teaching diving for many years.
Aliki • +30 22840 91008 • info@cycladicdiving.com
Eurodivers us based at Pounda, near Parikia. It was founded in 1995 and run to PADI standards. Trained staff use the latest equipment including Baeur compressors and Dan oxygen kits.
Pounda -Parikia • +30 22840 92071 • info@eurodivers.gr
Octopus Sea Trips offer field programs in the Aegean Sea. They operate from Hrissi Akti and offer snorkelling, diving and a variety of field trips. Scuba diving tailored to your age and interests to PADI and CMAS standards.
Hrissi Akti (Golden Beach) • +30 22840 43347 • info@octopuseatrips.com
Paros Dive centre was built in 2008. Equipment includes Apeks regulators, TUSA BCDs, masks, snorkels, open heel fins, and a large range of Bare 5mm semi-dry wetsuits. Paros Dive run PADI diving courses right up to PADI Divemaster.
Pounda - Parikia • +30 6983 709052 • info@parosdive.com
X-ta-sea Divers was formed by Vasilis Kolovos, professional diver with extensive experience. The diving center, based in Naoussa, is authorised by OCC, PADI, CMAS and IANTD, and provides certifications for all diving levels.
Naoussa • +30 22840 51584 • no email
Navy's Dive Center is a PADI 5 Star IDC centre and a part of Navy's Club which has a bar, restaurant and internet cafe. They are found on the beach in Kamari on Santorini. They are a member of the Swedish dive corporation Dykterminalen.
Kamari Beach • +30 22860 31006 • info@navys.gr
Santorini Dive center has two stations based at Perissa and Akrotiri. They are a member of the Padi Resort Association, which guarantee the best quality in both services and equipment.
Perissa • +30 22860 83190 • info@divecenter.gr
Volcano Diving Center operates in the summer season (Mar to Oct) and is based at Kamari Beach. All levels of recreational and technical diver training, dive excursions, equipment sales, professional videography and photography.
Kamari Beach • +30 22860 33177 • info@scubagreece.com
Islands in the Dodecanese offer relatively few scuba diving centres given the large number of island there are in the chain. Most dive centre are concentrated in Rhodes and Kos. In RHODES most diving outfits operate out of Mandraki harbour. Kalithea on the northeast coast is one of the major scuba diving locations, with tranquil waters and exciting rock formations, underwater reefs and plenty of marine life. Wrecks can also be found off the coast at Plimri, in the south, and Kamiros, in the north.
The popular holiday island of KOS has a number of diving outfits, most operating out of Kos Town or nearby. The south of the island offers some good dive sites while in the north many head off for nearby Kalymnos where the limestone cliffs offer particularly rich dive sites and with good marine life and plenty of impressive caves, some splendid wall dives and large interlinked caverns.
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Based in Mandraki harbour Dive Med College has been teaching scuba diving in Greece since 1982. Courses for professionals to beginners and safety is top priority with the 40-50 highly trained staff at some of the best dive sites on Rhodes.
Rodos • +30 22410 61115 • email on website
The Trident diving school has been operating out of Mandraki harbour for more than a decade. Dives for complete beginners to experienced PADI qualifications, entry level to Divemaster. Dive trips include cave, wreck and open water dives.
Rodos • +30 22410 29160 • tridentdivingschool@yahoo.com
Based at Mandraki harbour the Waterhoppers Diving School is a PADI 5 star diving centre established in 1978. Courses from one day Discover Scuba to instructor level. Highly qualified, experienced and multi-lingual instructors.
Rodos • +30 22410 38146 • info@waterhoppers.com
The Arian Diving Centre was established in 1978 and is based in Kardamena. Courses for beginners and experienced divers. A fully- equipped section for all kinds of scuba diving such as nitrox, trimix, deep diving etc.
Kardamena • +30 22420 92776 • arian@arian-diving-centre.com
Based at Psalidi and at nearby Kipriotis, Kos Divers was founded in 2003. It is a PADI centre with lifeguards training and commercial diving services. They offer beginner dives, boat and shore dives and tuition up to PADI Divemaster.
Psaldi • +30 2242021553 • info@kosdivers.com
Liamis Dive Centre is a boat-based dive centre in the main harbour of Kos Town, and in operation for over 25 years. LDC has an international team of qualified and experienced instructors and offers a range of courses from adventure to Divemaster.
Kos Town • +30 69442 95830 • info@liamisdivecentre.com
Located at the Grecohotel Kos Imperial Thalasso, the Sea Spirit diving resort caters for all, from child first-timers to certified divers. They have PADI and CMAS instructors.
Kos Town • +30 242 026988 • info@seaspirit.gr
Scuba diving in the Ionian has taken off in a big way with any number of dive centres on most of the islands. CORFU is very popular for diving with several scuba diving centres located all over the island. There are several good underwater caves with open roofs, attractive reefs and shipwrecks around the coast that offer a good day's diving. Wrecks include a World War Two steamship and the British minesweeper HMS Regulus sunk by a mine in 1945. Also off Kassiopi is the ancient wreck of what is believed to be a Greek or Roman vessel. Popular caves are the Barbaro Caves in the northeast with four large caves and six smaller ones.
The Ionian Sea around KEFALONIA offers one of the best scuba diving spots in Europe. Expect sheer walls and overhangs, some fine caves and several wrecks, notably a German cargo shipwreck from World War Two. With an average visibility of 30-40 metres and mild temperatures average sea temperatures of 24°C there are good opportunities for underwater photography.
LEFKAS has only recently surfaced as a dive centre island. The limestone coast has many reefs, caves and caverns while marine life is mainly octopus, barracuda, moray eel, grouper, sea bream, damsel and lobster. In early April the sea temperature is usually around 17°C but this quickly warms to 23°C in June.
A rich and varied marine life around ZANTE includes octopus, barracuda, moray eels, large grouper, tuna, turtles (caretta caretta), crayfish, langusta, white bream, bluefish, dolphin fish, greater amberjacks, parrotfish and many other varieties. The average water temperature is 27°C, and with visibility up to 40 metres. Popular dive site are around reefs and caves off the Keri coast.
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Open since 2001 Achilleon is run by Angeliki Korologuu a PADI Open Water and CMAS instructor. Divemasters are PADI trained with years of experience. Equipment is serviced annually and all dives are monitored by computer.
Paleokastritsa - Ermones • +30 6932729011 • divingcorfu@yahoo.gr
The centre is now a PADI resort and although it has grown in size over the years, it retains its family-run character. A full range of PADI courses and dive packages are available and single divers or large groups are welcome.
Agios Gordis • +30 26610 53101 • info@divingcorfu.com
Courses for beginners, PADI, Open Water and Dive master run by qualified instructors. Caves, wrecks, deep and night diving at a variety of dive sites around the island. Open daily May - Oct.
Ag. Georgios - Pagi • +30 26630 96092 • info@corfudivingfunclub.gr
A full range of PADI courses and dive packages as well as group and club dive holiday packages are available and singles, families as well as groups are welcome to dive 24 hours a day from April until November.
Kassiopi • +30 26630 81038 • info@corfu-divers.com
We dive everyday. Beginners (non-certified) and experienced (certified) divers. Small groups always guided by a certified Instructor (special procedures with children). We also offer diving courses. Dive sites chosen depending on weather conditions and divers’ experience.
Acharavi • +30 26630 29350 • divecorfu@yahoo.com
The school, based at Gouvia Marina. offers the PADI certificates, which is a worldwide recognized federation which awards certificates of 1, 2, 3, and 4 stars, one level before the professional. Dives at Nisaki and Paleokastritsa.
Gouvia • +30 26610 91955 • info@diveincorfu.gr
Aquatic World Diving Club, the first diving facility in Kefalonia was established in 1997. It is a PADI Resort and CMAS diving facility. All instructors are professionals and safety equipment includes first aid, oxygen, VHF and GPS.
Agia Efimia • +30 26740 62006 • info@aquatic.gr
The BDC diving program provides the latest equipment and is staffed by professional and experienced instructors. BDC offers various diving programs for young and old.
Skala • +30 26710 83311 • no email
Dive-in Kefalonia a PADI Resort diving centre offers diver training courses and numerous dive sites for divers of all levels, whether you are beginner or you are a qualified diver,
Lassi • +30 26710 27589 • info@diveinkefalonia.com
Fiskardo Dive Center was set up as part of Fiskardo's Nautical and Environmental Club (FNEC) in 1999. Offers PADI courses for beginners and professionals.
Fiskardo • +30 26740 41081 • scuba@fnec.gr
Based in Mikiana and opened in 1997 Lefkas Diving Centre has CMAS status and runs PADI courses that teach the fundamentals of diving. Experienced divers offered Rescue and Divemaster courses.
Nikiana • +30 26450 72105 • info@lefkasdivingcentre.gr
Based at Vassiliki, Nautilus Diving offers all dive courses from Discover Scuba Diving up to the Pro level of Divemaster. Dive sites along the coast include caves and caverns as well as a sheer wall.
Vassiliki • +30 26450 31130 • info@underwater.gr
Running since 1998, owner and manager Fanis Nikoloudakis is a PADI IDC staff instructor, CMAS 3 star instructor, DAN instructor and IADS 3 star instructor. It is located in the Louis Zante Beach Hotel in Kalamaki and operates May - Oct.
Kalamaki • +30 26950 51918 • info@diversparadise.gr
Full range of courses from experiences instructions from beginners to PADI Divemaster qualifications. Many exclusive dive sites that include Kerri Caves and shipwrecks. Operates May to October.
Argasi • +30 26950 24848 • no email
Nocturnal and cave dives are offered by the Nero Sports Centre which has PADI and CMAS certification. Dive sites include the Keri Caves and sites off the nearby islet of Marathonisi. They also offer apartments close to the beach of Limni Keri.
Limni Keriou • +30 26950 49125 • info@nero-sport.de
Full range of courses from experiences instructions from beginners to PADI Divemaster qualifications. Many exclusive dive sites that include Kerri Caves and shipwrecks. Operates May to October.
Vassilikos • +30 6946 698078 • mike@stnicksdiving.com
Founded in 1997 Turtle Beach runs CMAS diving courses up to Gold and PADI up to Divemaster. Individual training or small groups in German, English, Dutch, Italian or Greek. The up to 15 different diving spots to a maximum 40 metres in depth.
Limni Keriou • +30 26950 49424 • karmiri@otenet.gr
The sea bed around Sporades islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos is thought to have the second largest concentration of ancient and Middle Ages sea wrecks in the world. Many important wrecks have been discovered near the islet of Peristera, including a vessel from the 5th century BC. Diving restrictions have been relaxed and now divers are allowed in several seas around Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos although diving in protected areas is strictly forbidden.
At ALONISSOS there is the advantage that the area has been classes as a marine park for many years which has meant that wildlife has been left relatively undisturbed. Divers can see sponges, corals, lumper eels, blackfish, sea beams, scorpion fish, multi-coloured stripey fish, amphorae shards, caves and shipwrecks.
SKIATHOS does not have many spectacular dive sites but the waters are clear and there is plenty of marine life. Scuba diving is now allowed in some areas around SKOPELOS but, as yet, no one has set up any scuba diving centres.
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Ikion Diving is based at Steni Vala. Trainers are holders of scuba diving certificates. Customers have dives in selected diving destinations with experienced PADI diving instructors.
Steni Vala • +30 24240 65158 • info@ikiondiving.gr
Based at the Hotel Nostos Beach (Tzaneria) Dolphin Diving operates from May to Oct. Scuba diving instructors are recognized by the Greek Diving Federation, CMAS and PADI. Divers get full equipment or you can store your own equipment.
Nostos Hotel • +30 24270 21599 • ddiving@hol.gr
The scuba diving centre is based in Skiathos Town. They have many scuba dive sites and offer discovery/introductory dives and excursions for certified divers as well as PADI dive courses.
Skiathos Town • +30 24270-24549 • info@odc-skiathos.com
The scuba diving centre is in Skiathos Town and recognised by PADI and CMAS. New equipment from top manufacturers such as Mares, Technisub, Effesub, Dacor and Oceanic. Equipment includes the latest Paramina compressor.
Skiathos Town • +30 69770 81444 • info@skiathosdiving.gr
