Thinking about trying your hand at scuba diving in Crete? This Discover Scuba Diving Plus experience at Lygaria Beach promises more than just a taste of the ocean — it’s a chance to learn some basics, get comfortable in the water, and maybe even decide to pursue certification someday. As someone who’s seen plenty of introductory diving experiences, I’ll share what makes this tour worth considering — along with a few things to keep in mind.
What I love about this particular experience is how it balances theory and practical skills without overwhelming beginners. Plus, the combination of beach and boat dives offers a well-rounded glimpse into what diving in Crete can look like, especially if you’re curious about taking it further. That said, it’s not suitable for everyone — it’s geared toward those aged 8 and up, and certain health restrictions apply. Overall, if you’re eager to explore the underwater world safely and with expert guidance, this experience could be a great fit.
Key Points

- Ideal for beginners considering certification — with extra skills and theory included.
- Includes two dives — one from the coast and one from a boat, offering variety.
- Small group setting limits to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
- Full gear provided — wetsuits, masks, tanks — so you don’t need to bring much.
- Accessible location — just about 20 minutes from Heraklion by car.
- Not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues.
What Is This Tour All About?

This isn’t just a quick, superficial introduction to scuba; it’s a more comprehensive experience that’s perfect if you’re contemplating getting certified someday. It’s offered at Lygaria Beach, a scenic spot in Crete, where the calm waters and beautiful scenery create a friendly environment for learners. The whole session lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable option even for travelers with tight schedules.
You’ll spend about 60 minutes in a classroom setting with your instructor, diving into some essential theory. This part covers basics like equipment handling, safety procedures, and underwater communication. It’s a great foundation if you’re considering a certification course later on, as it gives you an authentic feel for what’s involved.
After the theory, you’ll head out for two practical dives: one from the beach, and one from a boat. Each dive lasts around 45 minutes, giving you ample time to enjoy the underwater scenery and practice the skills you’ve learned. The mix provides a good sense of what diving on Crete’s coast and from a boat entails, without the intensity of a full certification course.
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How Is the Itinerary Structured?

The tour begins at Eurodiving, the designated meeting point, about 20 minutes drive from Heraklion. After a brief meet-and-greet and equipment check, your instructor will guide you through the theory session. This first part is interactive, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, especially if you’re new to diving.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you’ll move to the practical phase. The first dive takes place from the beach at Ligaria, a peaceful stretch of water with good visibility. Here, you’ll get familiar with your gear, learn some essential skills, and gently explore the underwater world under supervision. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for beginners.
Following the beach dive, you’ll hop aboard a boat for what’s probably the highlight — the second dive out on the open water. The boat dive allows you to experience the sea from a different perspective, with broader views and more freedom to explore. Both dives are led by professional instructors who keep safety and enjoyment at the forefront.
The tour wraps up back at Eurodiving, where you can reflect on your experience and ask any lingering questions. It’s a compact, well-paced program designed to give you a solid first impression of scuba diving in Crete.
What Do You Get?

This experience includes everything you need to jump in confidently: full scuba gear, wetsuit, mask, fins, tank, and instructor-led training. The only things you should bring are passport or ID, sun protection, swimwear, towel, and water. The full gear provided means you don’t need to worry about renting or bringing your own equipment, which adds to the convenience.
The cost covers theory instruction, two dives, and all equipment. Considering that you’re also being guided by an experienced instructor in a small group, the price feels like good value for a safe, comprehensive introduction.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is designed for beginners and those considering certification. You’ll find it especially suitable if you want a hands-on, guided introduction that’s more than just a shallow pool experience. It’s not for children under 8, pregnant women, or people with certain health conditions like respiratory or cardiac issues — safety is emphasized, and restrictions may apply.
Travelers with limited time will appreciate the short duration and manageable schedule. If you’re an adventurous spirit wanting to see Crete from a different angle, or even someone just curious about diving, this tour fits the bill. Just remember, you need to be comfortable in the water and able to handle some physical activity.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience: Pros and Cons

What works well:
We loved the way the program balances theory and practice. That 60-minute session makes it feel less intimidating for newcomers, and the two different dives give variety, so you’re not just stuck in one spot. The small group size means plenty of individual attention, which is critical for beginners.
What could be better:
While the experience is comprehensive, it’s still relatively short. If you’re hoping for an in-depth certification course or longer underwater time, this isn’t it. Also, the tour is weather-dependent; poor weather might restrict boat dives or impact visibility, so flexibility is key.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re curious about scuba diving and want a safe, guided way to see what it’s all about, this Discover Scuba Diving Plus experience packs a lot into 2.5 hours. It’s especially good for first-timers who want a taste without diving into a full certification right away. The combination of theory, beach, and boat dives, along with professional instructors, offers a well-rounded intro to Crete’s underwater world.
While not a deep dive into diving itself, it’s enough to help you decide if you’d like to explore further. It’s also a fantastic way to add a memorable activity to your Crete itinerary, especially if you love the sea and are eager to try something new. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this tour offers a manageable and enjoyable experience for most beginners.
Lygaria Beach: Discover Scuba Diving Plus
FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, but only for those aged 8 and older. Children should be comfortable in water and able to follow instructions.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, all necessary scuba gear and wetsuits are included in the price, making it straightforward to participate.
How long does the entire activity last?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including theory, beach, and boat dives.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Eurodiving in Ligaria and ends back at the same location, ensuring easy access for participants.
Is there a minimum age or health requirement?
Yes, minimum age is 8. People with respiratory or cardiac issues, recent surgery, or who are pregnant should consult with the instructor beforehand, as restrictions may apply.
What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunhat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip plans.
Is this experience appropriate if I want to get certified?
It’s a great introduction, especially with the extra skills included, giving you a feel for what certification entails. However, it’s not a certification course itself.
If you’re someone eager to explore the underwater scenery of Crete without diving headfirst into certification, this Discover Scuba Diving Plus at Lygaria Beach might just be your perfect starting point. It offers a safe, practical, and beautifully scenic way to see what lies beneath the waves, all guided by friendly, professional instructors.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Scuba Diving Tours in Agia Pelagia
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