Athens East Coast: Discover Scuba Diving in Nea Makri

Schinias Bay gives you a chance to see the Athens coast from below the surface, without signing up for a full certification course. I like two things in particular: the careful beginner-friendly instruction, which starts with a briefing and shallow-water practice, and the four-person group limit, which leaves room for personal help.

The main consideration is getting to Nea Makri. The activity lasts three hours, but free pickup is limited to hotels in Nea Makri, so you may need to plan and budget for transport from Athens itself. The underwater session is also weather-dependent, and the operator requires basic swimming ability and a health questionnaire.

What makes this Nea Makri outing worth considering

• You spend 30 to 40 minutes underwater, at a maximum stated depth of 5 to 6 meters.
• The session begins on land and in shallow water, so you can practise breathing and get used to the equipment before heading farther out.
• Groups are limited to four people, a useful feature for first-timers who want the instructor close at hand.
• Instructor Dimitris is frequently named by visitors, with Denis also mentioned. The strongest praise is for their patience, clear explanations, and calming manner.
• The price is $106 per person, including equipment, DAN insurance, refreshments, and photos or video.
• Bring swimwear and a towel, and consider water shoes: one participant found many sea urchins at the entry area.

Your first look at the underwater world

This is an introductory scuba outing, not a certification course. You’ll learn enough to try the equipment with an instructor beside you, then explore the seabed at a modest depth. That makes it a practical choice if you’re curious about scuba but not ready to commit to a longer course.

The setting is Schinias Bay, in Nea Makri on the Attica coast east of Athens. The water is described as warm and clear, and the outing is designed around seeing marine life and the seabed. Conditions can change, of course. One participant noted that rain or strong waves can interfere with plans, so an ideal day is never guaranteed.

The attraction is not a long list of underwater sights with named landmarks. Instead, the appeal is the basic pleasure of breathing underwater and noticing the small things around you. Participants have described seeing fish and other marine life, but what you encounter depends on conditions and where the instructor takes the group.

For a first-timer, the shallow depth is a sensible introduction. You are not being sent far below the surface or expected to manage a long independent route. The instructor leads the session, and you can get used to the feeling of the equipment one step at a time.

A briefing, a practice session, then a short descent

The meeting point is the local partner’s dive center at Frinis 20. The overall activity takes about three hours. The schedule lists a 30-minute safety briefing followed by roughly two hours for the scuba portion, with the actual underwater tour lasting 30 to 40 minutes. The extra time allows for instruction and preparation, rather than keeping you underwater for the full two hours.

First comes the introduction and theory lesson. You’ll learn the basics of the equipment, how to breathe through it, and the safety measures needed for the session. This is where you can ask questions and say if you feel nervous or need an explanation repeated. Past participants have especially valued the instructors’ calm, patient approach, with Dimitris named often for making first-timers feel at ease.

Next, you practise in shallow water. This step matters: it lets you get comfortable with the equipment and breathing before moving into deeper water. If you’re new to scuba, the first breaths can feel unfamiliar. The practice time gives you a chance to adjust while the instructor is nearby, rather than trying to figure everything out during the main outing.

Once you’re ready, you head out for the underwater tour. The planned depth is 5 to 6 meters, and the underwater portion lasts about 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll move at the instructor’s pace and look for marine life along the seabed. This is a guided introduction, not a test of endurance or a chance to wander off on your own.

The return is to the same starting point. Bottled water and juice or tea are included, as are photos or video of the activity. Those extras are useful because you’ll be focused on the experience itself, not on keeping a camera in your hands.

Small groups make the instruction more personal

The group limit is four participants, one of the most useful details for beginners. With fewer people to manage, an instructor has more opportunity to check that you understand the instructions and are comfortable before moving on. It also means the outing is less likely to feel like a crowded assembly line.

The instructors named by participants include Dimitris and Denis. Dimitris is particularly associated with clear explanations, patience, and helping nervous beginners settle in. Names and staffing can vary by session, so don’t assume a particular instructor is guaranteed. But the small-group format is part of the activity itself, not just a lucky feature of one outing.

The reviews are strongly positive, especially on safety, friendliness, and the quality of the introduction. That is reassuring if you have never tried scuba. Still, comfort in the water is personal. If you know you are anxious, tell the instructor before you start, and use the shallow-water practice to decide whether you’re ready to continue.

What the $106 price includes

At $106 per person, this is more than a quick tryout in a pool. The price includes the instructor, scuba equipment, DAN dive insurance, bottled water, juice or tea, photos or video, and taxes and fees. For someone who wants to test scuba without buying equipment or arranging instruction separately, that bundle is useful.

The included photos or video add value, especially for a first attempt when you may not be able to take pictures yourself. The equipment is also provided, so you only need to bring your swimwear and a towel. You don’t need to assemble your own kit or work out which pieces are right for the session.

Transport is the cost to watch. Free hotel pickup is available on request from hotels in Nea Makri, but it does not cover all Athens hotels. If you’re staying in central Athens, check how you’ll reach the meeting point before booking. One participant found the taxi trip costly, while another mentioned a possible KTEL bus connection but had trouble getting a bus back. Treat public transport as something to verify for your date, not a guaranteed door-to-door option.

That transport issue can change the value calculation. If you’re already staying in Nea Makri, the included pickup may make the outing straightforward. From central Athens, the activity itself may still be worth the price, but your total cost and time commitment could rise once you add the journey.

Practical details that matter before you go

You need basic swimming skills. This is not a good fit if you cannot swim or are uncomfortable in the water. The minimum age is eight, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.

Bring swimwear and a towel. Consider water shoes as well. One participant reported a seabed entry area with many sea urchins and recommended wearing them to avoid stepping on one. That doesn’t mean the same conditions will apply every time, but it is a sensible precaution to ask the operator about before you go.

You’ll be asked to complete a health questionnaire before the session. People with certain medical conditions, including asthma or heart conditions, may not be able to take part. The activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with heart problems or respiratory issues, so consult your doctor if you have a relevant condition rather than assuming the instructor can make the call on the spot.

Plan your day around the flight restriction, too. Diving within 12 hours of flying is not recommended. If you have a flight, don’t schedule this activity close to departure; leave enough time between the underwater session and your flight.

The instructors speak English and French. The activity lasts three hours, but starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule that fits your plans. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later, which is handy if your Athens plans are still taking shape.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong match for curious beginners, couples, and families with children aged eight or older who meet the swimming and health requirements. It is particularly appealing if you want a guided first taste of scuba and value clear instruction more than a long, technically demanding outing.

It can also suit a family with a teenager. A parent and 13-year-old, for example, have taken part together, and the small group size can make a shared first underwater session feel manageable. Children still need an adult with them, and each participant should be comfortable following instructions in the water.

Experienced scuba divers may find the planned depth and duration modest. The activity is built for beginners, with time devoted to instruction and practice. If you’re already certified and looking for a challenging route or a longer underwater tour, this is probably not the right choice.

It is also not the best plan for anyone with a relevant heart or respiratory condition, anyone unable to swim, or anyone who must fly within 12 hours. And if you have only a short stop in Athens, count travel time to Nea Makri before deciding whether a three-hour activity fits comfortably into your day.

Should you book it?

Book this if you’re in or near Nea Makri, want a gentle first scuba experience, and appreciate having equipment, insurance, and a patient instructor included. The clear routine, shallow practice, small group, and short guided session make it a sensible way to find out whether you enjoy being underwater.

Think twice if your Athens schedule is tight, transport is uncertain, or you’re expecting a long excursion with guaranteed sightings of particular marine life. Check the travel plan, medical requirements, and conditions before committing. If those details work for you, this is a well-supported introduction to the coast below Schinias Bay.

FAQ

How long does the activity take?

The full activity lasts three hours. The underwater portion is about 30 to 40 minutes, with time also set aside for the briefing, equipment, and practice.

How deep will I go?

The planned descent is to a depth of 5 to 6 meters.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. The program is designed as an introduction, with theory instruction and shallow-water practice before the underwater tour.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. Basic swimming skills are required.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is eight. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Water shoes may also be useful because sea urchins have been reported at the underwater entry area.

Is equipment provided?

Yes. Professional scuba equipment is included.

Are photos or video included?

Yes. Photos or video of the activity are included.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Free pickup is available from hotels in Nea Makri, on request and with prior contact. Pickup from other Athens locations is not specified.

Can I take part if I have a health condition?

All participants must complete a health questionnaire. People with heart problems or respiratory issues are listed as unsuitable, and conditions such as asthma or heart conditions may prevent participation. Consult your doctor if you have a relevant medical concern.