Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Beginner and First-Time Diving
Yes, scuba diving is very safe for beginners when it’s done following proper training standards and with professional supervision.
At Scuba Turtles, all first-time experiences follow the official PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, which is designed specifically for people with no prior experience and follows strict international safety standards.
We start in very shallow, confined water where you can get comfortable with the equipment and breathing underwater at your own pace. During the dive, you are always in a controlled environment where you can surface easily at any time.
The maximum depth allowed for a Discover Scuba Diving experience is 12 meters. However, our home reef in Marathopoli, in the Peloponnese, reaches only up to 8 meters, with an average depth of around 4 meters, making it an ideal and extra safe location for beginners.
On top of that, our instructors are highly trained and specialize in working with first-time divers. All our beginner experiences are private, so you’ll never feel rushed or pressured, you’ll have the full attention of your instructor.
Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment are always our top priorities.
Absolutely! Scuba diving is designed to be accessible even if you’ve never tried it before.
In fact, the Discover Scuba Diving experience is created specifically for complete beginners, no previous experience is required. You’ll start with a short, easy-to-understand briefing, followed by some simple skills in shallow water to help you feel comfortable.
Your instructor will be with you at all times, guiding you step by step, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.
Most people are surprised by how easy and natural it feels to breathe underwater, and many say it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences of their life.
No, you don’t need any previous experience to start scuba diving.
Our beginner programs are specifically designed for first-time divers, so everything is explained step by step in a simple and relaxed way. We follow the official PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, which is created for people who have never dived before.
You’ll begin with a short briefing where we explain the basics, then move into shallow water to practice a few easy skills and get comfortable with the equipment and breathing underwater.
All dives take place in the calm, clear waters of the Peloponnese, in our protected home reef in Marathopoli, where the depth is shallow and conditions are ideal for beginners.
Your instructor will be with you at all times, guiding you throughout the entire experience, so you can feel safe, relaxed, and fully enjoy your first dive.
The Discover Scuba Diving experience is the perfect introduction to scuba diving for complete beginners.
It follows the official PADI Discover Scuba Diving program, designed to safely introduce you to the underwater world with the guidance of a professional instructor.
You’ll start with a short and simple briefing, then practice a few basic skills in shallow water before going on a real dive in the sea.
If you enjoy the experience and decide to continue, your Discover Scuba Diving can count towards your PADI Open Water Diver certification, meaning you’ve already taken your first step toward becoming a certified diver.
The maximum depth allowed for a Discover Scuba Diving experience is 12 meters.
However, our dives take place in our home reef in Marathopoli, in the Peloponnese, where the depth reaches up to 8 meters, with an average of around 4 meters. This makes it ideal and extra comfortable for first-time divers.
No, you will never be alone underwater.
Your instructor will be with you at all times, right next to you, guiding and assisting you throughout the entire experience. All our beginner programs are private, so you’ll have full attention and support during your dive.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous before your first dive.
We take everything slowly and at your pace. You’ll start in shallow water, and you’ll only continue once you feel comfortable. At any moment, you can stop, signal your instructor, or return to the surface.
Our instructors are experienced with beginners and will support you calmly, helping you relax and enjoy the experience step by step.
Yes, you can breathe normally underwater using the scuba equipment.
The regulator allows you to breathe easily and naturally, just like on the surface. Most people are surprised by how comfortable and simple it feels after just a few breaths.
The full experience usually takes around 2 to 3 hours.
This includes the briefing, equipment setup, shallow water practice, and your guided dive in the sea. The time underwater is typically between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your air consumption and comfort.
No, scuba diving is not difficult, especially for beginners.
The experience is designed to be simple, relaxed, and enjoyable. You don’t need to be very fit or have special skills. With the guidance of your instructor, you’ll learn everything step by step.
Most beginners find it much easier than they expected and quickly feel comfortable underwater.
Safety & Requirements
Basic swimming skills are recommended, but you don’t need to be an expert swimmer.
For beginner experiences like Discover Scuba Diving, you’ll start in shallow, calm water where you can stand and feel comfortable. Your instructor will be with you at all times, guiding and supporting you throughout the entire dive.
At the entry-level courses, like the PADI Open Water, your PADI Instructor will assess your swimming skills by having you:
- Swim 200 meters (or 300 meters in mask, fins and snorkel). There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.
- Float and tread water for 10 minutes using any methods you want.
Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements.
The minimum age to try scuba diving is 8 years old, following the official PADI Bubblemaker Program.The minimum age to enroll in the PADI Discover Scuba Diving or to complete the Open Water Certification is 10 years old.
We offer experiences adapted for younger divers, always prioritizing safety, comfort, and fun.
Scuba diving is a safe activity, but there are some medical conditions that may require approval from a doctor before diving.
You will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire before the activity (Download here the Medical Form). If you have conditions such as asthma, heart issues, or recent surgeries, you may need medical clearance.
If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us in advance and we’ll guide you.
Yes, scuba diving is safe for children from the age of 8 when conducted under professional supervision and following proper standards.
Our instructors are experienced in working with younger divers, and we keep everything fun, relaxed, and adapted to their comfort level.
Not necessarily. Any condition that affects the ears, sinuses, respiratory or heart function, or may alter consciousness is a concern, but only a doctor can assess a person’s individual risk.
Download the Medical form and check with your doctor, if necessary, before enrolling in any diving activity.
Aside from pregnancy, no.
Because physiologists know little about the effects of diving on the fetus, the recommendation is that women avoid diving while pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Menstruation is not normally a concern.
You are welcome to join our program, but we ask that you bring along a companion who is not legally blind/deaf and who will participate in the activity with you.
This is for your own comfort and safety to make sure that there is someone who is familiar with your situation and in the case of deafness, who is able to communicate with you as we do not currently have any guides who speak sign language.
We would appreciate it if you can let us know ahead of time, so that our guides are aware of the situation and so that we can discuss with you any particular changes or considerations that may need to be taken into account.
Your safety always comes first.
If weather conditions are not suitable for diving, we will reschedule your activity to another day or offer a full refund if rescheduling is not possible.
We always monitor the weather closely to ensure the best and safest experience.
We strictly follow the international safety standards of PADI for all our diving activities.
All experiences begin with a detailed safety briefing, and dives are conducted in shallow, controlled environments ideal for beginners.
Our equipment is regularly maintained and checked by certified technicians, and all dives are led by certified, experienced instructors who specialize in beginner divers.
Additionally, all our Discover Scuba Diving experiences are private, ensuring you receive full attention, maximum safety, and a relaxed pace throughout your dive.
Courses (PADI certifications)
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular scuba diving certification in the world and the first full level to become a certified diver.
During the course, you will learn the essential knowledge and skills needed to dive safely and independently, always with a buddy.
The course is divided into three parts: theory, confined water training, and open water dives.
If you have already completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience, part of that training can count towards your Open Water course, making your progression even easier.
The PADI Open Water course usually takes 2 to 3 days to complete.
The exact duration can vary depending on your schedule and pace, but we keep everything flexible to ensure you feel comfortable and confident throughout the course.
Yes, you complete the theory part online before you arrive, through PADI eLearning.
PADI eLearning allows you to study at your own pace, from anywhere, so when you arrive you can focus on the practical part and enjoy more time in the water.
Our course price includes everything you need to become a certified diver.
This includes all scuba equipment, eLearning materails, instructor guidance, confined water training, open water dives, and your certification fees.
We also keep our courses in small groups to ensure maximum safety, comfort, and personalized attention.
Yes, once you complete the course, you will receive an official PADI Open Water Diver certification.
This certification is recognized worldwide and allows you to dive anywhere in the world within your certification limits. For example, for PADI Open Water Divers, 18 meters is the maximum depth.
Basic swimming skills are needed to get certified, but you don’t need to be an expert swimmer.
At the entry-level courses, like the PADI Open Water, your PADI Instructor will assess your swimming skills by having you:
- Swim 200 meters (or 300 meters in mask, fins and snorkel). There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.
- Float and tread water for 10 minutes using any methods you want.
Any individual who can meet the performance requirements of the course qualifies for certification. There are many adaptive techniques that allow individuals with physical challenges to meet these requirements.
Yes, after becoming a certified Open Water Diver, you can dive anywhere in the world.
You will be qualified to dive up to 18 meters deep, always with a buddy or dive professional, depending on your experience and the dive center requirements.
Your certification is valid for life, although it’s always recommended to keep diving regularly or take a refresher if you haven’t dived for a while.
All of PADI certifications are valid forever, there are not expiration dates, and are recognized by any reputable dive centre worldwide.
You can read detailed descriptions of the courses we offer on our courses page, or contact us with any questions you may have using our Contact Form.
All our courses are taught to PADI standards, so you can always check out the PADI website.
Certified Divers
Yes, we offer guided dives for certified divers.We organize shore dives, night dives, and boat dives to Proti Island, one of the best diving areas in the region.
All our dives are guided, and we keep our groups small, maximum 4 divers per guide, to ensure safety, comfort, and a high-quality experience.
We also do our best to group divers by experience level, so everyone can fully enjoy the dive.
Our dive center is located about one hour from Kalamata, in Marathopoli, in the region of Messinia. We are just 2 km away from Proti Island, which offers around 10 different dive sites suitable for all levels.
The area is known for its incredible variety, including caves, canyons, wrecks, and beautiful wall dives. Some of the highlights include Vourlia, Grammeno, Anchors Valley, Katoulia’s Canyon, and the Blue Hole.
No, you don’t need to bring your own equipment.
All essential scuba gear is included in our prices, so you can simply arrive and enjoy your dives.
Of course, if you prefer to use your own mask or full equipment, you are more than welcome to bring it. And if you’re missing any item, we can always provide it.
Full scuba equipment is already included in the price of your dives.
The only items not included are a dive computer, flashlight, and drysuit. These are not mandatory, but they are available for rent at the dive center if needed.
Yes, we offer boat dives on a daily basis.
We organize double dives in the morning and single dives in the afternoon, all around Proti Island. Whenever possible, we try to visit different dive sites to give you a varied and exciting experience.
The maximum depth depends on your certification level and experience.
For Open Water divers, dives are typically limited to 18 meters, while Advanced divers can go deeper, up to 30 meters.
We always plan dives according to your certification, experience, and comfort level, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dive every time.
For diving with us, all you need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel.
Messenia is generally hot and sunny throughout the summer season, but it can get cooler when the wind is blowing. Bring light summer clothes, with a spare hoodie.
Rain is a possibility in early May and late September, and we would recommend bringing some spare warm clothes in April, May and October for the cooler evenings.
April: 16-17ºC / 61-63ºF
May: 18-19 ºC / 65-67ºF
June: 19-23ºC / 67-73ºF
July: 21-27ºC / 70-80ºF
August: 25-28ºC /77-82ºF
September: 23-26ºC /73-78ºF
October: 21-24ºC / 70-75ºF
We provide our customers with a 5.5mm full-length wetsuit and low boots. When water is colder we also provide hood and gloves.
Our daily boat dive schedule is as follows:
09:15 Meeting Time & Paperwork
09:45 Briefing & Transfer to Boat
10:15 First Dive
11:30 Transfer to Second Dive site
12:00 Second Dive
13:15 Return to the Dive Center.
Afternoon Boat Diving:
15:30 Meeting Time
15:50 Briefing & Transfer to Boat
16:20 Dive
17:30 Return to the Dive Center.
The schedule is subject to availability and may vary depending on seasonal demand, weather conditions and other considerations. The Returns times may vary.
The Courses and Night dives schedules will be arrange with each diver.
Of course! You are free to take your own photos or videos, but we ask that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band.
We do however not advise that you take your phone in a waterproof case, due to the fact that it is not possible to operate it while scuba diving.
Make sure that you read the instructions that come with your photography equipment of how deep you are allowed to take it underwater, we encourage you to follow them thoroughly.
We do not take any responsibility of lost or damage photography gear that may happen.
Keep in mind that the use of cameras is not allowed during PADI Courses except the Digital Underwater Photographer adventure dive or specialty.
We would recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for July and August. We cannot guarantee any booking made without a deposit.
Give us a call or send us an email to find out about availability and booking options, or book directly with us online using our Book Now button.
Snorkeling Tours & Guided Snorkeling
Yes, we offer snorkeling trips to Proti Island, one of the most beautiful spots in the Peloponnese.
During this tour, there is no guide in the water, but one of our instructors will always be on the boat supervising and ready to assist if needed. If you prefer to have a private in-water guide, this is also available for an additional fee per group.
The morning trip includes two different snorkeling spots, while the afternoon trip visits one location.
We also offer guided snorkeling tours at our home reef. This option is perfect for beginners or for those who want to learn proper snorkeling skills. It’s also the best place to try your luck spotting sea turtles, as this is where we most often see them.
Absolutely! Snorkeling is perfect for beginners.
Our guided snorkeling experience is designed for people with little or no experience. With the help of our instructors, you’ll quickly feel comfortable and confident in the water while discovering the underwater world.
The waters around Proti Island and the Ionian Sea are full of marine life.
Common sightings include seabream, seabass, scorpionfish, crabs, octopus, and moray eels. If you’re lucky, you may also spot sea turtles, especially around our home reef.
The variety of underwater life makes every snorkeling trip unique and exciting.
No, all snorkeling equipment is included in the price.
This includes mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit if you’d like to use one. Wetsuits are often helpful not only for comfort but also for sun protection, as the sun reflects on the water surface and can cause sunburn more easily than expected.
For beginners, the wetsuit also provides extra buoyancy, helping you float more easily and feel safer in the water.
For Snorkeling with us, all you need to bring is a swimsuit and a towel.
Messenia is generally hot and sunny throughout the summer season, but it can get cooler when the wind is blowing. Bring light summer clothes, with a spare hoodie.
Rain is a possibility in early May and late September, and we would recommend bringing some spare warm clothes in April, May and October for the cooler evenings.
Of course! You are free to take your own photos or videos, but we ask that your equipment is attached to your body in one way or another, for example with a wrist band.
Make sure that you read the instructions that come with your photography equipment of how deep you are allowed to take it underwater, we encourage you to follow them thoroughly.
We do not take any responsibility of lost or damage photography gear that may happen.
We would recommend making a reservation in advance, especially for July and August. We cannot guarantee any booking made without a deposit.
Give us a call or send us an email to find out about availability and booking options, or book directly with us online using our Book Now button.
Logistics & Booking
We are located in Marathopoli, in the region of Messinia, in the beautiful Peloponnese, Greece.
Our dive center is about one hour from Kalamata and just 2 km away from Proti Island, one of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the region.
The closest airport to Scuba Turtles is Kalamata Airport. You may find easier to flight to Athens El. Venizelos Airport and rent a vehicle to travel around Peloponnese area
We definitely recommend to have your own transportation to explore all the gems around Messenia Region.
Scuba Turtles is located on Marathopolis. The easiest way to get to the dive center is by your own transportation. We can also arrange a transfer from your accommodation for a extra fee.
Check us in Google Maps.
We provide all the necessary equipment, so you only need to bring a few personal items:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Water
- Sunglasses and a hat (especially for boat trips)
- Sunscreen
Please note that excessive sunscreen on your face can cause your mask to fog more easily, so it’s best to apply it carefully.
You can book your dive by contacting us directly via WhatsApp, email, or through our website.
We recommend booking in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your preferred date and time.
Yes, last-minute bookings are possible.
However, during the high season availability fills up quickly, and you may not find a free slot. We always recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.
We provide transportation from the dive center to the port and back.
You will need to arrange your own transport to reach our dive center. If you have difficulty finding a taxi, we’re happy to put you in contact with a reliable local driver.
We speak English, Greek, and Spanish.
During the high season, we often have instructors who also speak French and Italian, so we can accommodate a wide range of guests.
Pricing & Extras
All our prices include (unless indicated):
- Full set of basic equipment (except dive computer).
- Dive instructor.
- 24% VAT.
We rent underwater cameras, flashlights, drysuits, 15 liter tanks and dive computers under request. For more information, please contact us.
We do not offer towels, so make sure you bring your own.
No, there are no hidden costs. All our prices are clearly explained on our website.
The only important notes are that some optional equipment (such as dive computer, torch, or drysuit) is not included and can be rented if needed. In addition, a small extra fee of €10 applies to certain dive sites that are further away, to cover additional fuel costs.
Yes, upgrading to a second dive is possible in most cases.
If you are doing a Discover Scuba Diving experience and enjoy your first dive, you can often upgrade to a second dive at Proti Island on the same day, depending on availability and conditions.
For certified divers, you can choose between single or double dives. If you select a single afternoon dive, a second dive on the same day is not possible, but you can always add an additional dive on another day.
If you are doing a shore dive, you can upgrade to an additional boat dive or shore dive either on the same day or a different day. Please note that additional dives on separate days are charged at the standard single dive rate.
Yes, we offer private experiences tailored to your needs.
It’s important to mention that all our beginner programs (Discover Scuba Diving) are already private by default, ensuring a safe, relaxed, and fully personalized introduction to scuba diving.
In addition, we can also arrange fully private snorkeling boat tours or private diving days at Proti Island, depending on your preference. This is a great option for couples, families, or small groups who want a more exclusive experience with full flexibility and personal attention from our team.
If you are interested in a private snorkeling or diving experience, feel free to contact us for a customized quote based on your needs.