Kos: Beginner Scuba Diving at Pserimos Island

If you’re curious about exploring the underwater world but unsure where to start, this beginner scuba diving experience in Kos offers a fantastic introduction. Set against the backdrop of the Dodecanese, this tour combines a relaxed boat trip with an easy-to-follow diving lesson on a protected bay near Pserimos Island. From the moment you step onto the boat, you’ll notice the focus on safety, fun, and making sure everyone feels comfortable — even if you’ve never tried diving before.

One of the best features? The guides and instructors are praised for their patience, professionalism, and ability to make first-timers feel at ease. Plus, the chance to see vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters is truly a highlight.

A potential consideration? The tour is limited to a relatively shallow maximum depth of 5 meters, which is perfect for beginners but might feel limiting for those wanting a more adventurous or deeper underwater experience.

This tour suits those who are curious about diving but have little to no experience, want a safe and controlled environment, and love picturesque coastal scenery. It’s especially ideal for travelers looking for a half-day activity that combines relaxation, adventure, and the chance to click some underwater photos.

Key Points

• Ideal for beginners with no prior experience needed
• Expert guides ensure safety and comfort during the dive
• Protected bay location offers calm, clear waters perfect for first-timers
• Flexible options for a second dive or relaxing on the boat
• Marine life is plentiful and engaging, perfect for photos
• Includes boat transfers, equipment, and site briefing for great value

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Departure

The journey begins bright and early at Liamis Dive Centre in Kos harbor, with departures generally at 08:30. The boat ride out to Pserimos is about 45 minutes, which gives you a chance to enjoy views of the coastline, the Aegean Sea, and the anticipation of your first underwater adventure. The boat itself is described as comfortable, and the crew is friendly, setting a relaxed tone for the day.

The Scenic Sightseeing Cruise

The first part of the tour is a sightseeing cruise that offers a panoramic view of the Greek islands and the turquoise waters of the Aegean. This 45-minute cruise serves as a gentle warm-up, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and settle into a holiday mood before the real activity begins.

Safety Briefing and Preparation

Once on site, the guides conduct a detailed safety briefing lasting about 20 minutes. They explain everything from how to use the equipment to the hand signals you’ll need underwater. The emphasis on safety and thorough explanations makes this experience especially appealing to beginners. The guides, including well-trained instructors, are praised for their patience and clarity — with reviews noting they are “very friendly,” “supportive,” and “helpful.”

The Dive Experience

The diving itself takes place in a protected bay, flanked by rocky outcrops that help shield the waters from rough conditions. The maximum depth of 5 meters ensures a gentle, manageable experience with water clarity that allows for excellent visibility. Expect to stay underwater for around 20-25 minutes, guided closely by two instructors for groups of four or five.

Reviewers frequently mention how safe they felt, even if initially hesitant, thanks to the instructors’ attentiveness. One reviewer, Johann, commented, “The team made me feel very comfortable right from the start,” which speaks volumes about the professionalism and caring nature of the guides. You’ll have ample opportunities to interact with marine life, take underwater photos, and simply enjoy the vibrant colors of the sea.

Post-Dive and Optional Second Dive

After your first dive, you’ll enjoy a relaxing break on the boat. You can choose to participate in a second dive for an extra €45, or simply unwind with some swimming or snorkeling while soaking up the sun. The option to extend your underwater adventure caters well to those wanting a bit more, all in a laid-back, no-pressure environment.

What’s Included and What’s Extra

The price covers boat transfers, a captain, dive instructors, diving equipment, a site briefing, and one dive. Snorkeling gear is also provided, allowing you to explore the surface if you prefer not to dive again. Additional costs include the second dive (€45), snacks and drinks (payable onboard), and underwater photos on a USB (£25). This setup offers great value, especially considering the professional guidance and high-quality equipment.

The Itinerary in Detail

Start at Liamis Dive Centre: The tour kicks off from the main dive center in Kos harbor, with a safety briefing and introduction to the equipment. This initial step is crucial for first-timers, giving you the confidence to enjoy the experience.

Sightseeing cruise: The 45-minute boat ride provides scenic views of the islands, making it a pleasant prelude to your underwater adventure. This part isn’t just transit; it’s part of the experience, setting a relaxed tone.

Stop at Pserimos for scuba diving: Once at the bay, the instructors lead the group into shallow waters, with a maximum depth of 5 meters. The protected nature of the bay means currents are minimal, making this ideal for beginners. Marine life here includes a variety of fish, and the water clarity often impresses visitors, as one reviewer noted, “the water was so clear.”

Post-dive relaxation: After your underwater exploration, you can lounge on the boat’s sun deck, swim, snorkel, or chat with other guests about their experiences. Many reviewers, like Memyself, mentioned how the helpful staff made them feel comfortable even if they were initially hesitant.

Highlights from Reviewers

A recurring theme in reviews is the professionalism and warmth of the guides. Thomas and Yvonne Margaret both highlighted how supportive and kind the instructors were, making their first experience memorable. Johann appreciated how the team made him feel comfortable despite initial nerves, and Lianne pointed out how patient the staff were with hesitant participants.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: The whole experience lasts about 6 hours, including transfers, briefing, and diving.
• Group size: Small groups of 4-5 divers ensure personalized attention.
• Age limit: The minimum age is 12, making it accessible for teenagers.
• Experience level: No prior diving experience needed — perfect for beginners.
• Health requirements: You need to be able to swim and fill out a medical statement confirming no serious health issues.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cash (for extras), and snacks.
• Weather considerations: Dress accordingly; it can be warm but bring protection from the sun.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers curious about diving without the commitment of certification. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a safe, guided introduction to underwater exploration, and don’t mind shallow waters. Perfect for families with teens over 12, first-time divers, or anyone wanting a relaxing half-day trip with stunning views and marine encounters.

If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping or deeper underwater adventure, this might feel limited — but for most, the shallow depths and calm waters provide plenty of excitement and beauty.

The Sum Up

This beginner scuba diving tour in Kos offers a well-organized, safe, and enjoyable introduction to the underwater world. The professionalism of the guides, combined with the stunning clarity of the waters around Pserimos, makes it a memorable choice for first-timers. The small group sizes and comprehensive briefings help you feel secure, even if you’re nervous about your first underwater experience.

The tour strikes a good balance between fun and safety, making it a fantastic value for those wanting to try something new without diving deep or committing to certification. The opportunity to see vibrant marine life, take underwater photos, and relax on a boat with coastal views creates a truly authentic and enjoyable day.

It’s best for adventurous travelers curious about diving, families with teens, or anyone wanting a manageable, guided introduction to the marine world. If you’re seeking a relaxed, professionally guided, and visually stunning activity, this tour could be just what your Kos holiday needs.

FAQ

Is prior experience required?
No, this tour is designed for beginners with no previous diving experience. You just need to be comfortable swimming.

What is the maximum depth of the dive?
The dive reaches a maximum depth of 5 meters, ideal for first-timers and those wanting shallow, calm waters.

How long does the whole tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 6 hours, including transfers, the briefing, and the dive.

Can I participate in more than one dive?
Yes, you can choose to do a second dive for an extra €45, but it’s optional.

What is included in the price?
The price covers boat transfers, a captain, dive instructors, diving equipment, a site briefing, and one dive.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, cash, and snacks. The boat also provides snorkeling gear.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, participants must be at least 12 years old.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, being able to swim is a requirement.

Are there any health restrictions?
Participants need to be in good health and will fill out a medical statement. It’s not safe to fly 24 hours after diving.

This beginner diving trip in Kos truly combines the natural beauty of the Greek islands with a safe, professionally guided underwater experience. Whether you’re seeking a gentle introduction to diving or simply want to enjoy a scenic day on the sea, it’s worth considering for your Greek island adventure.