Scuba diving in Santorini

The waters around the enchanting Greek isle of Santorini are teeming with life, from thriving coral reefs to colorful fish, just waiting to be discovered. Scuba diving tours in Santorini enable you to explore this underwater wonderland to the fullest and discover the caldera that the island was formed on millions of years ago.

Whether you’re a total novice or a water sports aficionado, you’ll find these excursions to be a thrilling way to discover a different side of Greece.

Here's all you need to know about scuba diving tours, one of the most fascinating outdoor activities in Santorini.

What are the best scuba diving tours in Santorini?

Scuba diving tour in Santorini caldera

Explore the largest volcanic caldera in the world on this underwater adventure.

Itinerary

You’ll begin your scuba diving tour with a briefing from an expert who will help you suit up and teach you communication tactics, as well as basic diving techniques. From there, you’ll travel to your dive site by boat and enter the water.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the seas surrounding Santorini from a whole new perspective and admire the gentle dancing of the bountiful coral along the seabed.

You’ll also be able to spot some of the resident sealife in this part of the Aegean Sea, which includes eels, nudibranchs and shrimps. Reaching depths of just 12 meters, this type of excursion is suitable for everyone, regardless of their diving experience.

Full Santorini scuba diving experience

This scuba diving tour in Santorini is personalized to suit your own experience.

Itinerary

Starting at the Bay of Ammoudi in the northwestern tip of Santorini, you’ll get to know your instructors who will assess the diving experience of your small group and decide on the dive sites of the day. You’ll don your wetsuit and travel to your first site of the day where you’ll participate in an underwater dive surrounded by lava formations, and volcanic residue.

In total, you’ll participate in two dives, one of which will take place in an underwater cave, which provides a unique experience for both beginner and expert divers. You’ll also try your hand at wall diving and explore the reef walls that are brimming with life.

How much do scuba diving tours in Santorini cost?

The majority of scuba diving tours in Santorini cost between €90 and €100 per person.

If you have experience diving or simply wish to explore more of the island, you may choose a longer tour with more diving opportunities, which costs approximately €130 each.

What is included in a scuba diving tour in Santorini?

Scuba diving tours in Santorini always include a professional expert to teach you how to immerse yourself in the water and lead you down under the waves. You’ll also be provided with all necessary diving equipment, which includes a wetsuit.

Some scuba diving excursions include light refreshments between dives.

Where do scuba diving tours in Santorini start?

Many scuba diving tours in Santorini begin at the tour operator’s office, which is typically located close to the beach you’ll be entering the water from. These excursions leave from different parts of the island, including the Bay of Amoundi in the northwest and Caldera Beach in the southwest.

You can see the meeting point of each tour before booking so that you can check its suitability and arrange any necessary transportation beforehand.

How long do scuba diving tours in Santorini last?

Typically, scuba diving trips in Santorini last between 3 and 4 hours, which gives you time to participate in a briefing, and explore the seas on one or two dives. However, some excursions compress this experience into a short 2-hour slot, which is perfect for those with little time to spare. These shorter tours are usually aimed at beginners.

When is the best time for a scuba diving tour in Santorini?

Scuba diving tours usually operate during the summer season, from April to October. However, diving hits its peak in these water between April and June when visibility can be as clear as 50 meters.

The water temperature can be a little chilly for some at this time of year and those who prefer diving in warmer conditions should book their tour for July or August.

Is it safe to take a scuba diving tour in Santorini?

On a scuba diving tour in Santorini, you’ll be in the hands of an expert who will accompany and monitor you at all times to ensure you remain safe. However, those with heart conditions, mobility impairments and women who are pregnant should refrain from participating.

Are children allowed on a scuba diving tour in Santorini?

Each tour has its own restrictions regarding age limits. However, you’ll generally find that most scuba diving excursions in Santorini prohibit children under the age of 8 or 9 from joining in.

Consult the booking page of your selected trip to see whether it is suitable for your party or speak with the tour operator directly.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Santorini scuba diving tours usually only operate during the summer months when the weather is fair. However, if you’re unlucky enough to be faced with adverse weather conditions on the day of your excursion, then your trip will be rebooked for another day of your vacation. If this isn’t suitable, you can request a full refund instead.

Which other water activities can be done in Santorini?

• Boat tours in Santorini
• Kayaking in Santorini
• Fishing trips in Santorini
• Snorkeling in Santorini
• Jet skiing in Santorini

Travel tips

• Only those who are competent swimmers will be permitted to participate in a scuba diving tour in Santorini.
• Ensure you take a towel, swimwear and sunscreen with you on your diving excursion.
• When booking your tour, it is crucial to leave at least 12 hours between diving and boarding a plane to allow excess gases, such as nitrogen to leave your system.