Agia Pelagia: PADI Open Water Diver International Course

Getting a PADI Open Water Diver certification is one of the most exciting ways to start exploring the underwater world. This 3-day course in Agia Pelagia, Crete, offers a practical and friendly approach to becoming a confident diver. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some water experience, this program promises a thorough yet relaxed learning environment.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s run by a small family dive center, ensuring personalized attention. Second, the experienced PADI instructor will guide you through all the essential skills with patience and clarity. And third, the certification you earn is recognized globally, opening doors to underwater adventures worldwide. However, the course’s short duration means it’s quite intensive, and you’ll need to be prepared for some focused learning in just a few days.

This course is perfect for those who want a compact, high-quality introduction to diving in a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking to begin your diving journey with knowledgeable guides and a manageable schedule, this experience is a solid choice. Be sure to have some swimwear ready, and come with an open mind — and maybe a sense of humor — for a memorable start to your underwater explorations.

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Key Points

Personalized instruction from a dedicated PADI qualified instructor
All equipment included, with new gear ensuring safety and comfort
Four open water dives at different sites, max 18m depth
Recognition worldwide with your PADI certification
Small group size (limited to 4 participants) for focused learning
Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Course

This 3-day program is designed to take you from zero to certified diver, with a balanced mix of theory, confined water training, and open water diving. It’s tailored for beginners, making no assumptions about prior water experience, only an enthusiasm to learn.

Looking for more options in Agia Pelagia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Small Dive Center, Big Quality

The course is conducted at a small family-run dive center in Agia Pelagia. This setup means you’ll receive personalized attention from your instructor, Petros, who is highly praised for his friendly, professional approach. One reviewer highlighted, “Petros is very nice and treats us very well,” which hints at the warm, welcoming environment you can expect.

Training in Confined Water

Your journey begins with confined water sessions. These are held in a controlled environment where you’ll learn essential skills like mask clearing, regulator recovery, buoyancy control, and safety procedures. The focus here is on making sure you’re comfortable and confident before heading out into open water.

Four Open Water Dives

The core of the course involves four open water dives in different spots, with depths ranging from 12m to 18m. These dives are designed not only to practice the skills learned but also to introduce you to the beauty of Crete’s underwater landscape. One review mentions that “exploring different dive sites” was a highlight, offering a variety of scenery and marine life.

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Learning at Your Pace

The instructor is always present, showing and guiding you through each step. Reviewers appreciated the clear instruction, citing how Petros “taught all the tips and tricks” needed to become a safe diver. The course’s focus on responsibility and safety aligns with PADI standards, making sure you’re well-prepared to dive independently after certification.

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Equipment & Facilities

All necessary full set of equipment is included in the price, which is a big plus. The gear is brand new, ensuring both safety and comfort. Plus, amenities like free WiFi, bottled water, flip flops, and DAN diving insurance add extra convenience to your course days.

Cost & Value

The total cost for the course covers on-site training, instruction, equipment, and insurance. The 190 euro fee for PADI eLearning registration (if you choose to do it beforehand) adds a bit to the total but offers flexibility—since you can do part of the theoretical learning online at your own pace. Given that certification opens the door to global diving adventures, many find this a worthwhile investment in their travel experience.

The Authentic Experience

Participants consistently highlight the friendly atmosphere created by the small team and the personal approach. One reviewer said, “We liked Petros very much and recommend it highly,” confirming that the human touch makes all the difference when learning a new skill like diving.

The course also offers a chance to learn about local marine life and the specific dive sites around Crete, which are praised for their diversity. While some amenities like photos and videos are extra, the value of becoming a certified diver in such a scenic location outweighs these minor costs.

Practical Details and Tips

The course runs over 3 days, with check-in times varying, so it’s wise to check availability ahead. You’ll want to bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Be aware that this experience isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with significant health issues, especially heart or respiratory conditions.

Transportation options like hotel pickup are optional and not included, so plan accordingly if you need assistance reaching the dive center. The group size is limited to four, which means you’ll get plenty of personal attention but should also book early. Cancellation is simple—free up to 24 hours in advance—adding flexibility to your planning.

What You Might Find Useful

You might be interested in combining this course with other local activities like boat trips or quad safaris, which are popular in Crete.
If you already have a PADI eLearning code, check if it’s valid for this course—saving time and money.
While photos and videos aren’t included, many participants say the memories are worth capturing, so consider bringing your own waterproof camera.

FAQs

Is prior experience required?
No, the PADI Open Water Diver course is designed for beginners with no prior experience.

What is included in the price?
The course includes onsite training, a personal instructor, confined water dives, four open water dives, full equipment, free WiFi, bottled water, flip flops, and DAN insurance.

Can I pay for the eLearning separately?
Yes, the €190 fee for PADI eLearning registration can be paid on-site if you choose to do the online theory before arriving.

What is the maximum depth for the dives?
The four dives will go up to a maximum of 18 meters deep, with some dives at 12 meters.

How many participants are in each group?
Groups are limited to four participants for a more personalized experience.

Is transportation included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are optional, so you need to arrange your own transport if needed.

Is this suitable for children?
No, the course is not suitable for children under 10.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. Remember not to bring alcohol or drugs, as they are not allowed.

Who Will Love This Course?

This PADI Open Water Diver program is perfect for beginners eager to start their diving journey in a friendly, supportive environment. It’s a great choice if you want a compact but comprehensive certification experience in a scenic setting like Crete. The small group size and personalized instruction make it ideal for travelers who appreciate quality over quantity.

If you’re someone who prefers learning at a relaxed pace with dedicated guidance, this course is a solid pick. It suits those who want to combine their love for travel and adventure while gaining a globally recognized qualification. Keep in mind, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain health conditions, so check your health status beforehand.

To sum it up, this course offers a well-balanced, value-for-money opportunity to discover the underwater world. It’s best suited for curious beginners who want a safe, fun, and flexible way to get certified and start exploring the ocean around Crete and beyond.