Diving course in Greece

[Cardo]

Wasn't sure where to post this, but I figure I'll start here.

The poll about diving qualifications has reminded me that I would like to learn to dive, and had been thinking about doing a course during our sail around the Greek islands this summer.

I'm a solid swimmer and can snorkel, as well as being a quick study, so I'd be looking to do some sort of fast track course (So we're not stuck in one place too long!).
We're starting off in Corfu in the next couple of weeks, doing some sort of loop around Greece and then ending up in Sicily next winter.

Can anyone recommend a dive school to look up? There's plenty that come up with Google, but I figured I'd ask for recommendations as a starting point.

Cheers!

 

[vyv_cox]

It may be somewhat off your intended route but there is one at Amorgos. There was one on Kithnos in 2010 but in 2013 it seemed to have gone. One on Leros seems to have gone the same way. I have not used any but the Amorgos one appeared to be professionally run.

 

[B&M]

In the Ionian, there was one in Sivota Mourtos but there are definitely ones in Nidri and Fiskardo.

 

[Tony Cross]

Meltemi Dive Centre on Ios. It's run by Jason and Katherine, they winter in the marina here so I know them well. Katherine in particular trains and assesses dive instructors worldwide, so she is very experienced. Highly recommended.

 

[pmyatt]

Meltemi Dive Centre on Ios. It's run by Jason and Katherine, they winter in the marina here so I know them well. Katherine in particular trains and assesses dive instructors worldwide, so she is very experienced. Highly recommended.

Tony,

I definitely support your recommendation. Heard from Katherine that they will be using video coaching as well this season, using a Go-Pro camera.

 

[Davy_S]

Have a word with Makis, Agia Efimia, Kefalonia. A really nice guy, I watched him giving private lessons to a handicapped child in their own pool, he has the patience of a saint and made one youngster very happy.
http://www.aquatic.gr/index2.html

 

[Cariadco]

There's a diving school in one of the new wooden offices near the Customs end of Gouvia Marina.
I think his name is Christos. He's a smashing guy and he's also the Marina Diver.
Regards,

 

[Carmel2]

http://www.meltemidiving.com/ on Ios. It's run by Jason and Katherine, they winter in the marina here so I know them well. Katherine in particular trains and assesses dive instructors worldwide, so she is very experienced. Highly recommended.

Another +1 for Jason and Kate.

 

[rivonia]

Another +1 for Jason and Kate.

I also give my total recomendation to Katherine and Jason. I think she is the most qualified dive instructor in Europe. Also the charges are NOT EXPENSIVE.

Peter

 

[Cardo]

Thanks for the recommendations so far.

Jason and Kate look pretty good, and at €400 for the open water course, they're not badly priced. Though, they are the very other end of Greece!

 

[Palarran]

Are there any underwater ruins you can dive on in the Aegean? I've looked on line and not found any good ones.

 

[Cardo]

Are there any underwater ruins you can dive on in the Aegean? I've looked on line and not found any good ones.

No idea. The various dive school websites mention dive spots. In my case, I want to learn so I have the skill for future holidays.

 

[Fil Brown]

Theres a dive centre in Fiskardo which I've dived with http://www.fiskardo-divers.com
Yannis is very experienced and patient!

 

[duncan99210]

I can recommend Fiskado Dive Centre as a bunch of folks to dive with. J and I are experienced divers and had a very enjoyable time with them last summer; their boat is well sorted, they are very professional in their approach and I would imagine they are good instructors, as they were very patient with the beginners on our dives with them. Website is at http://www.fiskardo-divers.com/ and their costs we reasonable.

 

[nigelmercier]

Do the written course in the UK, and the dives overseas. It's called a referral I think.

 

[Cardo]

I can recommend Fiskado Dive Centre as a bunch of folks to dive with. J and I are experienced divers and had a very enjoyable time with them last summer; their boat is well sorted, they are very professional in their approach and I would imagine they are good instructors, as they were very patient with the beginners on our dives with them. Website is at http://www.fiskardo-divers.com/ and their costs we reasonable.

Thanks, I've added them to the list!

Do the written course in the UK, and the dives overseas. It's called a referral I think.

Fly back to the UK, do the written course there, and then fly back to Greece???
I'm living (pseudo-aboard) in Corfu, at the moment.

Though, that does bring up a query. Does the PADI open water diver course include everything? Like the one on the above link, it runs between 4 and 5 days and costs €400. Are there any prerequisites to that? Or can I just rock up, do the course, and walk away with the card?

 

[duncan99210]

PADI Open Water requires some theory and some practical to complete. The practical lesson are split between confined water sessions (usually done in a pool) and open water dives. The theory lessons are usually conducted sandwiched between the confined water sessions and open water dives, as you can only spend a limited time under water: cold as well as nitrogen loading are the limiting factors. So, your course will typically take you 4 - 5 days and cover all you need. The idea of the referral system, where you do the theory lessons in UK and then the practical lessons in an overseas resort, is to get you qualified about 3 days after arrival, leaving you the rest of your holiday to spend diving as a qualified diver.

Check the PADI website for the fitness requirements. If you have any of the listed conditions, you may still be able to dive but will need to get a doctors certificate show the dive centre before they will allow you to dive.

One minor point, check with the dive centre you choose to go to that their price for the course includes equipment hire: without that, you can easily add Euro 30 a day for gear hire. Enjoy.

 

[Cardo]

PADI Open Water requires some theory and some practical to complete. The practical lesson are split between confined water sessions (usually done in a pool) and open water dives. The theory lessons are usually conducted sandwiched between the confined water sessions and open water dives, as you can only spend a limited time under water: cold as well as nitrogen loading are the limiting factors. So, your course will typically take you 4 - 5 days and cover all you need. The idea of the referral system, where you do the theory lessons in UK and then the practical lessons in an overseas resort, is to get you qualified about 3 days after arrival, leaving you the rest of your holiday to spend diving as a qualified diver.

Check the PADI website for the fitness requirements. If you have any of the listed conditions, you may still be able to dive but will need to get a doctors certificate show the dive centre before they will allow you to dive.

One minor point, check with the dive centre you choose to go to that their price for the course includes equipment hire: without that, you can easily add Euro 30 a day for gear hire. Enjoy.

Thanks for all the info. Seeing as we live aboard and are travelling around Greece this season, I'm sure we'll be able to stop somewhere for 5 days to do a course... As long as the boss approves!
No relevant medical conditions, fortunately. Seeing as we're still relative young'uns, and relatively healthy, we shouldn't have any issues!

I'm tempted by the place in Fiskardo, as it's one of the earlier places we'll arrive at.

 

[Steve C Cronin]

There's a diving school in one of the new wooden offices near the Customs end of Gouvia Marina.
I think his name is Christos. He's a smashing guy and he's also the Marina Diver.
Regards,

I think you mean "near the CHARTER end" john. Yes, Christos Mourikis is an ex-navy diver and runs a well regarded course in Gouvia, up to the usual PADI certifications. Phone +30 26610 91955 Mobile +30 6932 908130 Home +30 6932 908135

 

[nigelmercier]

Fly back to the UK, do the written course there, and then fly back to Greece???

Didn't realise you were living there. There is a lot of theory to do, so would eat up a lot of holiday time. I did my OW and AOW dives in the UK, and vowed there and then never to dive here again.