PADI Scuba Diving Courses in Athens: Scuba Diver & Open Water

Learning to dive near Athens means training in the open Aegean, a short drive from the city. We run PADI certification courses from Varkiza on the Athens Riviera, with certified instructors and divemasters, full equipment and DAN insurance included. You can choose the shorter PADI Scuba Diver course or the full PADI Open Water Diver course.

Which PADI courses can I take in Athens?

We offer two beginner certification courses, both starting from Varkiza.

• PADI Scuba Diver, 2 to 3 days: a shorter course that certifies you to dive to a maximum of 12 metres under the supervision of a PADI professional. A good choice if you have limited time on holiday.
• PADI Open Water Diver, 4 to 7 days: the full entry level course. It combines theory, five confined water sessions and four open water dives from the shore in the Aegean, and certifies you to dive to 18 metres with a buddy.

Courses start from €350 per person. The final price depends on the course and your schedule, and we confirm it when you send a request.

What is the difference between Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver?

Scuba Diver is a subset of the Open Water Diver course. It takes less time and costs less, but it limits you to 12 metres and to diving with a professional. Open Water Diver gives you more freedom: you can dive to 18 metres with a certified buddy. If you start with Scuba Diver, you can upgrade to Open Water Diver later by completing the remaining training.

• Time: Scuba Diver 2 to 3 days, Open Water Diver 4 to 7 days.
• Depth limit: 12 metres versus 18 metres.
• Who you dive with: a PADI professional versus a certified buddy.

What happens during the course?

Every PADI course follows the same structure: knowledge development, confined water practice and open water dives. You start with the theory, learning how pressure affects your body and equipment, how to plan a dive and how to handle common problems. In calm, shallow water you then practise the core skills, from clearing your mask and sharing air to controlling your buoyancy. Finally you put it all together on open water dives in the sea, building depth and confidence step by step with your instructor. The Open Water Diver course includes four of these shore dives in the Aegean.

Is it right for me?

If you enjoy being in the water and want to explore underwater on your own terms, yes. You do not need any previous diving experience. A few points to consider before you book:

• You should be a comfortable swimmer.
• Diving is a safety sensitive activity. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire, and some conditions may require a doctor’s approval before training.
• Plan your flights carefully, as you should not fly too soon after diving. Ask us for advice when you choose your dates.
• If you want to try diving before committing, book our Discover Scuba Diving session first. The skills you learn there can count towards the Open Water Diver course.

When is the best time to learn to dive in Athens?

Summer and early autumn bring the warmest water and the easiest conditions for training. Spring and late autumn are quieter and visibility is often very good, though the water is cooler and a thicker wetsuit helps. Course availability depends on the season and instructor schedules, so send us your dates early, especially in July and August.

How do I get to Varkiza from central Athens?

Varkiza is on the Athens Riviera, south of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, and is easy to reach by car or taxi along the coast road. Buses also run along the Riviera. Since the course runs over several days, many students choose to stay in the southern suburbs or on the coast to cut travel time. The exact meeting point is sent with your confirmed schedule.

What comes after the course?

Once certified, you can join our boat dive trips from Varkiza, which visit wrecks, walls and caverns around the coast of Attica. Some sites are open to Scuba Divers, while others need Open Water certification or more experience. Many divers continue to Advanced Open Water to reach the deeper sites.

Good to know

• PADI certification, full diving equipment, DAN diving insurance and certified instructors and divemasters are included.
• Bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes for each day.
• Courses are booked on request so we can match the schedule to your dates.
• Let us know your swimming level and any medical questions when you enquire.