Discover Scuba Diving in Nea Makri, Marathon: First Dive near Athens

Nea Makri is a seaside town on the bay of Marathon, east of Athens, with shallow, calm water that suits a first dive very well. Our Discover Scuba Diving experience starts at a certified dive centre in the town, with theory, shallow water practice and a guided sea dive of 30 to 40 minutes. It takes about 3.5 hours, costs €90 per person and runs in very small groups of 2 to 4 people.

What is Discover Scuba Diving in Nea Makri?

It is a supervised introduction to scuba for people who have never dived. A professional instructor teaches you the basics, checks your skills in calm, shallow water and then guides you on a real dive in the sea. The maximum depth is 6 m, which keeps the dive relaxed and lets you focus on breathing, balance and enjoying the marine life rather than on depth.

Where do we dive?

Everything starts at the dive centre in Nea Makri, on the Marathon coast of eastern Attica, about 45 minutes from Athens. The bay here is sheltered, with shallow and usually calm water, the kind of conditions instructors look for with beginners. The instructor chooses the exact spot on the day based on the weather and sea.

What happens on the day?

The experience has three stages.

• Theory at the dive centre: the instructor explains how diving works, how the equipment fits together and the safety rules you follow underwater.
• Shallow water training: in calm water where you can stand, you try breathing from the regulator and practise the basic skills until you feel at ease.
• Open water dive: a guided dive in the sea of 30 to 40 minutes, to a maximum of 6 m, looking at the Mediterranean marine life with your instructor beside you.

Afterwards you relax with bottled water and a juice or tea, and you get photos or video of your dive. The whole experience lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is it right for me?

Yes, if you are comfortable in water and can swim at a basic level. No diving experience is needed. The minimum age is 8, and children must be accompanied by an adult, so it works well for families. Every diver fills in a health questionnaire before the dive. Some conditions, such as asthma or heart problems, may mean you cannot dive, so if you are unsure please talk to your doctor before booking. You should also avoid flying within 12 hours after diving.

Good to know

• Minimum age 8, children with an adult.
• Basic swimming skills required.
• Health questionnaire for every diver.
• Maximum depth 6 m (20 ft).
• Maximum 4 divers per instructor, minimum 2 per booking.
• No flying within 12 hours after the dive.
• Free pick-up from hotels in the Nea Makri area.

What is included?

The price includes a professional instructor, all diving equipment, DAN dive insurance, bottled water, a juice or tea, photos or video of your dive, and all taxes, fees and handling charges. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and sunscreen. If you are staying in the Nea Makri area, pick-up from your hotel and drop-off afterwards are free.

Why are groups so small?

Each instructor takes a maximum of 4 divers, and each booking needs at least 2. A small group means the instructor can watch every diver closely, help with ears and buoyancy, and move at the pace of the group. It also makes the dive calmer and more personal than a large class.

What does a first dive feel like?

Most people are surprised by how quiet it is. Once you trust the regulator, breathing slows down, the noise of the surface disappears and you start to notice fish, rocks and light on the seabed. Equalising your ears gently as you go down is the one new habit to learn, and the instructor shows you how before you leave the shallows.

When is the best time to go?

The sea around Nea Makri is warmest from late spring to autumn, which most beginners find the most comfortable time for a first dive. All dives depend on the weather, and the instructor may change the site or reschedule if the sea is not calm enough.

How to get there from central Athens

Nea Makri is about 45 minutes from Athens by car or taxi. You can also take the public bus towards Marathon and get off at the Nea Makri stop, where you can be picked up for the short ride to the dive centre. If you are staying in the Nea Makri area, hotel pick-up is free.