Diving in Crete

[scubadooba]

I'm off to Crete in 4 weeks. Staying in Maleme which is 16km west of Chania. Any diving related info will be appreciated.

[parahandy]

Stayed near to Maleme myself couple of years ago.
From what I remember there is /was a PADI dive Centre in Chania( blue adventures) located on the sea front and another place that offers diving on the road between Maleme and Chania. In the main a lot of the divings geared up to Try Dives etc.
If you have a self drive car theres various others worthy of investigation dotted around the island. I went out from one place at Kissamos nw of Maleme not a dive centre more like a local dive shop,friendly enough.
Water temp was excellent, vis superb but on my particular dive not a lot in the way of sea life, maybe just unlucky!

have a look at http://www.greeka.com/crete/chania/g...nia-diving.htm

[greekbird]

A word of advice:
even though the law has changed recently with regards to diving and where is is allowed (and where it is not) I would be very cautious diving without a centre. (obviously i don't know if you where planning to do your own thing or not, but there you go) Things have always been restrictive when it comes to scuba in greece due to archaeology and the coast guard / police are not kidding about catching people and fines. That law has changed but as usual (and i'm embarrased to admit) things in my country are never quick to be enforced properly. My advice is dive with a centre and get advice from them if you wanna do your own thing about who you might need to notify before jumping in and make sure you have your quals with you if you go off on your own.
Also bear in mind that night diving may be heavily restricted. Also you may be required to carry a blob when diving (day or night). If you have a dsmb of your own, take it with you (better to use kit that you know than kit that you don't)

Words of caution aside, i hear the diving in Crete is lovely. There was an article in Diver recently about diving there link
HTH
Have a great time

[scubadooba]

Wasn't planning on diving solo, but thanks for the advice. The hotel I'm staying at has diving listed as an option, not sure if they're based in the hotel though.
Will be taking my own kit which includes 5mm wetsuit, which should be warm enough.

[Ron Young]

Lovely island and people, plus great underwater visibility, however, apart from seeing some amphora and sponges, the marine life is generally very poor. When I was there, the only 'large' fish I saw were speared by locals; they also forgot, or ignored decompression times

Cheers Ron

[greekbird]

Originally Posted by scubadooba

Wasn't planning on diving solo,

LOL, you just reminded me something which will make a few people go WHAT!!!??? (btw when i said doing your own thing i wasn't refering to solo diving in it's true sence - i mean you and a buddy without the centre)

the new law states that solo diving is illegal in greece! this has more to do with protecting archeaological sites that anything else, but ...well nanny state and all that! T**rs

[scubadooba]

greekbird - Oops, misunderstanding there. I will be using a center just a case of finding the right/good one.

Ron Young - being the Med I wasn't expecting excessive marine life but still can't wait to get out there.