Agia Pelagia: Introduction to Scuba Diving (2 Dives)

When it comes to exploring the Mediterranean’s vibrant seas, this beginner-friendly scuba experience in Agia Pelagia offers a perfect starting point. Designed for those aged 8 and up, it provides a safe, fun, and informative introduction to underwater adventures. With two supervised dives and professional English-speaking instructors, this tour promises to give you a taste of the weightlessness and serenity that come with breathing beneath the waves.

What we love most about this experience is the small group setting, with a maximum of 8 participants, which ensures personalized attention. Plus, the fact that you get to see different underwater landscapes during the two dives—first at a shallow 6 meters, then deeper at 12 meters—means you’ll discover a variety of marine life and reliefs.

However, a potential consideration is the transfer from your hotel, which isn’t included in the price. So, if you’re looking for a fully packaged experience, you’ll need to arrange your own transport or check if the optional pickup suits your schedule. This experience is best suited for curious travelers over 8 years old who want a safe, guided introduction to scuba diving, without the need for prior experience.

Key Points

• Safe, beginner-friendly introduction to scuba diving with professional supervision
• Two dives lasting 45 minutes each, exploring different depths and underwater sights
• Small group size enhances safety, comfort, and personalized guidance
• Includes all gear needed, so no hidden costs for equipment
• Flexible timing with starting times around 2 to 7 hours, check availability
• Optional hotel pickup enhances convenience but is not included in the base price

Why Choose This Experience?

This tour offers a well-balanced introduction to diving, emphasizing safety, comfort, and fun. The expert instructors from Stay Wet Diving Center are praised for their kindness and helpfulness, making even the most nervous feel at ease. One reviewer, Damien, commented, “We were very well supervised during the dive,” highlighting the professionalism that passengers can expect. The fact that the guides speak multiple languages—including French, Dutch, Spanish, German, and English—adds extra comfort, especially for international travelers.

The activity is carefully designed for those without prior experience. After a brief 30-minute theory session covering the basics of diving and the local marine environment, you’ll be grouped with a small team. This intimate setting allows for tailored guidance, which is crucial for first-timers. The actual diving portion is split into two parts: the first at a shallower depth of 6 meters for 45 minutes, perfect for getting comfortable, and a second at 12 meters where you can observe different marine life and reliefs.

In addition, reviews indicate that participants appreciated the knowledgeable guides and the stunning underwater views. Jonah, another happy diver, noted, “Very nice experience, the instructors were very kind and helpful. Would recommend!” This highlights the friendly, professional vibe you can expect, which makes the entire process enjoyable rather than intimidating.

The Itinerary Unpacked

The tour starts with a pickup at your hotel or designated meeting point, followed by a 40-minute transfer in a comfortable van. This ride helps build anticipation while giving you a chance to meet your instructors and fellow participants.

Once at the diving center in Mononaftis, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing that lasts about 30 minutes. This session is crucial for understanding what to expect, how to communicate underwater, and how to handle equipment. The instructions are clear, making it accessible even if you’ve never used diving gear before.

After the briefing, the first dive begins: a 45-minute exploration at a maximum depth of 6 meters. This shallow dive helps build confidence in breathing and moving underwater, with plenty of time to take in the colorful scenery and marine life. According to reviews, the underwater world features diverse fish and reliefs that are captivating for beginners and more experienced alike.

After a break—during which you can relax on the beach, grab a snack or a drink at nearby restaurants—the second dive takes place around 2 PM. Here, the depth increases to 12 meters, allowing you to encounter different species and observe new underwater formations. The second dive is often described as a “completely different universe,” which captures the sense of adventure and discovery that awaits.

The tour concludes with a return to the meeting point by 4 PM, leaving you with time to unwind on the beach or explore Agia Pelagia’s local charm.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides all your necessary gear—wetsuit, mask, fins, and snorkel—eliminating hidden costs and ensuring you are well-equipped. The 30-minute briefing and supervision during both dives are designed for safety and comfort.

However, it’s important to note that transfer from your hotel isn’t included. While optional hotel pickup is available, you’ll want to plan how to get to the meeting point, especially if you’re staying outside the immediate area.

The flexibility in timing, with start times ranging from 2 to 7 hours, allows you to fit this experience into your Crete itinerary easily. Plus, the cancellation policy is generous, offering a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Value of This Experience

For a relatively modest price, you get two guided underwater explorations in a safe environment, led by highly rated instructors. This is an especially good deal for beginners who want to test the waters (literally) without committing to a full certification course.

Participants consistently mention the quality of guidance and the stunning marine scenery as major positives, making it a worthwhile addition to any Crete holiday. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the multilingual instructors cater to international travelers.

On top of that, the combination of a shallow first dive and a slightly deeper second dive allows for a gradual learning curve, reducing anxiety while maximizing enjoyment and discovery.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for families with older children, solo travelers eager to try something new, or couples looking for a relaxed, guided introduction to the underwater world of Crete. It is particularly appealing if you’re keen on discovering marine life, enjoying a safe environment, and having expert supervision every step of the way. It also suits travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized guidance.

If you’re nervous about trying scuba for the first time, the positive reviews about the instructors’ kindness and professionalism will reassure you. And if you’re after beautiful views, vibrant fish, and a sense of achievement, this tour hits all those marks.

Final Thoughts

This Introduction to Scuba Diving experience in Agia Pelagia offers a balanced blend of safety, fun, and education. It’s well-suited for beginners who want to dip their toes into the underwater world without worrying about prior experience or complicated logistics. The inclusion of all gear, small group sizes, and professional guidance makes it an excellent choice for those wanting a memorable, authentic taste of diving in Crete.

The two dives provide an ideal opportunity to see different underwater environments, with reviews highlighting the beauty and diversity of marine life. The flexibility in timing and the option for hotel pickup add convenience, making it accessible for various travel plans.

This tour offers a genuine, value-packed introduction to scuba, perfect for those eager to experience Crete’s underwater treasures safely and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is open to anyone over 8 years old, making it suitable for families with older children who want to try scuba in a safe environment.

Do I need prior experience to participate?
No, prior experience is not necessary. The tour includes a 30-minute briefing that covers all the basics, and supervision is provided throughout.

What should I bring?
You only need to bring beachwear. All necessary diving gear is included, so you won’t need to worry about packing equipment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is optional and available in a 9-seat van at your hotel’s reception, but it is not included in the base price. You can also meet directly at the diving center.

What’s the maximum depth for each dive?
The first dive goes to a maximum of 6 meters, ideal for beginners. The second dive is slightly deeper, at 12 meters.

How long does the entire experience last?
The activity duration ranges from 2 to 7 hours, depending on your starting time and whether you choose pickup. The dives themselves are 45 minutes each.

Are the guides multilingual?
Yes, the instructors speak Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for international guests.

Is this experience suitable for pregnant women or people with health issues?
No, it’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart, respiratory, epilepsy, or diabetes issues. It’s best to consult your doctor if unsure.

Whether you’re after a fun introduction or just want to see what’s beneath the surface of Crete’s waters, this tour offers a safe, memorable, and beautifully guided experience.