Heraklion: Scuba Diving Experience for First-Timers

If you’re dreaming of trying scuba diving for the first time in Greece, this Heraklion experience might catch your eye. We’ve looked into it, and while we haven’t done it ourselves, plenty of travelers seem quite pleased. The tour is designed to introduce absolute beginners to the underwater world, with friendly instructors, all the gear supplied, and plenty of opportunities for photos and safe exploration.

What really catches our attention? First, the small group size (limited to six participants), which means you’re not just a number. Second, the positive reviews about instructors’ kindness and patience—something that can make or break a beginner’s comfort level. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that it’s not suitable for children under 8 or anyone with certain health issues**, so it’s best to check your own comfort and health before booking.

This tour seems perfect if you’re a first-timer who wants to test the waters (literally) in a safe, friendly environment. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for a half-day adventure that combines a bit of training with underwater fun, all set in the gorgeous waters near Heraklion.

Key Points

• Great for beginners: With a full introduction and safety emphasis, this is ideal for first-timers.
• All equipment included: No need to worry about bringing gear; it’s all provided.
• Small groups: Limited to six participants, which means more personalized attention.
• Positive reviews highlight instructor kindness: Many mention helpful, patient guides making the experience enjoyable.
• Stunning scenery and marine life: The waters around Ligaria are praised for their clarity and beauty.
• Price point offers good value for half a day of activity, especially considering all gear and training included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Experience

The tour kicks off with pick-up from your accommodation if you choose that option, making life a lot easier. From the meeting point at Eurodiving in Ligaria, you’ll hop into a van for about 20 minutes to reach the dive site.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Starting Point
You’ll meet your instructor at the Eurodiving center. This is where you’ll get comfortable and go over the day’s plan. The staff here is generally praised for their friendliness and clarity, so expect a helpful briefing to set your mind at ease.

Stop 2: Van Transfer
The 20-minute ride takes you to Ligaria, a beautiful spot known for its calm, clear waters. The ride itself is short but scenic, giving you a chance to get excited for what’s ahead.

Stop 3: Ligaria
Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll spend around 1.5 hours in the water, with about 45 minutes of theoretical training and 45 minutes of actual underwater exploration. The training covers breathing techniques, hand signals, and how to use the gear safely. The water is described as crystal-clear, perfect for seeing marine life and taking photos.

Many reviews mention how the instructor guides you patiently through every step. As one reviewer shared, “The instructor was really helpful and kind,” which makes a big difference when you’re new to diving.

Stop 4: Return and Drop-offs
After the water activity, the group is driven back, with options to be dropped off at different locations—Malia, Heraklion, or other spots on the island. The tour ends around 5 or 6 PM, depending on the schedule, allowing you to plan the rest of your day comfortably.

The Experience in Detail

Learning the Ropes (or Breathing, in this case)

Your instructor will first explain how to breathe through the scuba gear—something that can seem intimidating but is made straightforward. The 45-minute theory session helps you understand what you’ll be doing, including how to communicate with hand signals underwater, which is crucial for safety.

Many guests say that the staff’s patience and professionalism put them at ease. One reviewer noted, “The instructor explained everything in detail and prioritized safety,” which is exactly what you want in a beginner activity.

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Underwater Exploration

Once in the water, you’re likely to spend about 45 minutes getting comfortable with the equipment and experiencing the sensation of breathing underwater. The waters around Ligaria are praised for their clarity and marine life, which makes for great photos and memories.

People mention seeing small fish and plants, and a few have gone on to say that the underwater scenery was gorgeous. If you’re lucky and conditions are good, you’ll even get to see some sea creatures while floating in the calm waters.

Photos and Memories

A nice bonus here is the opportunity to take photos underwater. Your instructor or guide typically helps you capture these moments, so you can remember this special experience long after your trip.

Transportation and Group Size

Transportation is optional but highly recommended. The tour offers a pickup from selected accommodations in Agia Pelagia or Heraklion, which is a real time-saver. The group size is limited to 6 participants, making the experience more personalized and less intimidating than larger groups.

Duration and Timing

Since the whole activity lasts about 6 hours, with around 2 hours in the water, it’s a manageable half-day activity. Check availability for the start times—usually, tours begin around 10 AM. The return is flexible, with the activity wrapping up around 5 or 6 PM, depending on the schedule.

Price and Value

At roughly $63 per person, this experience offers solid value, considering it includes all dive gear, training, and the guidance of a licensed instructor. Many reviews highlight how friendly and helpful the staff are, which enhances the overall value.

For first-timers, this price point is quite reasonable. It’s a chance to try something new without a huge financial commitment, and the small group size means more attention from your guide.

Who Should Consider This?

This tour is perfect for beginners curious about scuba diving. It’s not suitable for children under 8 or for those with certain health conditions, including pregnancy, heart issues, or respiratory problems. If you’re healthy and eager to try something adventurous, you’ll likely find this a rewarding introduction.

If you’re traveling with a partner or friends who want a safe, supportive environment for their first dive, they’ll appreciate the patient instruction and manageable group size.

Real Traveler Feedback

Several reviewers have shared their experiences, highlighting the kindness and professionalism of the instructors. One said, “The instructor was so lovely. I was really nervous, but he calmed me down,” demonstrating how important the guiding hand is for first-timers. Another shared, “The underwater world was gorgeous,” confirming that the scenery lives up to expectations.

Notably, many people mention the helpful staff and how they appreciated the safety emphasis. That’s reassuring for anyone stepping into the water for the first time.

The Bottom Line

This Heraklion scuba experience offers a friendly, safe, and scenic way to dip your toes into the underwater world. If you’re a first-timer who wants a guided, small-group adventure with all gear included, it could be just what you’re looking for. The cost is reasonable given the training, gear, and personal attention from instructors.

While it’s not a full-blown certification course or an all-day affair, it’s enough to give you a solid taste of what diving is like. The calm waters of Ligaria and the patient guides make this a standout option for beginners wanting a memorable experience in Crete.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this activity suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, it’s designed for first-timers with no prior experience needed. The instructors will guide you step-by-step, prioritizing safety and comfort.

What is included in the price?
All scuba gear, training, and instruction are included. If you select the pickup option, transportation from your accommodation is also covered.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 8 years old. Check your own health and fitness levels before booking, as the activity isn’t recommended for pregnant women or those with heart or respiratory issues.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with approximately 45 minutes of theory and 45 minutes underwater, plus transportation and waiting times.

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all necessary gear is included, so you only need to bring essentials like swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water.

Can I take photos during the dive?
Yes, photos are encouraged, and guides often help capture underwater memories.

What if I get nervous or want to stop?
Instructors are very patient and accommodating. You can communicate with them clearly using hand signals, and they will assist if you feel uncomfortable at any point.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

In the end, this Heraklion scuba tour offers a friendly, well-organized way to experience the underwater world—perfect if you’re ready to try something new but want to do it safely and comfortably.

You can check availability for your dates here: