Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and beautiful islands—it’s also a fantastic destination for scuba diving. With crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and countless coastal spots, Greece offers some of the best underwater experiences in Europe. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to breathe underwater for the first time or a seasoned diver looking for new sites, Greece has a lot to offer. We particularly love the Try Diving Adventure in Santorini for its stunning volcanic backdrop, and the Scuba Diving Beginners/Experts Pefkos Lindos Rhodes Greece for its accessible yet vibrant underwater scenery. These experiences provide safe, guided introductions or advanced explorations in some of Greece’s most beautiful locations.
If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of the 12 best scuba diving experiences in Greece. Each offers a distinct flavor—from the convenience of boat trips in Crete to specialized beginner courses in Naxos. Read on to find the perfect dive adventure for your next trip.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of scuba diving tours tailored to different interests and skill levels. There are introductory experiences suitable for first-timers, such as Try Diving Adventure, and more advanced or specialty dives like those in Rhodes or Zakynthos. Expect options like boat-based tours, private experiences, and family-friendly dives. For a comprehensive look, check out the Naxos Discover Scuba Diving or the Chania Scuba & Snorkeling Tour. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Try Diving Adventure
Starting off our list at number 1 is the Try Diving Adventure in South Aegean. This tour is perfect for first-time divers who want a safe and memorable introduction to the underwater world. It lasts just three hours and is based at the Navy’s Waterworld Dive Center in Santorini, a location renowned for its volcanic scenery and clear waters. During this experience, you’ll learn basic safety procedures, breathe underwater, and explore the vibrant marine life, including colorful fish and perhaps even octopuses.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on newcomers—no certification needed—and its highly positive reviews, with a 4.8/5 rating from 55 travelers. The guide ensures comfort from start to finish, and the short duration makes it accessible even for those with limited time. The highlight is the unique underwater environment of Santorini, with volcanic formations adding an extra layer of wonder.
Bottom Line: A superb choice if you’re after a safe, beginner-friendly introduction with stunning surroundings.
2. Naxos: Discover Scuba Diving – Your first experience diving
At number 2, Naxos: Discover Scuba Diving offers a 2.5-hour program that guides beginners through their first underwater experience with PADI-certified instructors. This tour is ideal if you want to explore Naxos’s famous reefs and see marine life like octopus, seabass, and damselfish in a relaxed setting. The highlight is the house reef, which provides an excellent environment for nervous divers to gain confidence.
This experience is highly rated (5/5 from 10 reviews) because of the patient guidance and the reassurance provided by experienced instructors. Reviewers appreciate the friendly staff and the calm, reassuring atmosphere—especially those new to scuba. The tour includes a brief theory session and underwater exploration, making it a comprehensive yet manageable first step.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners seeking their first underwater adventure in a safe, friendly setting.
3. Scuba Diving Beginners/Experts Pefkos Lindos Rhodes Greece
Number 3 takes us to Rhodes, where both beginners and experienced divers can enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery. This full-day program includes a safety briefing at Waterhoppers Pefkos, then a dive at a carefully selected site with diverse marine species—highlighting the richness of Rhodes’s underwater environment.
This trip is praised for its flexibility, allowing those with prior experience to explore more challenging sites. The team emphasizes safety, and the bay’s calm waters are ideal for both novices and seasoned divers. Reviews mention the bay’s beauty and the friendly, multilingual guides, making it a reliable option to introduce or advance your diving skills.
Bottom Line: A great choice for divers of all levels wanting a flexible, well-organized experience in Rhodes.
4. Chania: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for Beginners by Boat
At number 4, Chania’s combined boat trip with snorkeling and scuba diving offers a versatile day out. The tour includes a Blue Cave snorkeling session and a scuba experience up to 10 meters deep. It’s perfect if you prefer a varied day—relaxing on a boat, exploring underwater caves, and snorkeling in crystal waters.
The small-group format and professional guidance make this a popular choice—rated 5/5 from 2 reviews. You get a chance to capture underwater photos as a souvenir, and the boat ride adds a scenic element to your day. The tour is ideal for those who want a combination of relaxation and adventure in a safe environment.
Bottom Line: Best suited for beginners and families who want variety without sacrificing safety or scenery.
5. Naxos: Discover Scuba Dive with Nima Dive Center
Number 5 is the Naxos Discover Scuba Dive with Nima Dive Center, which emphasizes safety and professional instruction. The 3-hour experience introduces you to scuba with a clear theory lesson, modern equipment, and a supervised shallow dive. It’s perfect for those who want a more personalized experience, as many sessions are 1:1.
Participants rave about the friendly, patient instructors and the ability to see marine life at around 6 meters deep. The inclusion of free photos and videos makes it a good value for the price, especially for first-timers who want to document their underwater moment.
Bottom Line: Excellent for nervous beginners eager for a tailored, professional introduction.
6. Amorgos: Try Scuba Diving Experience
Number 6 offers the Amorgos Try Scuba Diving Experience, emphasizing fun and safety. With a 2.5-hour duration, it’s designed for newcomers who want a taste of the underwater world without the commitment of certification. The instructors focus on making your first breaths underwater memorable, whether in a pool or off a beach.
What makes Amorgos special is its relaxed atmosphere and the chance to observe marine life close-up. The short academic session ensures you understand basic safety rules, and all gear is provided.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers looking for a stress-free introduction in a less crowded environment.
7. Fun Diving at Amorgos Diving Center
Number 7 is the Fun Diving experience on the island of Amorgos. This trip offers divers of all levels the opportunity to explore the island’s rich underwater landscape—caves, walls, and clear waters abound. The focus is on guided fun dives with professional, international staff.
Many reviewers mention the beautiful scenery and the personalized attention that helps even nervous divers feel confident. The variety of dive sites means you can choose a site that matches your comfort level and interest.
Bottom Line: Great for divers with some experience wanting to explore Amorgos’s underwater caves and walls.
8. Plakias: Try Scuba Diving, Private Experience – from 8yrs
Number 8 is a private scuba experience in Plakias, Crete, designed for families and small groups. From age 8 upwards, everyone can enjoy breathing underwater in calm, clear waters. The tour lasts four hours, offering plenty of time to learn, explore, and take underwater photos.
The private attention ensures safety and tailored guidance, making it ideal for families or those seeking a more personal experience. The tour includes underwater pictures, making it an attractive option for capturing memories.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or small groups wanting a personalized, safe adventure suited for all ages.
$180 per person
9. Paros: Scuba Diving Experience
Number 9 features a full-day experience in Paros, ideal for those wanting to try scuba diving without certification. The program includes a theory session, a boat dive, and a shallow water practice, all guided by professionals. The 12-hour itinerary makes it suitable for travelers with full days to spare.
While reviews are not provided, the itinerary’s structure suggests a thorough introduction with plenty of hands-on practice. The emphasis on both theory and practical skills is perfect for those who want confidence in the water.
Bottom Line: Best suited for dedicated beginners ready for a comprehensive, full-day introduction.
$177 per person
10. Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners In Greece
Number 10 offers a 4-hour beginner’s tour in Central Greece, perfect if you want a shorter but intensive experience. Participants will learn to handle scuba gear, explore crystal waters, and obtain underwater photos and videos from a professional instructor.
The focus here is on building confidence and enjoying the underwater world without prior experience. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time but eager to try scuba.
Bottom Line: A practical option for first-timers looking for a quality introduction in a shorter timeframe.
$124 per person
11. Try Free Diving in the Island of the Big Blue
Number 11 introduces freediving, a different kind of underwater experience. This 2.5-hour program teaches you how to hold your breath, discover your freediving potential, and explore underwater without tanks. The focus is on breath-hold techniques and relaxation.
While not traditional scuba, freediving is an exciting alternative for those interested in a more physical and meditative underwater activity. The program is suitable for beginners and offers a unique perspective on underwater exploration.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventurers wanting to learn breath-hold skills in a safe environment.
$102 per person
12. Zakynthos: Scuba Diving Experience with Underwater Photos
Rounding out our list at number 12 is the Zakynthos Scuba Diving Experience. This tour offers one or two dives, with underwater photos included, making it a perfect souvenir of your marine adventure. The waters of Zakynthos are known for their clarity and marine diversity.
The personalized instruction from professional guides ensures safety, while the option to choose between single or double dives gives flexibility. The underwater photography is a bonus for sharing your experience.
Bottom Line: Best for divers seeking a memorable, photo-rich experience in the Ionian Sea.
$136 per person
How to Choose Your Ideal Scuba Experience in Greece
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For absolute beginners, options like the Try Diving Adventure or the Naxos Discover Scuba Diving provide excellent introductions. If you’re traveling with family or want a private experience, the Plakias private tour is ideal. For more experienced divers looking to explore specific sites, options like Fun Diving in Amorgos or the Zakynthos experience offer deeper exploration.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season (June to September), to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability.
Greece offers a rich array of scuba diving experiences that suit every level and interest. Whether you’re dipping your toes for the first time or exploring underwater caves, the possibilities are plenty. Consider your comfort, interests, and schedule, and you’ll find a memorable underwater adventure awaiting. Dive in, and enjoy Greece’s underwater treasures—you’ll be glad you did.