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Learn to dive in the warm, clear water of the Athenian Riviera with our partner SSI Diamond Center, then explore the Greek islands.
Athens is one of the easiest places in Europe to get certified: warm Mediterranean water, great visibility and a world-class city on your doorstep.
Calm bays and Mediterranean visibility that often passes 20 m make learning relaxed and enjoyable.
We train with our partner SSI Diamond Center, SSI's highest rating for training quality, service and safety.
The dive sites are on Athens’ own coastline, so diving fits easily around a city stay.
Combine your course with the Acropolis, Cape Sounion's Temple of Poseidon and Athens' food scene.
All courses take place in the Athenian Riviera with our partner SSI Diamond Center. Theory is done online through SSI e-learning, with webinars with SSI instructors and briefings before and after every dive. Classroom theory at the dive centre is available on request.
Entry level
The world-recognised first certification. Learn the core skills and theory, then make four open-water training dives in the Athenian Riviera.
You need to be able to swim 200 m (or 300 m with mask, fins and snorkel) and float or tread water for 10 minutes.
Next step
Five adventure dives that introduce different SSI specialties. Deep Diving and Navigation are always included; the others depend on the dive centre’s schedule and sea conditions.
Specialty
Dive with enriched air for longer no-decompression times, and apply nitrox procedures on two open-water dives.
Specialty
Plan and make deeper dives safely, managing gas, narcosis and no-decompression limits.
No flying within 24 hours of the final dive.
Specialty
Master trim and buoyancy control to dive more relaxed, protect the reef and use less air.
Specialty
Learn to find your way underwater with natural navigation and the compass, and always return to your exit point.
Specialty
Discover the reef after dark and gain confidence diving in low light and limited visibility.
You need a primary and a backup dive light; both can be rented locally.
First aid · divers & non-divers
First aid, CPR, AED and oxygen provider training, through e-learning and one practical seminar. Valid for 2 years as the first-aid prerequisite for Diver Stress & Rescue.
Specialty
Learn to recognise and prevent problems, and to respond effectively when a diver needs help.
React Right (or equivalent first aid, CPR and oxygen training) must have been issued within the last 2 years. We can combine both courses for you.
Online course
Go deeper into the physics, physiology and equipment behind every dive. Completed fully online, it fits neatly into the SSI recognition paths.
Professional
The first professional level: dive planning, group management, navigation and safety, to lead certified divers under the supervision of SSI instructors.
You also need at least 25 hours of bottom time and SSI Deep Diving, Navigation and Night & Limited Visibility (or 5 logged dives in each). To certify, you need at least 50 logged dives and 32 hours of bottom time.
Combine two certifications in one stay and make the most of your diving days.
| Combination | Diving | Diving only, per person |
|---|---|---|
| Open Water Diver + Enriched Air Nitrox | 4 days · 4 dives | €680 |
| Open Water Diver + Perfect Buoyancy | 3–4 days | €650 |
| Open Water Diver + Advanced Open Water Diver | 6 days · 9 dives | €900 |
| Deep Diving + Enriched Air Nitrox | 2 days · 3 dives | €490 |
| Night & Limited Visibility + Navigation | 2 days · 3 dives | €460 |
| React Right + Diver Stress & Rescue | 3 days · 3 dives · 1 seminar | €580 |
Health & fitness: diving is physically demanding, so you need to be in good general health. Every participant completes and signs the SSI Medical Statement before the course. If you answer “yes” to any question, written clearance from a physician is required before arrival.
Certification & paperwork: bring proof of your previous certification (card or digital) to check-in. Everyone signs a liability release, and participants under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the SSI forms. We strongly recommend dive accident and travel insurance.
Dive computer: a dive computer is required on every dive. Bring your own or rent one for €10 per day.
Courses run throughout the year. Summer and autumn bring the warmest water.
Tell us your level, dates and goals and we’ll recommend the right course or package, with accommodation if you need it.
Complete SSI digital learning at home, at your own pace.
Pool and open-water training in the Athenian Riviera, then your SSI certification, recognised worldwide.
Once certified, Greece has diving for every level, from shallow bays to historic wrecks. We plan island trips with ferries, hotels and selected local dive centres.
Cyclades
Monk seal encounters near Mykonos, volcanic caverns off Santorini, an ancient amphora site near Syros and a WWII aircraft off Naxos.
Dodecanese
A German WWII seaplane resting in shallow water, accessible to a wide range of divers.
Crete
A half-submerged cavern with stalactites and fossil remains of ancient elephants.
Halkidiki
Easy reefs and wrecks for shore and boat diving, in green, forested surroundings.
Technical diving
Titanic's sister ship, at about 120 m off Kea. For technical and closed-circuit divers only.
Above water
Island-hopping, Greek food and history between dives. Book your ferries on our Ferry Tickets page.
No. The Open Water Diver course is designed for complete beginners. You need to be able to swim and be in good general health.
All year round. The water is warmest from June to October; in winter it is around 15–18 °C and a thicker wetsuit is used.
Four diving days with four open-water dives, after you complete the online theory at home.
Yes. Popular combinations are Open Water + Nitrox, Open Water + Perfect Buoyancy, Open Water + Advanced, Deep + Nitrox and React Right + Stress & Rescue. We can also add accommodation, transfers and an Athens sightseeing tour.
Yes. SSI certifications are recognised by dive centres all over the world.
From May to October; summer brings the warmest water and the clearest visibility.
Ancient and WWII wrecks, caverns, reefs, octopus, groupers, moray eels, sea turtles and, very rarely, a monk seal.
Tell us your dates and the course you’re interested in, and we’ll send you the details and prices.
