Agia Pelagia: Scuba Diving Activity for Children

If you’re heading to Crete with kids and want to introduce them to the underwater world in a safe, controlled environment, the Scuba Diving activity at Agia Pelagia might catch your eye. Although I haven’t personally tried this experience, I’ve gathered enough info to give you a clear picture of what it’s like and whether it could be a good fit for your family or your own adventures.

What’s genuinely appealing about this activity is how it’s designed specifically for children aged 8 to 12. The small group size — limited to just 10 participants — means your kid will get personalized attention. We also appreciate the fact that safety is a top priority, with calm, clear waters and certified instructors guiding everything. On the flip side, it’s only about 1.5 hours long, so if you’re after a full-day adventure, this might not be enough. That said, this experience feels well-suited for families wanting a first taste of scuba diving or kids curious about marine life without committing to a full certification course.

Key Points

• Age-appropriate experience: Designed for children aged 8-12, with a max depth of 2 meters.
• Safe, shallow waters: Located in Ligaria Bay, which is protected and offers good visibility.
• Small group setting: Limited to 10 children for personalized attention.
• Supervised by certified instructors: Conducted in English, French, and German.
• Includes basic theory and hands-on beach dive: About 45 minutes of theory plus a 30-minute underwater session.
• Parents can observe: With snorkeling equipment, from the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Exactly Does the Experience Involve?

This experience is tailored to give kids a gentle first step into the world of scuba diving. It takes place in the tranquil waters of Ligaria Bay, a spot chosen for its calmness and clear visibility, which are perfect for beginners. The activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours, starting at the Eurodiving center, about 20 minutes from Heraklion’s center.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Eurodiving — you’ll meet the instructors here. The staff are experienced and speak multiple languages, which helps if your child is nervous or if language is a concern. We liked that the group size is kept small, fostering a relaxed environment where kids can ask questions and get lots of individual attention.

Ligaria Beach — the focal point of the tour, known for its wind protection and good visibility. Here, children will learn to use basic diving gear, including masks and regulators, and practice skills like ear equalization and mask clearing. Since the water is shallow enough to stand, it reduces pressure and worry, making it a safe environment for novices.

The Underwater Session — lasting around 30 minutes, children get to breathe underwater while observing marine life. The instructors supervise constantly, ensuring everyone stays safe and comfortable. Most reviews emphasize that safety is paramount, and children are never left unsupervised.

End at Eurodiving — after the session, everyone returns to the center, where parents can join in or relax nearby while watching their kids have fun in a controlled setting.

What’s Included?

• Basic theory session
• 45-minute beach dive
• All necessary equipment

This provides a decent balance between instruction and practice, making the experience worth the price. It’s a short activity but packed with meaningful firsts—perfect for kids who are curious but not yet ready for longer, more intense diving experiences.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews and the info available, people generally find the activity well-organized and safe. One parent mentioned, “Watching my child breathe underwater for the first time was incredible,” which highlights how special this experience can be. Others appreciated the calm waters of Ligaria Bay, noting that the visibility allowed for good marine observation and that the instructors were patient and clear.

Some families or individuals might find the 1.5-hour duration a bit short, especially if the kids are really excited or want to extend their underwater exploration. Also, parents should be comfortable with the fact that a medical statement will be filled out on site, and parental approval is required.

Pricing-wise, it’s not the cheapest activity, but considering the small group size, safety measures, and personalized attention, many would see the value, especially as a memorable first step into scuba.

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Practical Details and Tips

What to bring:
Make sure your child wears swimwear and brings a towel — everything else is provided.

Timing & Availability:
Check with the provider for specific start times, as they vary, and book ahead since the group is limited.

Group size & language:
Limited to 10 participants, with instruction in English, French, and German. This small group size is a real plus for a more relaxed experience.

Age & water comfort:
Children under 8 are not suitable, and kids must be comfortable in water. Parental approval is necessary, and a medical statement will be filled on the spot, so be prepared for that.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If your child is curious about the underwater world, has a cautious but eager temperament, and is within the age range, this is a fantastic opportunity. It’s especially suitable for families who want to introduce their kids to scuba diving without committing to an entire course or full-day outing.

It’s also a good pick if you’re looking for a short, safe, beginner-level experience that lets kids have fun and learn in a secure environment. While not designed for children under 8 or those uncomfortable in water, it’s a gentle, well-organized way to spark interest in marine life.

Final Thoughts

This scuba experience at Agia Pelagia offers a straightforward yet memorable introduction to underwater exploration for children. The calm, protected setting of Ligaria Bay, combined with professional supervision and small-group attention, makes it a safe, engaging choice for families with curious kids.

It’s not a full-fledged diving certification or an all-day event, but that’s part of its charm. It’s perfect for those wanting a brief, high-quality first encounter with marine life, especially if your kid is eager but not ready for longer or more intense activities.

This activity represents good value and a chance for children to have a genuine first taste of what it’s like to breathe underwater. Just remember to check availability and be prepared for the paperwork involved.

FAQ

Is parental approval required for children? Yes, parental approval is necessary to participate in the activity.

Is the activity suitable for children under 8 years old? No, children under 8 are not suitable for this experience.

Do I need to bring anything? Just swimwear and a towel; all equipment is provided.

Can I watch my child from the surface? Absolutely. Parents are welcome to join in observing from above with snorkeling gear.

How long does the activity last? The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including instruction and the underwater session.

What languages are instructors available in? Instruction is available in English, French, and German.

What safety measures are in place? The activity takes place in calm, protected waters with certified instructors supervising constantly, ensuring safety is always a priority.

All in all, if you’re looking for a safe, engaging way for your child to experience the underwater world during your trip to Crete, this scuba activity at Ligaria could be a wonderful choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: