Heraklion: Try Scuba Diving For Beginners (1 dive)

If you’re looking to explore the underwater world in Crete without any prior experience, the Heraklion Try Scuba Diving for Beginners tour offers a relaxed and safe introduction. Priced at $108 per person, this 4 to 5-hour activity is ideal for those curious about diving but hesitant to commit to a full certification. Guided by passionate instructors from Horizon Diving, the tour emphasizes safety, comfort, and personalized attention, making it a standout choice for first-timers and families alike.

This tour departs from Heraklion, targeting those staying in nearby areas with included hotel pickup and drop-off. The experience revolves around exploring shallow waters teeming with unique aquatic life, all within an absolutely safe environment specially designed for beginners. With the tour capped at 8 participants, expect a small-group setting that fosters personalized guidance and an enjoyable pace.

Key Points

• Affordable price at $108 for a complete beginner scuba experience.
• Duration of 4 to 5 hours, with flexible starting times.
• Includes all full diving equipment and professional instructors.
• Small group sizes ensure personal attention and safety.
• Suitable for families, but not recommended for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions.
• Includes water and snacks, with optional GoPro camera rental available separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Heraklion: Starting Point for Your Underwater Adventure

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Heraklion or nearby areas, making logistics simple and stress-free. Travelers are asked to provide their accommodation details in advance so that the mini bus can be waiting in the designated parking area in front of the reception. The transfer is free for guests staying in nearby locations, ensuring a comfortable start to your day.

Once at the diving center, you’ll meet the professional instructors who guide you through the entire process. The activity is designed for small groups, limited to 8 participants, which means more personalized instruction and plenty of time for questions. This setting is particularly appreciated by reviewers, who mention how guides like Loannis, Kris, Yiannis, and Yanis make the experience engaging and clear.

The Shallow Water Exploration in Crete’s Clear Seas

The core of this experience takes place in shallow waters of a scenic, protected bay with crystal-clear water. Here, you learn the basic skills of scuba diving, including breathing techniques, safety procedures, and equipment handling—all under the watchful eye of the instructors, who emphasize safety without sacrificing fun.

The environment is described as absolutely safe for beginners, with enough water depth to explore comfortably and rich sea life to observe. You get familiar with breathing underwater and handling the equipment in the calm, shallow bay before embarking on your introductory dive. The water’s clarity and the peaceful surroundings help reduce any initial nervousness, allowing you to enjoy the experience fully.

Learning with Passionate, Multilingual Instructors

The professional instructors lead the sessions in English, French, German, and Greek, accommodating a diverse group of participants. They are praised for their patience, clarity, and friendly approach, which fosters confidence in first-time divers.

From the debriefing at the start to the recap afterward, instructors ensure you understand every step of the process. They take time to answer questions and explain the underwater environment, making sure everyone feels comfortable before starting the dive. This personal touch is highlighted as a major strength of the tour.

What You Learn During the Try Scuba Program

Participants are introduced to basic scuba skills, including breathing techniques, mask clearing, and buoyancy control. The instructor guides you through these fundamentals in a relaxed setting, allowing you to learn at your own pace in small groups. After mastering these skills in shallow water, you’re ready to explore the unique aquatic life and endless blue of the Cretan sea.

The debrief after the dive offers an opportunity to discuss what you experienced and ask about further diving options, making this tour a perfect first step toward more advanced certifications if desired.

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The Dive Itself: Exploring the Underwater World

The actual exploration is conducted in crystal-clear waters teeming with sea life, providing a vibrant backdrop to your first underwater adventure. The environment is described as absolutely safe for beginners, which encourages confidence even for those with some initial hesitation.

You get to see the diverse aquatic life that Crete’s waters offer, all while being closely supervised by instructors. The small group setting allows for plenty of individual attention, ensuring everyone remains comfortable and secure throughout the experience.

Included Gear and Additional Options

All full diving equipment is provided, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and regulators. This means no extra gear needs to be rented unless you want to use a GoPro underwater camera, which is available separately for rental.

Participants are advised to bring swimwear and a towel for after the dive. The experience also includes water and snacks to keep hydration levels up and energy high during the activity.

The Practicalities: Timing, Group Size, and Medical Requirements

The tour lasts between 4 and 5 hours, with starting times checked upon booking. It’s suitable for those aged 8 and above, excluding pregnant women or those with heart problems or certain medical conditions, which require a doctor’s note.

The tour operates in small groups capped at 8 participants, fostering a more personalized experience. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

The Experience of the Guides: Knowledgeable and Patient

The instructors from Horizon Diving are praised for their knowledge, patience, and passion. Reviewers note how guides like Loannis, Kris, Yiannis, and Yanis create a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere, helping first-timers overcome any nervousness.

Their clear instructions and calm demeanors, combined with a friendly approach, make the experience accessible and enjoyable. This is especially valuable for those entirely new to scuba diving.

Comparing This Tour to Other Crete Activities

While many activities in Crete focus on sightseeing or sailing, this scuba experience stands out for its accessible introduction to underwater life. It complements other water-based experiences such as sailing trips or cruise excursions, offering a more hands-on and personal encounter with the sea.

The all-inclusive package with gear, instruction, and transport makes it a good value for first-time divers or families seeking a safe, guided activity. Unlike more complex diving courses, this activity is designed to be light, fun, and approachable for all ages above 8.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for beginners, families, or small groups seeking a safe and fun introduction to scuba diving. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a guided, small-group experience in Crete’s calm and clear waters.

While not suitable for very young children or pregnant women, the activity welcomes individuals with general good health and an interest in underwater exploration. Reviewers consistently highlight the friendly guides and engaging underwater environment as key reasons to choose this tour.

Heraklion: A Safe and Scenic Setting for Your First Dive

The crystal-clear waters and rich marine life of the Cretan bay create a perfect setting for your first underwater adventure. The small group size and professional instruction ensure a comfortable, safe, and personalized experience.

The activity’s emphasis on learning at your own pace makes it accessible for everyone, especially beginners. The inclusion of snacks and water helps maintain energy levels, while the hotel transfer simplifies logistics.

Final Thoughts on the Try Scuba Diving Experience in Crete

This try scuba diving tour offers excellent value for $108, providing a safe, friendly, and well-organized introduction to underwater exploration. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized experience, making it suitable for families or individuals new to diving.

While it’s designed for beginners, the quality of instruction and beautiful underwater environment make it a memorable activity for all. It’s a perfect way to dip your toes into scuba diving without committing to a full certification or advanced course.

The only considerations are that it’s not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with specific medical conditions. Booking in advance and planning for the 4 to 5-hour activity ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience required for this scuba tour? No, this activity is specifically designed for beginners with no prior experience needed.

What is included in the price? The tour includes full diving equipment, professional instructors, water, snacks, and hotel pickup and drop-off near the activity location.

Can children participate? Children 8 years and older can participate, but younger children or pregnant women are not suitable.

What language do guides speak? Guides speak English, French, German, and Greek to help all participants feel comfortable.

How long does the activity last? The entire experience takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on availability and group pace.

Is there a cancellation policy? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Do I need to fill out medical forms? Yes, participants must complete a medical questionnaire; those with medical conditions need a doctor’s confirmation.

What should I bring? Bring swimwear and a towel; all gear is supplied.

Is a GoPro camera rental available? Yes, but underwater camera rental is not included in the package and must be arranged separately.

What makes this tour stand out? The small group size, personalized instruction, and safe environment make it a top choice for first-time divers in Crete.

Can I book and pay later? Yes, the activity allows reserve and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

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