Kos: Try Scuba Diving with a diving boat

Kos makes it easy to try scuba without committing to a full certification course. This six-hour boat trip to Pserimos keeps the underwater session shallow, clear, and closely supervised, which is just right if breathing through a regulator feels a little strange at first. You get one 20 to 25 minute session, then time to swim and snorkel.

I especially like the small groups of four or five with two instructors and the gentle bay used for the activity. I also like that the boat day is more than a quick lesson: you get coastal views, a shaded deck, a sun deck, and relaxed time on the water. The main consideration is that the €123 price includes only one session. A second costs another €45, payable in cash, and snacks, drinks, and photos cost extra.

Key points at a glance

• Shallow Pserimos bay: The depth increases slowly to a maximum of 5 meters, with rocky outcrops protecting both sides.
• Two instructors per small group: Groups of four or five are supervised by two PADI instructors.
• A full half-day at sea: The boat leaves around 8:30 a.m. and returns to Kos at about 2:30 p.m.
• Good for nervous beginners: The briefing covers equipment, safety, and breathing before you enter the water.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: You can enjoy the sea even if you decide not to pay for the optional second session.
• Extra costs to plan for: The second session is €45, drinks and snacks are extra, and underwater photos cost €25.

Why Pserimos is a good first underwater lesson

The best part of this Kos experience is its calm setting. The boat heads to Pserimos, a small island near Kos, and anchors inside a bay protected by rocky outcrops. The bottom slopes gently, so you are not suddenly taken into deep water. The maximum depth is 5 meters, barely more than a tall room, and the clear water helps you see what is happening around you.

That matters when you are learning. Your first challenge is not usually the fish. It is getting used to the mask, breathing equipment, and the sensation of being below the surface. A shallow, sheltered site gives you room to settle down without the added pressure of depth.

You still need to be able to swim. This is not a sightseeing trip where you can simply float along while someone else does all the work. You will be asked to complete a medical statement, and the activity is not suitable for people with serious health issues or certain pre-existing conditions. If you have doubts about your fitness, check before booking.

From Liamis Dive Centre to the open sea

Your day begins at Liamis Dive Centre. The 25-meter Liamis Dive Boat, also called Apollon, leaves at around 8:30 a.m. The ride to Pserimos takes roughly 45 minutes, giving you time to settle into the boat and watch the Kos coastline recede.

Apollon has a shaded deck and a spacious sun deck. That combination is useful in the Greek sun. You can sit out for the views, then move under cover when you need a break. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and weather-appropriate clothing. Comfortable shoes and light clothing are also sensible for the boat ride.

The boat has a captain, instructors, and the equipment needed for the included session. Snacks and drinks are available at an extra charge, so bringing your own snacks is a practical move. You should also bring cash because the optional second session costs €45 and is paid on board.

The boat ride is part of the value here, but it is still a boat ride. If you want a quick, shore-based introduction, this six-hour outing may feel longer than necessary. If you like a full morning on the water, the journey makes the experience feel like a proper half-day from Kos rather than a short swimming lesson.

The 15-minute briefing that settles your nerves

Before entering the water, you receive an in-depth briefing lasting about 15 minutes. The instructors explain how the equipment works, how to stay safe, and what to expect during the underwater session.

This is where the experience earns its beginner-friendly reputation. Several people have found the first few minutes unsettling, especially the new breathing pattern. One person became anxious underwater but was able to continue after patient help from the instructors. Another described feeling hesitant at first, then more comfortable as the session progressed.

That is a useful warning, not a criticism. Scuba can feel odd even when the conditions are calm. You should expect to take a little time to get comfortable, and you should tell the instructors if you feel nervous. The small group size gives them a better chance to watch each person instead of rushing everyone through the same routine.

The activity is offered in Greek and English. You are placed in groups of four or five and accompanied by two PADI instructors. That is a strong ratio for a first attempt, particularly when some people in a group may need more time than others.

What the 20 to 25 minute underwater session feels like

The first session takes place inside the protected bay near Pserimos. You remain under the close supervision of the instructors for about 20 to 25 minutes, reaching no more than 5 meters.

Do not expect a long expedition or a dramatic wall of coral. This is an introduction to scuba in the Mediterranean. Its strength is access. You can look at fish, observe marine life, and get a taste of moving underwater without needing prior certification.

The clear water is an important part of the experience. It helps you see the instructors, the seabed, and the fish around you. The rocky sides of the bay also give the setting some shape, so you are not simply floating in an empty patch of blue.

You may interact with fish and take underwater photos during the session. An underwater photo and video package costs €25 on a USB memory stick. Some people have also received their images digitally through WeTransfer, but the stated package is the USB option, so confirm the current delivery method when you book or board.

The key is to keep your expectations sensible. You are not taking an advanced wildlife expedition, and marine life can vary with the day and conditions. You are getting a safe introduction, clear water, and a chance to see Mediterranean sea life at close range.

The break between sessions is part of the appeal

After the first session, you have time to relax on the boat. This pause lets you warm up, dry off, talk through what you have just done, or simply enjoy the sun deck.

You can also swim or snorkel during the break. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. This is a good feature for mixed groups. One person may want to try scuba, while another may prefer to stay near the surface. Nobody has to spend the whole stop waiting on the boat.

If you enjoyed the first session and want more time underwater, you can pay €45 for a second one. Several people have chosen this option and described the second session as a highlight. I would budget for it if you already suspect that one short session will leave you wanting more.

Still, the second session is optional. The included experience remains worthwhile if you prefer to snorkel, swim, or rest. That flexibility also helps if you find the first attempt tiring or more demanding than expected.

What the €123 price really includes

At $123 per person, the cost is not just for a few minutes underwater. The price includes boat transport, the captain, instructors, scuba equipment, the safety briefing, one supervised session, and snorkeling gear.

For a beginner, that package has solid value. You avoid buying or carrying equipment, and you get two instructors for a small group. The half-day boat trip also gives you time at sea, not just a short appointment at the beach.

The price becomes less attractive if you compare it with a simple snorkeling trip. Snorkeling is included here, but the main cost covers instruction, equipment, and supervision for scuba. If you only want to see fish from the surface, a cheaper snorkeling outing may suit you better.

Plan for the likely add-ons:

• Second scuba session: €45, paid in cash on the boat
• Snacks and drinks: extra
• Underwater photos and videos: €25

I would bring enough cash for the second session and photos if those matter to you. Also remember the no-fly rule. You must not fly for 24 hours after scuba, so schedule this experience away from your departure flight.

Who will get the most from this Kos activity

This outing suits adults and children aged 12 and older who can swim and want a first taste of scuba. It is particularly useful for someone who is curious but not ready to sign up for a full open-water course.

It also works well for couples or friends with different levels of confidence. The relaxed boat time, swimming, and snorkeling mean the day is not lost if one person decides not to continue after the first session.

The patient approach is important for nervous beginners. People have been helped through early anxiety, and the instructors focus on safety and reassurance. You should still be honest about your comfort level. Do not feel pressured to continue if your breathing or equipment never feels right.

This is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 12, or people with serious medical conditions. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and fishing is not part of the activity. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

Practical tips for a smoother morning

Arrive ready to spend the day in swimwear, but bring a towel and dry clothes for the ride back. A hat and sunglasses will make the time on deck more comfortable, while sunscreen protects you during the boat ride and surface breaks.

Eat sensibly before departure. You can bring snacks, and food and drinks sold on the boat cost extra. A light meal is more practical than arriving overly full before a morning on the water.

Keep your schedule open after the trip if possible. The boat should return around 2:30 p.m., but a sea-based activity is affected by conditions. The published duration is six hours, so do not plan a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve while paying later. That gives you some flexibility, but the more important planning point is your flight. The 24-hour no-fly period matters more than saving an hour on your holiday schedule.

My verdict: book it if you want a careful first try

I would book this experience if you want to test scuba in a shallow, clear setting and value patient instruction over a long or technical underwater route. The small groups, two-instructor supervision, calm bay, and included snorkeling make it a reassuring first step.

I would skip it if you cannot swim, have a medical condition that makes scuba unsuitable, or only want a quick swim near Kos. I would also think twice if your flight is within 24 hours or if the extra costs for a second session, drinks, and photos will bother you.

For everyone else, Liamis Dive Boat offers a well-rounded half-day: a boat ride, a careful introduction, one supervised underwater session, and plenty of time to enjoy Pserimos from the surface. If the first session leaves you wanting more, the €45 second session is an easy upgrade.

FAQ

Where does the Kos scuba activity start?

It starts at Liamis Dive Centre in Kos, where you board the Liamis Dive Boat, also called Apollon.

How long does the activity last?

The experience lasts about six hours. The boat leaves around 8:30 a.m. and returns to Kos at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Where does the scuba session take place?

The session takes place in a protected bay near Pserimos, a Greek island reached by boat from Kos.

How deep will I go?

The maximum depth is 5 meters. The bay gets deeper gradually, so you will barely notice the change in depth.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. The activity is designed for beginners, and you receive a safety and equipment briefing before entering the water.

How long is the included underwater session?

The included session lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and takes place in a group of four or five people with two instructors.

Can I do a second session?

Yes. A second session is available for an additional €45, payable in cash on the boat.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can snorkel or swim during the break after the first session.

Can I fly after the activity?

No. You should not fly for 24 hours after scuba.