Coastal Blue: 16 Dives in Plakias — Eight Days with Dive2gether Crete

On the southern shore of Crete, at Myrthianos Plakias, Dive2gether Crete runs an eight‑day, 16‑dive program that turns clear Mediterranean water into a weeklong playground for certified divers. You arrive at a small waterfront dive centre where crews fit your gear, offer coffee and orangeade, and run a tight safety briefing before short drives to shore entries. The diving here is defined by steep rocky formations, narrow gorges and frequent drop‑offs; visibility commonly reaches 30 meters, so the reef walls, sponge gardens and the occasional moray or grouper appear as if staged for exploration.

The daily rhythm is practical and relaxed: morning rigging, a 45–60 minute first dive, a beachside lunch at a local taverna, then a second afternoon dive followed by kit wash and a photo review. Small groups — typically six divers — keep entry and exits efficient, and the staff provide transport to the beaches if you don’t have a car. The price includes air and weights; lunch and guide photos are extra (the full photo set sells for 20 €).

What makes this program stand out is the combination of consistently calm seas, long sightlines underwater and a landscape that alternates shallow rocky shelves with dramatic drop‑offs. For photographers the clarity is a major advantage; for beginners returning to regular dives, the sheltered shallow sites offer confident practice before deeper walls. The itinerary supports diverse diving: shore entries that let you walk onto the reef, with on‑site options to upgrade to boat dives if available.

Practical notes: participants must be at least 10 years old, hold a scuba certification, and be in good general fitness; everyone completes medical paperwork. The centre supplies full equipment rentals — BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins and a dive computer — if needed. Plan on arriving ten minutes early for check‑in and bring certification, logbook, sunscreen, towel and a wallet.

Myrthianos Plakias itself is a low‑rise coastal village with a fishing and taverna tradition; after dives you can sample freshly caught fish and local olive oil while watching late light crawl across the bay. Conservation here is informal but important: keep contact with the reef to a minimum, avoid touching critters and follow guide briefings to protect seagrass beds. If you want a compact, efficient series of shore dives with excellent visibility, small groups and local hospitality, this eight‑day, 16‑dive package delivers consistent, easy access to some of Crete’s clearest water.

Bookings run through Dive2gether Crete; bring the QR code from your confirmation for quick check‑in. Guide photos can be bought for 20 €. The centre will drive non‑car guests to shore sites, and staff routinely guide mixed‑ability groups, including divers aged ten and up, and boat dives by request available.