Imagine stepping into the clear waters of Ligaria Bay for a 45-minute beach dive—a chance for certified divers to explore Crete’s vibrant marine life just a stone’s throw from the shore. This experience, offered by Sailing Crete, promises an opportunity to see sea turtles, octopus, and an array of colorful fish, all with a professional instructor guiding the way. While it’s not a full-length dive, it’s a perfect way for those with certification to enjoy Crete’s underwater beauty without the hassle of boat trips or complicated logistics.
What we love about this experience is its focus on safety and personalized attention. With a small group limited to just 10 participants, you’re not just another face in a crowd. Plus, the convenience of starting right from Ligaria Bay makes it a hassle-free addition to your holiday plans. On the flip side, the 45-minute duration might feel brief for some seasoned divers wanting a more extensive underwater adventure. If you’re a certified diver looking for a quick, relaxed dive close to land, this could be just right. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to combine some underwater exploration with other beach activities or sightseeing.
Key Points
- Certified Diver Focus: Only open to those with diving certification, making it ideal for experienced underwater enthusiasts.
- Small Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.
- Convenient Location: Based at Ligaria Beach, making it easy to include in your Crete itinerary.
- Professional Instruction: Led by an English-speaking instructor well-versed in local marine life.
- Additional Activities: The center offers a wide range of watersports including windsurfing, kayaking, e-foils, and snorkeling.
- Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Exploring the Experience in Detail
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ligaria.
Getting There and Starting Point
The tour begins at Eurodiving, situated on Ligaria Beach (about 20 minutes’ drive from Heraklion). The ease of access is a big plus—no need to worry about complicated transfers or long boat rides. Just show up prepared with your certification and a willingness to explore underwater. The location is perfect for a quick, accessible dive, especially after a morning of sightseeing or lounging on the beach.
The Itinerary Breakdown
The tour’s structure is straightforward: it starts at Eurodiving, then heads into the water at Ligaria, and concludes back at the same location. The actual 45-minute dive takes place from the coast, with the instructor guiding you through the underwater environment. This means you get to enjoy Crete’s marine life without the stress of navigating or planning boat trips.
One clever aspect of this experience is its flexibility—you’re not tied to a long, intensive course but instead get a focused, enjoyable session. The marine environment here is known for its sea turtles, octopus, and various fish, and the calm, shallow waters make it suitable for those comfortable with diving but still eager to see marine creatures up close.
What You Can Expect Underwater
While the experience lasts only about 45 minutes, it’s enough to give you a sense of Crete’s lively underwater world. The shallow waters are perfect for observing a variety of marine life, from playful sea turtles to curious octopus hiding among rocks. According to reviews, divers have enjoyed the chance to see “all kinds of fish,” and some have even mentioned spotting large sea turtles—an absolute highlight for many.
The instructor’s role is key here—they’re there to ensure safety and provide guidance, making the experience accessible even if you’re slightly nervous. Since equipment rental isn’t included in the base price (there’s an extra €20 fee), you’ll want to decide if you need your own gear or wish to rent it on-site. The refresh dive option is also available for €40, ideal if you haven’t dived in a while or need to re-establish confidence.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Watersports Center & Other Activities
Beyond the dive, the center offers a wide array of water-based fun—windsurfing, stand-up paddling (with and without E-Fins), jet skis, electric surfboards, wing foiling, underwater scooters, kayaks, pedalo, and snorkeling gear. This makes Ligaria Bay a fantastic hub for a full day of adventure. If your partner or friends aren’t divers, they can still have a blast on land or in the water while you enjoy your certification dive.
Practical Considerations: Cost and Value
At first glance, the main activity’s cost might seem modest, but it’s important to consider the additional charges for equipment and refresh dives. For €20, you can rent all necessary gear, or opt for a €40 refresh dive if your certification has been inactive in the last six months or if you have fewer than 20 logged dives. For anyone with a valid certification, the price offers good value—you’re paying for a professional guided experience in a safe, controlled environment.
The small group size and the focus on personalized instruction enhance this value, especially for divers who appreciate direct interaction with their instructor. Plus, the location’s proximity to Heraklion means you can easily include it in your broader Crete itinerary without long travel days.
Authenticity and Customer Experience
Reviews highlight the friendly, professional approach of the staff. Travelers appreciate the small group setting, which feels more like a personalized adventure rather than a mass tour. One diver said, “The instructor was super friendly and made me feel safe every step of the way, and I saw a turtle within minutes.” Such feedback underscores the quality of the guiding and the chances of memorable encounters with marine life.
Who Would Enjoy This?
This experience suits certified divers who are looking for a quick, manageable underwater adventure close to land. It’s perfect for those who want to combine diving with other beach or sightseeing activities in Crete. If you’re new to diving but certified, you’ll appreciate the safety and guidance offered. However, it’s not suitable for non-certified divers or those wanting a full-length, in-depth dive experience.
Final Thoughts
Sailing Crete’s Lygaria Beach certified dive offers a straightforward, rewarding way to enjoy Crete’s underwater riches without the complexities of boat trips or long excursions. Its small-group approach, professional instruction, and prime location on Ligaria Bay make it an accessible and enjoyable activity for certified divers. The marine life—especially the chance to spot sea turtles and octopus—adds a memorable touch to your holiday.
While the duration is brief, it’s enough to get a good taste of Crete’s underwater world and leave you eager for more diving adventures. The added flexibility of booking and cancellation makes it a practical choice for spontaneous travelers or those with flexible schedules.
If you’re a certified diver seeking a relaxed, guided experience with a high chance of seeing Crete’s marine treasures, this tour should be on your list. It’s a great way to combine underwater discovery with a scenic Greek seaside setting, ensuring you return home with stories and photos that will last a lifetime.
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for beginners who are already certified?
Yes. This is designed for certified divers, regardless of whether you’re a novice or experienced, as long as you hold a valid certification. The focus is on a relaxed, guided experience from the coast.
Are equipment rentals included in the price?
No. Equipment can be rented for an additional €20. If you prefer to bring your own gear, that’s fine too.
What if I haven’t dived in a while?
You can opt for a refresh dive for €40, which is recommended if you haven’t been active for less than six months or have fewer than 20 logged dives.
How long does the entire experience last?
The dive itself is about 45 minutes. The whole activity, including preparation, guidance, and wrap-up, might take a bit longer but generally fits within a half-day.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.
Where exactly does the activity start?
At Eurodiving on Ligaria Beach, easily accessible from Heraklion, making it convenient to include in your day’s plans.
In summary, this beach dive at Ligaria offers certified divers a manageable, enjoyable underwater experience in Crete’s peaceful bay. It’s best suited for those looking for a quick underwater adventure with the safety of a professional instructor, in a scenic setting where marine life abounds. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a few days, this activity promises a memorable slice of Crete’s underwater charm.
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