Try a Scuba Diving Experience

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to breathe underwater, this Try Scuba session in Protaras is a solid, beginner-friendly way to find out. It runs about 3 hours, includes pickup for nearby hotels, and starts with equipment basics before you head to a shallow bay just minutes from the centre.

I like two things a lot. First, you’re coached by patient instructors with a real focus on comfort and safety—names that come up again and again include Shaun, Sean, Nick, Richard, Kim, Bec, Jody, and Lisa. Second, you’re not left with blurry memories: photos and videos are included, and multiple guests say they got the media sent to them (including via WhatsApp) after the session.

One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and the plan is built around getting into the water. If sea conditions are poor, your experience can be moved or refunded under the stated policy.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Private group so you won’t be squeezed in with strangers (only your group participates)
• Beginner instruction with basics, gear explanations, and underwater hand signals
• Shallow-water start in a bay about 2 minutes from the centre to build confidence fast
• Marine life chance including the possibility of seeing turtles
• All photographs and videos included, with guests praising quality and how the package is delivered
• Pickup within 15 km of Sirens Dive Centre in Protaras for an easier morning or afternoon

Protaras is a friendly place to start scuba

Protaras is a practical pick for first-timers. You get a convenient base in a well-touristed area, and the programme is built for people who are curious but not experienced. The big promise here is simple: you learn the equipment, you practice breathing and communication underwater, and you get time in the water with an expert watching you closely.

Think of this as a “proof-of-concept” experience. You’re not trying to win an underwater award. You’re learning how the gear works, how your body reacts, and how to communicate underwater using hand signals—so you can decide if scuba training is something you want to continue.

Where you meet: Sirens Dive Centre as your home base

You start at Sirens Dive Centre at E306 513, Paralimni 5297, Cyprus. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps things clean and easy.

If you’re staying nearby, you can also arrange pickup from your accommodation or hotel—but only if you’re within a 15 km radius of the dive centre. If you’re driving yourself, the provider notes that there’s a very good Google Map on their website, and you just tell them your preference when booking.

This matters because first-time scuba sessions are smoother when you don’t have to stress about timing or transport. You’ll know exactly where you need to be and when.

Gear briefing and the “sterile” equipment approach

Before you get wet, the team takes you through the basics. Expect them to explain the equipment and how it works, then teach the relevant hand signals you’ll use underwater.

The info also mentions provided equipment is supplied and sterile to Covid governance. Even if you’re not thinking about that specifically, it’s a comfort point for many travellers—especially families and groups where multiple people are sharing the same excursion space.

You should also expect instruction that’s meant for beginners, not people who already know how to fin, equalise, or manage buoyancy. Multiple guests specifically called out how calm and attentive the instructors were when nerves showed up at the start.

The shallow-water bay: learning without the panic

One of the smartest parts of this programme is that you’re taken to a small bay about 2 minutes from the centre. That short transfer time is more than just convenience. It means less waiting, less catching your breath before you’re underwater, and more time practicing.

In the shallow area, you’ll work on early skills: breathing with the regulator, getting comfortable with the gear, and using hand signals. The pacing is designed to help you feel in control before you move on to a deeper/real first underwater moment.

Several reviews also describe how instructors adjusted to the group. One parent said the experience was well organised for a 12-year-old and made both the child and the adult feel comfortable—this is exactly what you want in the shallow-water stage.

Your first time underwater: what you’re actually doing

After you’re happy in the shallow water, the team takes you on your first underwater experience. The goal isn’t to explore like an advanced diver. The goal is to give you a safe, fun first taste—while an expert stays close and checks your comfort.

One guest reported that once they set off into the water, the underwater time lasted around 45 minutes. Not every trip will feel identical, but that’s a helpful clue for what “first-time” can mean in real time: enough to feel like you did something meaningful, not just a quick splash-and-go.

As for marine life, you might see turtles. Guests also mention other sea life such as fish and lionfish, and even underwater sculptures. If you’re lucky, this is when the bay feels like a miniature world you didn’t know existed.

Expert instructors who keep you calm

A standout theme is instructor quality. People repeatedly praised staff for being patient, attentive, and good-humoured—especially with nerves.

Names that come up in the feedback include:

• Shaun / Sean (patient teacher, attentive, good sense of humour)
• Nick (patient and kind, helped keep nerves under control)
• Richard and Jody (calm, enthusiastic, knowledgeable)
• Kim and Bec (responsive, ready to help, keeping comfort front and centre)
• Lisa (part of the team that visitors credited for making the experience memorable)

That instructor mix matters for two reasons:
1. You’re a beginner, so clear communication and reassurance are as important as the gear.
2. People remember how they felt during the first minute underwater. When the coach is steady, your brain stops fighting the situation.

If you’re the type who’s anxious before new activities, you’ll likely feel better here than in settings where the instructor treats you like an assembly-line customer.

Photos and videos are included. Here’s what to expect

You don’t just get the memory in your head. All photographs and videos are included in the price.

Guests describe photo and video capture during the experience using multiple cameras, and at least one traveller said the pictures and videos were sent to their WhatsApp the day after. Another review praised instructors for taking fantastic photos and videos and making the whole thing unforgettable for a 12-year-old.

This included media is great value because it saves you from thinking about rentals, GoPro setups, or getting someone else to shoot shaky footage. If scuba is a bucket-list item for you, the delivery of real images makes it feel complete.

Timing, duration, and what 3 hours really means

The session is listed at about 3 hours. That’s a half-day slot, and it makes sense because you need time for:

• meeting and paperwork
• equipment fitting and sterile gear handling
• skill practice and hand-signal training
• travel to the bay (short)
• time in the shallow water and then the main underwater moment
• debrief and returning to the start point

Because the water time is only part of the total timeline, you should plan the rest of your day around a normal “activity buffer” rather than treating the entire 3 hours like time underwater. A first-time experience often needs a little extra breathing room on land as you learn, adjust, and get comfortable.

Morning or afternoon departures are both available, 7 days a week, so you can usually find a slot that fits your itinerary.

Price and value: what $90.74 buys you

The price is $90.74 per person. For many travellers, the key question isn’t whether it’s cheap. It’s whether you’re paying for the things that make a first attempt actually work.

Here’s what’s included in the provided info:

• provided and sterile equipment
• instruction with basics, how the gear works, and hand signals
• transportation to a nearby bay (2 minutes from the centre)
• underwater session(s) guided by an expert
• photos and videos included
• pickup and drop-off options within 15 km of the dive centre (if you’re eligible)
• mobile ticket and English-speaking team

Also, the info and feedback you provided focus on training, safety, and the media package. There’s no mention of wine or an alcohol add-on in what you shared—so if you’re hoping the experience includes refreshments beyond what you bring, you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Good value here means you’re not paying extra for the instructor attention or the documentation of your first underwater experience. That’s a big deal when you’re trying something new and want to keep the result, not just the nerves.

Private tour setup: better attention for beginners

This is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates. Private doesn’t always mean expensive—it can simply mean the staff isn’t splitting attention across a large crowd.

In reviews, travellers describe getting an individual approach. One parent said the instructor offered an individual approach and made them feel comfortable. Another review mentioned a small group of just them and their partner with two instructors, which is exactly the sort of environment where questions get answered and nerves get calmed.

If you’re travelling with kids or you’re a first-timer who needs extra reassurance, private format usually makes everything feel less rushed.

Who this suits best (and who should ask questions)

This try-scuba experience is suitable for:

• adults
• children from 8 years upwards
• travellers who can participate in the activity level required

One review specifically said it was great even for someone with bad knees. That doesn’t mean it’s medically guaranteed for everyone with mobility issues, but it does suggest the team is attentive to comfort and movement.

If you have concerns about breathing, anxiety, or physical limitations, I’d treat this as a “ask first” experience. Good instructors will tell you what to do and how to adjust.

What to bring (and what to plan)

The provided details don’t list specific clothing or gear to bring, so I can’t invent requirements. The safe assumption is that you’ll need to follow the centre’s guidance for swimwear and any basics for being on the water.

What I’d plan for:

• you’ll likely get wet, so wear swim-suitable clothing
• bring a towel and a change of clothes for afterwards
• arrive a bit early for gear fitting and your briefing

Also, confirmation is received at the time of booking, which helps you plan your day without guessing.

Weather and cancellation: how flexible is it?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The cancellation policy is clear:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time
• cancellations less than 24 hours before start time aren’t refunded
• changes less than 24 hours before start time aren’t accepted

For a day trip on the coast, that weather clause is the one part that can shift your plans. Still, the refund option is reassuring.

A balanced verdict: should you book?

Yes, I’d book this if you want a guided, first-time scuba experience that doesn’t treat beginners like baggage. The big reasons are:

• instructor support that travellers describe as patient and calming (with named guides like Shaun/Sean, Nick, Richard, Kim, Bec, Jody, and Lisa)
• a confidence-building sequence: gear basics, shallow practice, then your first underwater moment
• included photos and videos, often delivered after the session and praised for quality
• private group setup for more attention

I’d hesitate or ask questions first if:

• you’re very sensitive to the idea of going underwater and need extra reassurance (tell the team what worries you)
• you’re on a tight weather-dependent schedule and can’t handle a reschedule

If you’re in Protaras and you want a memorable bucket-list tick that feels safe, well run, and genuinely beginner-friendly, this is a strong option.

FAQ

How long is the Try Scuba experience in Protaras?

It lasts approximately 3 hours.

Where does the experience start and where does it end?

The meeting point is Sirens Dive Centre, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available from hotels or accommodations?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available for accommodations within a 15 km radius of the dive centre in Protaras.

What age is the experience suitable for?

It’s suitable for adults and children from 8 years upwards.

What language is the instruction provided in?

The experience is offered in English.

Are photos and videos included in the price?

Yes. All photographs and videos are included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. If cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.