Discover Scuba Diving in Varkiza: First PADI Dive on the Athens Riviera

Varkiza sits on the Athens Riviera, south of the city, with clear water and easy access to the Aegean. Our PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience here is made for people who have never dived before: you learn the basics with a PADI instructor, practise in shallow water and then make a real open water dive to a maximum of 12 m. It takes about half a day and costs from €80 per person, with all equipment included.

What is Discover Scuba Diving in Varkiza?

It is PADI’s introductory programme for first time divers. It is not a full certification, but a supervised taste of scuba with a professional instructor beside you from start to finish. You learn how the equipment works, try the key skills where you can stand up, then dive in the open sea. If you enjoy it, the experience can count towards the PADI Open Water Diver course later on.

Where do we dive?

The dive centre is in Varkiza, a seaside town on the Athens Riviera within easy reach of central Athens. The coast of southeast Attica has more than 50 dive sites, and the instructor picks a suitable spot for beginners based on the sea conditions on your day. Expect warm, clear water, rocky seabed and Mediterranean marine life.

What happens on the day?

The session runs in three parts.

• Theory and equipment: a short classroom lesson on diving theory, the equipment, safety procedures, basic diving physics, hand signals and how to communicate underwater.
• Confined water skills: in shallow water you practise breathing underwater, clearing your mask, recovering your regulator, finding neutral buoyancy and moving with the equipment on.
• Open water dive: your first real dive in the Aegean with the instructor, using the skills you have just learned while you look at the marine life, to a maximum depth of 12 m.

The whole experience takes about 3 hours, roughly half a day including preparation. Underwater photos of your dive are included.

Is it right for me?

Yes, if you are curious about diving and comfortable in water. No experience is needed. You must be able to swim at a basic level, though you do not need to be a strong swimmer. The minimum age is 10, and children under 18 need parental consent and supervision. Diving puts some strain on the ears, lungs and heart, so please tell us about any medical conditions, recent surgery or medication when you book, and the instructor will advise whether diving is safe for you.

Good to know

• Minimum age 10, with parental consent for minors.
• Basic swimming ability required.
• Maximum depth 12 m (40 ft).
• PADI certified professional instructor, small groups.
• Full scuba kit included: wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator and tank.
• DAN diving insurance and underwater photos included.
• An introductory experience, not a certification.

What is included and what should I bring?

The price includes complete scuba equipment (wetsuit, mask, fins, regulator and tank), a PADI certified instructor, theory materials and instruction, the confined water session, the open water dive, DAN diving insurance and underwater photography. You do not need any diving gear of your own. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, sunscreen and water to drink after the dive.

Can I continue after the first dive?

Yes. Discover Scuba Diving is the first step for many divers, and your experience can be credited towards the PADI Open Water Diver course. Ask your instructor about the next steps at the end of the day, or ask us when you book if you already know you want to go further.

What does a first dive feel like?

Most first time divers find it calmer than they expected. Once you trust the regulator, your breathing slows, the sounds of the surface fade and your attention turns to the fish and rocks around you. The one new habit is equalising your ears as you go down, which the instructor teaches before you leave the shallow water.

When is the best time to go?

The Aegean off the Athens Riviera is at its warmest from late spring to autumn, which most first time divers find the most comfortable. Dives always depend on sea conditions, and the instructor may change the site or reschedule if wind or waves make the water unsafe for beginners.

How to get there from central Athens

Varkiza is on the coast road south of Athens, past Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. It is roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car or taxi from the centre, depending on traffic, and public buses run along the coast road. We send the exact dive centre location with your booking confirmation.