Lygaria Beach: Discover Scuba Diving Plus

Location: Crete, Greece
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Supplier: Sailing Crete

If you’re dreaming of exploring Crete’s underwater world without committing to full certification, the Discover Scuba Diving Plus at Lygaria Beach hits all the right notes. This experience offers not just a taste of diving but a more comprehensive introduction, including pre-dive theory, skills, and two actual dives—one from the shore and another from a boat. It’s perfect for curious travelers considering a future certification or simply eager to see what’s beneath the waves without diving straight in.

One thing we really like? The extra theory session. It offers a solid foundation for beginners, making the actual dives less intimidating. Plus, the small group size means you get more personalized attention from the instructors. On the flip side, the activity’s 2.5-hour duration might feel a bit rushed for some who prefer a more leisurely experience. Still, it’s a fantastic option for those with limited time but wanting a genuine taste of the underwater world.

This tour is ideal for adventurers new to scuba diving who want to understand the basics before committing to certification. It’s also suited for travelers who love combining water activities with scenic coastal scenery, and who appreciate a well-organized, safety-conscious experience.

Key Points

• Comprehensive introduction with 60 minutes of theory plus skill-building for the boat dive
• Two dives: one from the shoreline and one from the boat, totaling about 1.5 hours underwater
• All equipment included: wetsuit, full scuba gear, and instructor guidance
• Small group experience with limited participants for more personalized attention
• Suitable for beginners but not for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions
• Flexible booking options: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

The experience kicks off at Eurodiving in Ligaria, about 20 minutes drive from central Heraklion. Once there, you’ll meet your instructor, who is fluent in English and clearly experienced in guiding first-timers. The day is structured to give you a thorough, confidence-building introduction to scuba diving.

Theoretical Session: Building the Base

The 60-minute theory session covers the essentials of scuba diving—safety procedures, equipment handling, breathing techniques, and communication signals underwater. This isn’t just a dry classroom session; the instructor, known for being friendly and clear, ensures everyone understands before heading into the water. Some reviews mention that the extra skills covered here are crucial for the boat dive, giving you confidence and practical know-how.

The Beach Dive: Starting Close to Home

Next, you’ll gear up for a 45-minute beach dive. From the shoreline, you’ll get your first hands-on experience with your instructor close by. The beach dive is a calm, controlled environment ideal for practicing skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, and buoyancy control. Reviewers highlight that this part is fun and manageable, even for first-timers. One participant noted, “It was reassuring to practice everything on the beach first, then transfer those skills to the boat dive.”

The Boat Dive: Exploring the Depths

Following the beach session, it’s time for the boat dive. You’ll head out on a boat, which adds a layer of adventure and a change of scenery. Many enjoy this segment because it offers a different perspective of the water and a chance to see more of the marine life, depending on conditions. The boat itself is comfortable, and the instructor is praised for making transitions smooth. Expect around 45 minutes underwater, with plenty of support and guidance.

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Returning and Reflection

After the two dives, you’ll return to the starting point at Eurodiving, often feeling a sense of achievement. The entire experience, at 2.5 hours, is well-paced and packed with valuable initial skills, making it a meaningful introduction rather than just a quick thrill.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Meeting Points and Logistics

The tour starts at Eurodiving, located in Ligaria, easily accessible from Heraklion—roughly a 20-minute drive. The meeting point provides clear directions, and the activity ends back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward.

Equipment and Safety

All gear, including wetsuits and full diving equipment, is provided. The instructor emphasizes safety and clear communication throughout, making it ideal for beginners. Reviewers mention the equipment was in great condition, and the instructor was attentive to individual needs.

Group Size and Language

Limited to just 10 participants, the small-group setup ensures you receive personalized guidance. The entire experience is conducted in English, making communication easy for international travelers.

Cost and Flexibility

Pricing includes all essential gear, instruction, and the theoretical component. Booking offers the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. This provides peace of mind, especially if travel plans shift unexpectedly.

When to Go and Considerations

This experience runs at various times throughout the day—check availability for specific start times. It’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues like respiratory or cardiac problems, so be upfront about health conditions.

What to Bring

Pack your passport or ID, swimwear, sun protection, towel, and water. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the transfer and post-dive comfort. Avoid alcohol and drugs before the activity, as safety is paramount.

Why This Experience Works

The blend of theory and practical diving from both shore and boat makes this tour stand out. The thorough briefing and personalized attention from guides like Nico and Maria, noted for their friendly professionalism, help demystify the underwater world. Several reviews mention that the extra skills learned here are really beneficial, especially for those considering certification down the line.

Travelers who value a safe, well-organized introduction to scuba will find this experience a worthwhile investment. The inclusion of full gear and wetsuit, plus the manageable group size, adds to its appeal.

The scenery at Ligaria is another highlight—calm waters, clear visibility, and marine life sightings depending on the day, make for memorable moments. The fact that the experience can be completed within a manageable 2.5 hours makes it suitable for those with tight schedules, yet still offers enough immersion to feel like a true first taste of diving.

The Bottom Line

This Discover Scuba Diving Plus is an excellent choice for first-timers who want a comprehensive, safe, and enjoyable introduction to underwater exploration. It’s especially well-suited for travelers curious about certification but not ready to commit, or those simply eager to see Crete’s marine life with minimal fuss.

The combination of thorough theory, manageable beach and boat dives, and attentive guides provides real value, especially considering all equipment is included. Just remember to consider your health status and book in advance to secure your spot.

For anyone looking to dip their toes into the water, discover new scenery, and gain confidence in a controlled environment, this tour hits the right balance of fun and safety.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed specifically for those new to scuba diving and includes a thorough theory and skill practice.

Are all diving equipment provided?
Yes, full scuba gear and wetsuits are included, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your travel plans.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including theory and two dives.

Is it suitable for children?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

Can pregnant women participate?
No, pregnant women are advised not to participate for safety reasons.

Do I need any special health conditions to join?
Participants should not suffer from respiratory or cardiac problems and should inform the instructor of any health issues.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Eurodiving in Ligaria, about 20 minutes from Heraklion.

Is this experience ideal for future certification?
While it’s not a certification course itself, the extra skills and knowledge gained can serve as a helpful stepping stone if you decide to pursue certification later.

This tour is a genuine introduction to the underwater world, offering a fun, safe, and affordable way to see what diving is all about in Crete.

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