The need to explore the underwater world led man from ancient times until today to develop scuba diving. The first efforts for scuba diving started from Aristotle’s era to continue in the Middle Age by Leonardo da Vinci. Roger Bacon constructed the first breathing device in 1240. The efforts continued during the Industrial Revolution, when the breathing devices were improved significantly. Later on Jacques Cousteau perfected the pressure regulator. His work spread diving all over the world and helped scuba diving to evolve. Scuba diving in Greece and especially in the Greek islands due to the underwater wealth developed a long history. From the scuba divers of antiquity up to the sponge divers of 19th century, the Greek tradition in diving continues until today.
Clear water, teeming marine life, caves and shipwrecks attract thousands of scuba divers to Greek waters each year. Until recently diving was limited to just a few dive sites to protect the many ancient underwater treasures. Now restrictions have been lifted and many new areas have been opened up for scuba diving. Scuba diving is now allowed in all Greek seas, except where specific prohibitions apply. In response, there has been a sharp rise in Greek diving centres. Many Greek island scuba dive centres now offer scuba diving lessons and yacht-based diving tours. In choosing a dive centre check that the instructors have PADI qualifications and that equipment is either new or regularly serviced. Diving can be dangerous with underwater currents a particular hazard. It’s a good idea to take out specialist Scuba diving insurance in case of accidents.
The Cyclades offers a wide range of scuba diving sites and, as ferry connections are usually good, it is possible to take in several islands. Most of the Mykonos dive centres are based in the south coast beach resorts where there are good reefs and caves, with the spectacular dive spot of Prasonisia considered one of the best. There is the wreck of the Greek cargo ship Peloponniso off the northeast coast but this is a difficult dive. To the southeast is the islet of Dragonisi where there are some spectacular underwater rock formations. Paros has some notable dive sites including the triple caverns at Padieronissi islet between Paros and Antiparos known as the Mermaid’s Cave, the wreck of the cargo ship Marianna which sunk in 1982 in a severe storm and a British bomber from World War Two off the coast at Cape Kouroupas.
The island of Paros is surrounded by many reefs, old wrecks and uninhabited islets. The island has the Cathedral dive with impressive rock formations and walls covered in sponges, reefs that often teem with barracuda and the wreck of a Greek liner. Paros diving is a very popular activity. Many Paros diving centers are found in the most popular tourist places on the island, such as Golden Beach, New Golden Beach, Naoussa, Aliki, Santa Maria and Parikia.
If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. And it doesn’t matter whether you just want to start diving or are planning to become a professional diver.. You will be able to explore the island’s reefs in water with visibility of 30 to 40 meters and experience the rich colourful marine life! And don’t forget your sense of adventure.
