BEST OF · SCUBA DIVING IN CRETE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never breathed underwater: 15 scuba diving in Crete, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
At Mononaftis Beach in Agia Pelagia, you learn scuba basics through a 30-minute digital lesson before entering the bay with a certified instructor. Expect full equipment, a 45-minute underwater session, shallow water, fish, rock formations, and optional hotel transport.
“Perfect for beginners who want to try diving. We had a great time there.”
Meet Petros and the CRETANDIVERS team for a calm first scuba session in Agia Pelagia Bay. You’ll watch a multilingual introduction, practice with full equipment, and enter shallow water with a PADI instructor beside you. Small groups, patient coaching, and optional underwater footage make this a friendly first step.
“very friendly crew. they take time for everyone so you can go on your own speed. again a special thanks to get me through it. and giving me a good experience. we love you”
Learn scuba basics in 45 minutes, then spend about 45 minutes underwater in Ligaria Bay at roughly 7 metres. English, French, and Greek instructors provide full gear, safety guidance, and small-group support. Pickup is available from Agia Pelagia through Malia.
“Total duration is probably 5 hours. start was 10:00, and then there was a 30 min drive to the beach , got in the water at 12 and out at 1:40pm (dive length depended on how much air you breathed in or how much is left in tank). . There was not a lot in the water by scuba diving means,but there wasnt nothing either,lots of small fish and plants to see, especiall if you go to the full 9 metres, just dont accidentally kick the instructor like we did! The instructor George was very patient with us (both beginners) and explained all the procedures and safety protocols several times.…”
From Chania, travel to Almyrida Beach for a gentle first scuba experience. A 25-minute lesson, close instructor support, a small group, and an 8-meter underwater session let you test breathing beneath the Aegean. Equipment, insurance, transport, photos, and a short video are included.
“Had a great time, briefing before the activity. Brought to a secluded beach where we suited up in wetsuits and the diving gear, tanks, buoyancy gear, weights. It was a bit cumbersome getting the clippers on in the cove and my partner smacked his head against a rock trying to do so, so that was a slight downside. Otherwise great time, lots of fish, sponges etc to explore. Instructors take pics with GoPro throughout and provide the picture by email after a day or so. Dive lasted about 30 mins. Would recommend, very friendly instructors.”
Test scuba in the clear waters near Chania with Omega Divers. You get a 30-minute safety lesson, full equipment, a 45-minute session to about 8 meters, and one instructor for every two people. Hotel pickup, insurance, and underwater photos are included.
“It was our first time under water and It was very fun and exciting and perfect time under water!! Try it!”
Start with hotel pickup, a short safety lesson, and equipment practice before entering the clear water at Mononaftis Beach. Horizon Diving instructors such as Yiannis guide beginners patiently, adjusting the session to your comfort and ability. The experience lasts about 4.5 hours and suits swimmers and non-swimmers from age eight.
“Thank you for this wonderful time It was a super-discovered Premiere with a monitor listening. Just the magic corner. I highly recommend it. AurelieAuto-translated”
From Chania, you’ll take a four-hour boat trip with certified instructors such as Basil, Jarrod, and Yannis. After a safety lesson, choose a guided scuba session to 9 or 10 meters, Blue Cave snorkeling, or both. Equipment, insurance, snacks, and underwater photos are included.
“Really fun father and son team who put my youngest daughter’s initial nerves at ease. The safety briefing was appropriately serious but delivered in an engaging manner. The boat trip was fast and really fun with a relaxing snorkelling experience to finish with. A really fun, great day out which has left my two daughters searching up where they can do a scuba diving course when they get home.”
Start with a clear safety briefing, then enter calm Cretan waters with a certified instructor beside you. You will use full scuba gear, practice basic skills at up to 10 meters, receive free underwater photos and an SSI Try Scuba card, and may snorkel afterward.
“super cool instructors and awesome experience, I highly recommend it! Everything was on point, the waters were perfect.”
At Agia Pelagia Beach, a qualified instructor teaches you basic scuba skills in a 30-minute lesson before leading a 45-minute underwater session. You’ll practice breathing, underwater signals, and fish watching, with equipment, insurance, water, and an SSI Try Scuba certificate included.
“Wonderful experience! It was my first time ever scuba diving and they made the entire experience easy!!”
Start at Dive2gether in Plakias at 8:30 am for a four-hour PADI Discover Scuba session. Your instructor guides you through basic skills before an underwater tour at Skinaria Beach, with transport, equipment, and water included. The minimum age is eight.
“The guides were vert helpfull and we saw a lot of different fish. We also came across many different animals and they took amazing photos!”
Join Chania Diving Center for a five-hour underwater outing with certified guides, including Giannoulakis Nikolaos. Expect clear water, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, Elephant Cave, wrecks, and small-group attention. Pickup is available around Chania, with sites chosen according to weather and experience.
“An awesome dive with a great crew. Very accommodating guys. Visibility was exceptional and the dive was as good as advertised.”
Meet your instructor at Salty Descents in Kalyves or arrange pickup across the Chania region. After a safety lesson and equipment fitting, you’ll complete two 45-minute shore-based scuba sessions, enjoy fruit and water between them, and receive SSI Basic Diver Certification.
“Was a great experience!! Great weather, nice spots and very good diving and snorkeling teachers! They are very motivated and they really like what they do. As well this school/company really takes their work and their responsibility very serious. So you can be sure that they teach you every important information. If you want to learn how to dive in Crete, Go there!!”
Meet your licensed instructor at Lygaria Beach for 45 minutes of scuba training, then spend about 45 minutes underwater learning to breathe, move, and use hand signals. The small group, slow beach entry, and supportive instruction from guides such as Joe, Dimitri, and Felix make this a gentle first lesson.
“Beautiful scenery, lovely captain and staff. Good food - even catered to a gluten allergy. Will definitely come again!”
Spend about four hours learning scuba basics, practicing in a pool or shallow water, then exploring the Mediterranean at 3 to 6 meters with an instructor. Equipment is supplied, and sessions are offered near Heraklion, Chania, or Rethymno-Georgioupolis. Guides may include Stan, Sebastian, Artur, or Pedros.
“The scuba diving experience with eco diving school was great. The instructor Artur was great and he teaches us the good diving skills and build the confidence. It was very nice and life time memorable experience.”
Meet Kefi Divers in Almyrida for one or two shore-based scuba sessions with a PADI instructor. Certified participants explore a sheltered cove with octopus, lionfish, moray eels, barracuda, and possible sea turtles. A refresher is required if you have not been underwater in 12 months.
“Would really, really recommend going with kefi dives. We were both new to diving but they guided us through everything. We went to an amazing cove, dived with loads of sea life - octupus and lionfish. Friendly crew - we had a great time.”
Choose a coast, a certification level, or an animal.
