Scuba training near Athens feels oddly simple, and that’s mostly because the format is clear. You’ll get small-group coaching plus an instructor with serious patience and experience, and you’ll work with a 12 m / 39 ft depth limit if you choose the shorter option. The main catch is that you must clear a health questionnaire first, and they advise you not to schedule sessions within 12 hours of flying.

You start at Kanelakis in Nea Makri (Frinis 20) at 10:00 am and finish back there, so the whole thing stays easy to manage. You can do the course in about 2–3 days for the standard path, or pick a more intense option (about 4–7 days) for deeper training, all while staying close to Athens.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group instruction: teaching is limited to about four students, even if the full activity day can include up to eight people.
• Five theory sections you can study flexibly: complete them via book or laptop at the start or during the course.
• Confined-water skills in shallow settings: get comfortable with gear and procedures before you head out.
• Open-water sessions in the south Evoikos Gulf: you practice what you’ve learned and add new skills in real conditions.
• Patient, responsible instructor (Dimitris): multiple technique repetitions and a strong focus on safety.

Nea Makri and Kanelakis: fast access from Athens without the stress

This is one of those Athens-area activities that avoids the long, complicated logistics. You meet at Kanelakis at Frinis 20 in Nea Makri, and the course runs like a tight little schedule instead of a scattered day-by-day plan.

One practical win: Nea Makri is close to Athens. In one of the course notes, someone mentioned it’s about a 30-minute drive, which matters if you’re trying to fit training around sightseeing and getting your timing right.

The meeting point is also described as near public transportation. So even if you’re not driving, you’re not stuck in “hire a car or suffer” territory.

Course structure: five theory sections you can do on your own

The theory portion is built to be flexible, and that’s a big deal when you’re trying to complete a certification quickly. You’ll cover five theory sections, and you can complete them by studying from a book or on your laptop.

Your instructor stays with you to answer questions. That means you’re not left to “figure it out” alone, but you also aren’t stuck in a classroom for days. You can knock theory out at the beginning or spread it through the course depending on what fits your pace.

If you like having a plan, this setup is reassuring: you know exactly what topics you must master, and you can manage the self-study part around the in-water schedule. If you’d rather not cram, starting theory early usually makes the first water day feel smoother.

Confined-water training in shallow water: the gear and the habits

Before you’re anywhere open-water, you’ll do confined-water sessions in shallow areas. This is where you exercise the basics of equipment handling and build safe routines.

Think of this as your “hands become memory” phase. You practice the skills you’ll need later—how you use the gear correctly, how you move, and how you respond while staying within controlled conditions.

This part matters because good scuba training is as much about habits as it is about locations. When your body already knows what to do, you can actually enjoy the experience instead of just surviving it.

And in the feedback you shared, the instructor approach shows up clearly: Dimitris is described as responsible and patient, with techniques practiced multiple times. That repetition is what helps new students gain confidence fast.

Open-water sessions in the south Evoikos Gulf: revise, then add skills

Once the confined-water practice is done, you move into the open-water sessions. You’ll revise what you learned, then pick up new skills in real conditions, aiming for safe comfort rather than heroics.

The training locations are described as the most interesting places of the south Evoikos Gulf. The important part for you is that you’re not just repeating the same shallow work again and again; you’re learning to apply your skills where water conditions feel more natural.

This is also where the course length choice affects what you experience. The standard option is shorter (about 2–3 days) and allows a maximum depth of 12 meters / 39 feet. The more intense option runs longer (about 4–7 days) and lets you go deeper than that, so it can be a better match if you want a longer training runway or more progression time.

Depth limits and course length: choosing the right pace for you

You basically have two paths:

• Regular course (about 2–3 days): maximum depth 12 m / 39 ft
• Intense course (about 4–7 days): longer training and deeper allowance

If your priority is getting certified efficiently, the shorter path is built for exactly that. You still get the theory structure, confined-water skills, and open-water sessions—you just stay within that 12 m limit.

If you’d rather slow down and feel even more prepared before going deeper, the longer option can be worth it. The data you provided says the intense course allows deeper training, and the extra days usually means more time to refine skills without rushing.

Also note the overall duration on the listing side is shown as “3 days (approx.).” That fits the shorter track well, but always keep in mind the course length changes based on which path you choose.

Dimitris and the small-group teaching style that keeps you calm

The standout in the feedback is the way Dimitris teaches. He’s described as an excellent instructor with lots of experience, and people highlight how he keeps coaching responsible and patient—especially for first-timers.

One detail that jumps out: someone noted they had four water sessions across two days and practiced techniques multiple times. That tells you the course is organized enough to move at a steady pace, while still giving repeats for skill-building.

Another strong point: the dives were described as very good and safe, with Dimitris being present and attentive the whole time. For you, that translates into fewer guessing games. You should expect guidance during the process, not just a quick rundown and then “good luck.”

There’s also a people factor mentioned—his group is described as very nice. Even if you’re focused on learning, having a friendly, low-pressure atmosphere can make the first day feel much less intimidating.

Price and value: what $488.70 buys you (and what to watch)

The price is $488.70 per person, and it’s positioned as a bundled scuba certification package. For that money, you’re getting a structured course format: theory work (via book or laptop), instructor support, confined-water sessions for skill practice, and open-water sessions for applying those skills.

Small-group teaching is part of the value story here. When instruction is limited (about four students for coaching), you typically get more direct feedback and fewer “wait your turn” moments. For beginner students, that can be the difference between feeling confident and feeling lost.

One thing to watch is that the course length can change. The standard track is about 2–3 days, but the intense option is about 4–7 days. So if you pick the longer route, you may spend more time in training even though the course is still being sold as a package.

It’s also worth remembering the practical timing rules. You’ll complete a health questionnaire, and you should avoid scuba sessions within 12 hours of flying. These aren’t hidden costs, but they can affect your trip planning.

Start time, meeting point, and how the day likely feels

You start at 10:00 am at Kanelakis in Nea Makri (Frinis 20). The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which is convenient if you want to go straight to dinner or continue sightseeing without figuring out transport afterward.

Because the course spans multiple days, the experience is paced across that short window rather than being one long day. That tends to be easier for first-timers: you get time to absorb theory and then practice skills with breaks between sessions.

The group size is also kept small in coaching terms. The overall experience can have up to eight travelers, but the instruction is described as limited to four. That usually means you won’t be drowned in a huge group atmosphere.

Who should book this course near Athens (and who might think twice)

This is a great fit if you want a beginner-friendly path to scuba certification close to Athens. You’ll like it if you value structure: five theory sections, instructor support the whole time, shallow-water gear practice first, and then open-water sessions in the south Evoikos Gulf.

You’ll probably also like it if you want a calmer vibe. The emphasis in the feedback on Dimitris being responsible, patient, and experienced suggests a teaching style that focuses on safety and repetition, not speed.

There are a few “think twice” points too. You must complete a health questionnaire, and some conditions may prevent you from diving, including asthma and heart conditions (they specifically point you to consult your doctor). If you’ve got that kind of medical history, get clarity early so you don’t risk losing time.

Also, there’s an age minimum of 10, and children must be accompanied by an adult. So this isn’t a casual “kid activity,” but it can work for older kids who meet requirements.

Practical prep: the health questionnaire and flight timing

Plan around the health rules. The info says all participants must complete a health questionnaire prior to scuba sessions, and pre-existing medical conditions (like asthma or heart conditions) may stop you from participating. If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor before you book.

They also say diving within 12 hours of flying is not recommended. Even if you’re excited to fit training into a tight itinerary, give yourself a buffer so the training day feels safe and comfortable.

If you’re doing the standard course, completing theory at the beginning can reduce pressure. If you prefer to pace it, finishing theory during the course can work too, but try not to leave it all for the last minute.

Should you book the Open Water Course in Nea Makri?

If you’re aiming for an efficient, well-structured certification near Athens, I’d book it. The combination of a clear theory plan, shallow-water skills practice, open-water application, and small-group coaching is exactly what most beginners need.

The best reasons to choose this one are practical: Dimitris’s patient teaching and the emphasis on safety with repeated technique practice. Add in the convenient Nea Makri location and the steady start time (10:00 am), and it feels like a course designed to get you moving forward without chaos.

One final note before you commit: it’s free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so if your schedule is uncertain, you’re not locked in too tightly. Just make sure you’re ready for the health questionnaire and that your trip timing respects the 12-hour flight guideline.

FAQ

How long is the Open Water Course in Nea Makri?

The standard option takes about 2–3 days, while a more intense option takes about 4–7 days. The experience duration is listed as approximately 3 days.

What is the maximum depth for the shorter course option?

For the regular certification option, the maximum depth is 39 feet (12 meters).

Where does the course start and where does it end?

The meeting point is Kanelakis Diving Experiences, Frinis 20, Nea Makri 190 05, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the experience start?

Start time is 10:00 am.

Do I need to study theory before the water sessions?

Theory is split into five sections and can be completed by studying from a book or via a laptop. It can be done at the beginning or during the course.

What happens during the practical part of the course?

You’ll do confined water sessions in shallow water to practice scuba equipment use and safety skills, and then you’ll do open-water sessions to revise and learn new skills.

What are the age requirements?

The minimum age is 10, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

If you want, tell me your rough dates and whether you’re leaning toward the shorter or intense option—I can help you think through which track fits your schedule and comfort level.