Questions
Is scuba diving safe — and the other questions people actually ask
Mostly about safety, water confidence and whether it will suit somebody in the group. Here is what we tell people on the phone.
Do I need any experience to try scuba diving?
None. Explore Scuba Diving is built for people who have never breathed underwater. There is a briefing, time in shallow water to get used to the equipment, and then a guided dive with an instructor next to you the whole way.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
For a first try dive you need to be comfortable in water, not athletic. Certification courses do include a swim and a float, and we will tell you exactly what is required before you book rather than on the morning.
Is scuba diving safe?
It is safe when it is taught and supervised properly, which is most of what a dive centre is for. Groups stay small, every dive is briefed, equipment is checked before it goes in the water, and we call a dive off when conditions are wrong rather than pushing on. Leave a full day before you fly home — the usual guidance is at least eighteen hours after repetitive diving, and the sensible version is simply not to dive the day before a flight.
What actually happens on a first dive?
Theory and equipment first, then shallow water where you practise breathing and clearing your mask standing up, then the dive itself in a sheltered bay. Explore Scuba Diving takes about four hours including the theory.
Will my certification be recognised elsewhere?
Yes. SSI certifications are recognised internationally and accepted by dive centres worldwide, in the same way PADI cards are.
What is the difference between SSI and PADI?
The standards and the skills are equivalent and both are recognised everywhere. The practical difference is how you learn: SSI puts the theory in an app you work through on your phone before you arrive, so your time here is spent in the water instead of a classroom. If you already hold a PADI certification you can continue with us without repeating anything.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Equipment is included in courses, fun dives and boat dives. Bring your own mask if you have one you like, and your certification card and logbook if you are already qualified.
Can someone come along who does not dive?
Yes, and it is one of the things we plan for. Non-divers are welcome on the boat, can snorkel over the same reef, or spend the day on the beach. Nobody has to sit and wait in a car park.
How big are the groups?
Small. The full-day boat trip takes a maximum of six guests, and courses and guided dives are kept small enough that the instructor is genuinely with you rather than counting heads.
What languages do you teach in?
Greek, German and English.
How do I book?
Send a WhatsApp message. Diving here depends on the conditions on the day and on how many people are already out, so it is quicker to agree a plan in a few messages than to fill in a form. Tell us your dates, how many of you there are, and whether anyone has dived before.
Still unsure
Ask the awkward one
If your question is about a medical condition, a nervous swimmer, a child's age or whether the whole group can realistically do this together, message us. Those answers depend on the person, and a website that pretends otherwise is not being straight with you.