Chania: Diving Trips for Certified Divers

Chania: Diving Trips for Certified Divers

If you’re a certified diver looking to explore Crete’s underwater treasures, this tour offered by Omega Divers might just be the adventure you’re craving. With a 4.6-star rating, small group sizes, and carefully selected sites, it promises a balanced mix of easy dives and captivating wrecks, all led by professional instructors. We love the attention to safety and the opportunity to explore Greece’s first licensed diving park — a true highlight for underwater enthusiasts.

What might give some pause is the reliance on weather conditions for the two boat dives, which could affect your planned schedule. Still, for those with a passion for exploring varied underwater environments — from ancient fossils to bustling artificial reefs — this trip is a real contender. Perfect for certified divers seeking authentic, engaging dives in a stunning setting, this experience offers great value for those eager to see Crete’s underwater world beyond the usual tourist spots.

Key Points

• Tailored for Certified Divers: Small groups ensure personalized attention and safety.
• Diverse Dive Sites: From the Elephant Cave to wrecks and artificial reefs, there’s something for all.
• All Equipment Included: No need to worry about gear — it’s all provided for a hassle-free day.
• Visit Greece’s First Diving Park: Explore 44 artificial reefs and the fascinating “Nestor” wreck.
• Convenient Transfers: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics smooth and easy.
• Weather-Dependent Schedule: Dives depend on weather conditions, so flexibility is key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

An Introduction to the Dive Sites

Omega Divers, with 15 years of experience and a 5-star PADI IDC rating, pride themselves on safety and professionalism. Their tour in Chania offers two guided boat dives that are accessible for certified divers, meaning you’ll need your certification to join. They also keep the group small — limited to nine participants — so you get plenty of personal guidance and space to enjoy each site.

What Your Day Looks Like

The tour usually lasts around 4.5 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. The day begins with pickup from your hotel, typically earlier than the dive start, giving you comfortable transit to the boat and the dive sites. The boat ride itself is a relaxed affair, with a professional captain at the helm and crew ready to assist.

Once on board, you’ll be greeted with a full rental of top-quality scuba equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, tanks, and weights. This means you won’t need to pack your own gear, and the focus can remain on enjoying the underwater scenery.

During your break between dives, you’ll be treated to a box of local delicacies and bottled water, a thoughtful touch that keeps energy levels up in the summer heat. The diving center also provides changing rooms and rinse stations, making it easy to transition between dives and keep your gear in top shape.

The Elephant Cave: A Must-See

The “Elephant Cave” program is a highlight of this tour — and for good reason. With two large chambers and very shallow depths (max 12 meters), it’s ideal for exploring without deep diving worries. The water clarity exceeds 20 meters, and visibility is superb, allowing you to appreciate the crystal-clear water and intricate formations.

What makes this site extraordinary is the chance to see fossils of elephants and deer over 60,000 years old, embedded within the caves. It’s both a fascinating and mesmerizing experience, perfect for those interested in natural history as well as underwater beauty.

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Wreck Exploration: Minnewaska & Tugboat Nestor

History buffs will love the 100-year-old British wreck of Minnewaska, which lies between 12 and 20 meters deep. Sunk in 1916 after hitting a German mine, this vessel offers a tangible link to the past. It’s a well-preserved site, with a section about 50 meters long still visible for divers.

The Tugboat Nestor, sunk in April 2025, is a more recent addition. Its artificial reefs serve as thriving habitats, with abundant marine life. The wreck’s recent sinking has made it a prime spot for underwater photography and exploration.

The Wall Dive & Artificial Reefs

Another favorite is the Wall Dive, created from submerged cliff edges which foster abundant marine life. Schools of large and small fish, including groupers, swirl around the rocky formations, giving you the chance to witness vibrant oceanic communities.

The Apokoronas Diving Park is a standout — home to 44 artificial reefs, including the sunken “Nestor” and a large tugboat. These structures support a flourishing ecosystem, making this site a haven for underwater photographers and nature lovers alike.

Why We Think This Tour Shines

From reviews and the detailed descriptions, it’s clear that Omega Divers emphasizes safety, professionalism, and authentic experiences. Their guides are fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, and Greek, making communication smooth for international guests.

The small group size ensures plenty of attention and a relaxed atmosphere, letting you truly enjoy each site without feeling rushed or crowded. Plus, the inclusion of full rental equipment and hotel transfers** turns this into a hassle-free day — you just need your swimsuit and towel.

Value and Practical Considerations

While the tour’s cost isn’t listed explicitly, the comprehensive inclusions—two guided dives, all equipment, boat transfers, and hotel pickup—add up to a highly convenient experience. The full safety supervision and professional dive masters offer reassurance, especially if you’re a certified diver wanting to explore Crete’s underwater world without the hassle of organizing gear or logistics.

It’s worth noting that weather conditions can affect the schedule, which is common in open-water activities. Flexibility and patience are advisable, but the tour’s well-organized approach tends to accommodate changes smoothly.

For those staying outside Chania, the nearest meeting point at Almyrida Beach offers an alternative, making it accessible even if your hotel isn’t right downtown.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for certified divers eager to explore both famous wrecks and natural reefs, especially if you value small group guidance and quality gear. It’s perfect for those interested in historic shipwrecks, fossils, and vibrant marine ecosystems. It isn’t suitable for non-divers, un-certified divers, or those with medical issues that prevent diving.

The Sum Up

This Chania diving experience offers a well-rounded, authentic look at Crete’s underwater beauty — from natural caves to historic wrecks and artificial reefs teeming with life. The small-group setting, professional guides, and inclusive gear make it a hassle-free choice for certified divers eager for adventure.

If you love discovering new underwater worlds in a safe, relaxed, and scenic environment, this tour checks all the boxes. The sites are varied enough for multiple dives, and the added historical and natural elements give it a layer of depth beyond just the underwater scenery.

Overall, it’s a fantastic option for divers who want a meaningful, expertly guided day on the water, with memorable sights and a chance to see Crete’s marine biodiversity at its finest. Just be prepared for the weather — and bring your curiosity along for a truly immersive experience.

FAQs

What certification do I need to join this tour?
You need to be a certified diver with an active certification to participate. It’s designed specifically for certified divers, so open water or advanced certifications are suitable.

Are all diving equipment included?
Yes, all necessary scuba gear — including BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, and weights — are provided, so you don’t need to bring your own.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4.5 hours, with diving times depending on weather conditions on the day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within the Chania area and nearby regions. You’ll receive detailed pickup info ahead of time.

Can beginners join this tour?
No, this is strictly for certified divers. If you’re not certified, you might want to explore beginner-friendly options.

What is the maximum group size?
To ensure personalized guidance, groups are limited to 9 participants.

What should I bring?
Just your swimsuit and towel — everything else, including safety gear, is provided. A sense of adventure and curiosity are the only extras needed.

This carefully curated diving trip in Chania combines safety, variety, and the chance to explore some of Greece’s most intriguing underwater sites. Whether you’re into wrecks, fossils, or lively artificial reefs, it’s a real opportunity to see Crete from a whole new perspective beneath the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby