If you’re a certified diver visiting Crete and craving a straightforward, enjoyable underwater adventure, the Beach Dive at Ligaria Bay might just be your ideal choice. This experience combines the convenience of diving right off the coast with the reassurance of a professional instructor guiding every step.
What makes this tour stand out? First, it offers a personalized dive with an instructor directly from the shoreline, making it easy to access and less intimidating than boat-based dives. Second, the location at Ligaria Bay means you’re exploring vibrant marine life, including sea turtles and octopuses, in a calm, protected setting. Lastly, the small group size—limited to 10 participants—ensures individual attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.
However, it’s worth noting that equipment and refresh dives are not included in the base price, which could add to your overall costs if needed. This experience will suit certified divers looking for a convenient, scenic, and professional underwater outing—perfect for those wanting to explore Crete’s marine environment without the fuss of long boat trips or large crowds.
Good To Know
- Location: Ligaria Bay, Agia Pelagia, Crete
- Duration: around 45 minutes, with flexible start times
- For certified divers only: a safe, guided experience
- Includes an instructor: ensuring confidence and safety
- Additional costs: for equipment and refresh dives if needed
- Small groups: limited to 10 for personalized attention
An Honest Look at the Lygaria Beach Certified Dive Experience
When considering a dive in Crete, especially if you’re already certified, knowing what to expect makes all the difference. This experience, offered by Sailing Crete, provides a practical and enjoyable way to explore the underwater world near Ligaria Bay, a place renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Ligaria.
Meeting Point and Logistics
The adventure begins at Eurodiving, located at Ligaria beach, approximately 20 minutes drive from Heraklion’s center. This makes it conveniently accessible, whether you’re staying in Heraklion or nearby villages. The meeting is straightforward, with clear directions available via Google Maps, and the center operates from 10:00 to 17:00, giving ample flexibility for your planning.
The group size is intentionally kept small—up to 10 participants—which typically translates to a more personal, less rushed experience. This is especially valuable if you’re new to guided dives or prefer a more intimate setting with your instructor.
The Itinerary: What You Can Expect
The tour is structured around a simple, yet effective sequence:
- Start at Eurodiving: the hub for orientation, gear check, and briefing.
- Transport to Ligaria: it’s a short walk from the center to the shore where your dive will take place.
- Beach Dive in Ligaria Bay: your main event, lasting approximately 45 minutes, where you’ll explore the underwater world with your instructor guiding from alongside you.
The highlight, as many reviewers note, is the ease of access—diving straight from the coast means no boat or lengthy trips, perfect for a quick yet fulfilling experience. You’ll likely see turtles, octopuses, and a variety of fish, all within a calm, protected bay.
The Dive Experience
This isn’t a beginner’s introduction—you must be a certified diver to participate. The focus here is on guided exploration, with the instructor ensuring safety and helping you get comfortable with your surroundings. No equipment is included in the base price, but you can rent gear for an additional €20, which many find to be fair considering the quality and convenience.
For those who haven’t dived in a while, there’s an option for a refresh dive—costing an extra €40—if you’re feeling a bit rusty or haven’t logged a dive in less than six months. Reviewers mention that the instructors are friendly and professional, making even hesitant divers feel more at ease.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMarine Life and Visibility
Ligaria Bay is known for its clear waters, offering good visibility—typically around 10-15 meters—which makes spotting marine creatures pretty straightforward. Dive reports highlight the chance to see sea turtles, octopuses, and a variety of small fish. One reviewer shared that “we saw a turtle just a few meters from the shore,” which enhanced their experience significantly.
Why It’s Worth the Cost
At around 45 minutes, this dive provides a quality underwater experience without the long boat trips or large groups common in other tours. The price reflects the added value of a professional, English-speaking instructor and access to high-quality equipment rental if needed. Considering it’s a guided dive in a beautiful setting, many find it a good investment for a memorable part of their Crete holiday.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This tour is perfect for certified divers who want a hassle-free, scenic dive in a safe environment. It’s especially suitable if you prefer beach dives over boat trips or are short on time but still eager to explore underwater Crete. Families or small groups looking for a relaxed, guided experience will also appreciate the intimate setting.
Important Details to Keep in Mind
- Booking and cancellation are flexible: you can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before.
- Be sure to bring your diving certification—this is a must.
- The activity is conducted in English, ensuring clear communication.
- The tour duration is around 45 minutes, depending on availability.
- Additional costs apply for equipment rental and refresh dives.
Final Thoughts
The Lygaria Beach certified dive experience offers a practical and enjoyable way to enjoy Crete’s underwater treasures. It’s a solid choice for divers who want a guided, coast-based adventure without the need for boat transfers or large group tours. With professional instructors, scenic marine life, and a relaxed atmosphere, it maximizes value for those looking for a straightforward yet memorable underwater outing.
If you’re a certified diver craving a scenic, guided beach dive in Crete, this tour will likely meet your expectations and add a wonderful chapter to your holiday. Just remember to book in advance, especially during peak season, and plan for extra costs if you need equipment or a refresh dive.
FAQ
Do I need to bring any equipment? No, but you can rent gear for an extra €20 if you don’t have your own.
Is this experience suitable for beginners? No, it’s only for certified divers.
Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.
How long does the dive last? Approximately 45 minutes, depending on availability.
Where do we meet? At Eurodiving, Ligaria beach, with clear directions provided.
What marine life can I expect to see? Likely sea turtles, octopuses, and various small fish.
Is equipment included? No, equipment rental is extra unless you bring your own.
What if I haven’t dived in a while? You can opt for a refresh dive for €40 if your last dive was less than six months ago.
Is there a group size limit? Yes, the tour is limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.
How accessible is the location? Very; it’s a short drive from Heraklion and easy to access directly from Ligaria Bay.
This guided beach dive at Ligaria Bay offers a fantastic way to explore Crete’s underwater world in a safe, relaxed environment. Whether you’re seeking a quick escape for a scenic underwater adventure or a chance to reconnect with your diving skills, it’s a worthwhile addition to your Crete itinerary.
You can check if your dates are available here: