Chania Diving Trips for Certified Divers

Explore Crete’s Best Certified Diver Diving Experience for $178

Crete’s Chania Diving Trips for Certified Divers offers a rewarding underwater adventure for licensed divers. Priced at $178.34 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, this tour provides access to some of the island’s most sought-after diving sites. The tour is ideal for those with certification, as it includes 2 boat dives at locations such as the Elephant Cave, the Greek diving park, and historic wrecks. The small group size ensures personalized attention, with a maximum of 9 participants, and full rental of scuba equipment is included.

A notable feature of this experience is the chance to explore Greece’s first licensed diving park—home to 44 artificial reefs and the famous wreck of Minnewaska, sunk in 1916. The tour starts at Omega Divers | Crete Diving Center in Almyrida, with free pickup and drop-off options, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby. This dive trip combines natural beauty, historical wrecks, and vibrant marine life, making it perfect for certified divers eager to explore Crete’s underwater treasures.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $178.34 per person for approximately 4.5 hours.
• Includes equipment: Full rental of scuba gear is provided, no need to bring your own.
• Two boat dives: Covering top sites like Elephant Cave and the Nestor wreck.
• Historical wreck exploration: Dive at the Minnewaska, built in Belfast in 1908 and sunk in 1916.
• Artificial reefs and marine life: Explore 44 artificial reefs and the Tugboat R/K Nestora wreck.
• Small group experience: Limited to 9 participants, ensuring personalized guidance.
• Convenient logistics: Pickup and drop-off available from the meeting point.

Starting Point at Omega Divers in Almyrida

The tour begins at Omega Divers | Crete Diving Center in Almyrida at 9:00 am. The meeting point is easy to reach, and the tour wraps up back at this location. The tour’s schedule fits well into a morning agenda, giving plenty of time to relax afterward or explore more of Crete.

Discover the Most Popular Diving Sites in Crete

The Elephant Cave is a highlight, featuring two large chambers with shallow depths of 2 and 1 meter. With more than 20 meters of visibility, divers can appreciate the crystal-clear waters and 60000-year-old elephant and deer fossils inside. This site is suitable for all active certified divers and offers an exceptional experience of underwater geology and fossils.

Exploring Greece’s First Certified Diving Park

The Apokoronas Diving Park is a major draw, hosting 44 artificial reefs that support a thriving marine ecosystem. The park also features the wreck of “Nestor”, a vibrant habitat for marine life. The two shore dives use sea scooters to reach the reefs and the wreck of the Tugboat R/K Nestora, sunk in April 2025. These underwater features create a diverse environment of marine biodiversity and structural intrigue.

The Historic Wreck of Minnewaska

One of the most remarkable features of this tour is the visit to the Minnewaska, a 100-year-old British shipwreck lying at about 20 meters deep. Built in Belfast in 1908, the passenger steamer was used during WWI to transport troops. Sunk after hitting a mine in 1916, the Minnewaska provides a glimpse into maritime history. Its name, meaning “clear water” in American Indian language, hints at the beauty of the site, where divers can explore the wreck’s remains and imagine its storied past.

The Elephant Cave: Shallow and Stunning

The Elephant Cave dive is considered essential for anyone visiting Crete. With shallow water and breathable air, the site is accessible for active certified divers and offers over 20 meters of visibility. Inside, divers encounter 60000-year-old fossils, adding a prehistoric dimension to the underwater environment. The two large chambers make for an impressive experience, with easy depths of 1 and 2 meters perfect for relaxed exploration.

Marine Life and Artificial Reefs in Apokoronas

The 44 artificial reefs in the Apokoronas Diving Park foster a vibrant habitat for marine species. Divers use sea scooters to glide between reefs and the wreck of Nestor, creating an exciting and dynamic underwater route. The reefs support varied marine life, and the underwater structures are designed to promote marine biodiversity while providing visually captivating sights for certified divers.

Practical Details and Booking Info

The tour is booked on average 17 days in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. The meeting point is the Crete Diving Center in Almyrida, where guides facilitate transfers. The activity is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, and the small group size ensures attentive guidance throughout. The full rental of scuba equipment means no additional gear is necessary.

Who Will Appreciate This Dive Tour?

This trip is tailored for certified divers looking for a mix of historic wreck exploration, artificial reefs, and unique underwater caves. The small group size and personalized approach appeal to those seeking a more intimate experience. It’s perfect for divers who appreciate marine biodiversity and are excited to explore Crete’s underwater history and vibrant ecosystems.

Final Thoughts on the Crete Certified Diving Trip

The Chania Diving Trips for Certified Divers offers an immersive underwater experience, combining beautiful reefs, historic wrecks, and stunning caves. The full gear rental and small group setting make it accessible and comfortable for active certified divers. The inclusion of the Minnewaska wreck, sunk over a century ago, adds a distinctive historical element that enriches the experience.

While the tour is well-suited to those with certification and moderate physical fitness, it provides excellent value for the quality of sites visited and the personalized guidance. If you’re eager to see Crete’s underwater treasures, this tour guarantees a memorable, well-organized adventure with plenty of opportunities for underwater photography and marine observation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $178.34?
Full rental of scuba equipment, boat dives, and guided tours at key sites are included.

How long is the tour?
The activity lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Is pickup available?
Yes, free pickup and drop-off are offered from the meeting point at Omega Divers in Almyrida.

What are the prerequisites for participating?
Participants should have a valid diving certification and moderate physical fitness.

Are there any restrictions on the depth?
The Elephant Cave features shallow depths of 1 and 2 meters, suitable for active certified divers.

What are the main sites visited during the tour?
Divers explore the Elephant Cave, the Greek artificial reefs, the wreck of “Nestor”, and the Minnewaska shipwreck.

Can I see marine fossils on this tour?
Yes, inside the Elephant Cave, you will find fossils of elephants and deers dating back 60,000 years.

Is the tour suitable for photography?
Absolutely, the sites offer excellent visibility (over 20 meters), perfect for underwater photography.

What if weather conditions are poor?
The tour depends on weather, and 2 boat dives may be adjusted accordingly. The guide adapts to ensure safety.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made in advance, typically 17 days ahead, via the booking platform or by contacting Omega Divers directly.

Discovering Crete’s underwater world with this certified diver tour combines history, marine life, and stunning scenery, making it an excellent choice for experienced divers eager to explore Crete’s vibrant seas.