Master Boat Dives Aboard the Philomena: PADI Boat Diver in Plakias, Crete

Read the full experience

On Greece’s southern coast, in Myrthianos Plakias, the PADI Boat Diver day aboard the Philomena turns routine dives into a confident, ocean‑facing skill session. Dive2gether Crete runs this one‑day course from Plakias, combining boat-systems primer and hands-on instruction so certified Open Water Divers learn to navigate moorings, lead group navigation, and feel at ease making entries and exits from a boat. The trip begins at the Dive2gether shop in Plakias at 8:30 a.m., where instructors fit gear and cover basics before a short drive to the harbour. The Philomena—custom motor‑cruiser and classroom on the water—becomes your platform: the captain leads a safety talk, demystifies sailors’ terms and engines, and shows the mooring setup you’ll use. After a dive briefing, you make two supervised boat dives, practicing returning to the mooring line, reading the dive‑site map and piloting small navigation legs under instructor supervision. What separates this day from a normal shore dive is access. Boat drops open up deeper reef walls, ledges and swim-throughs around Plakias that shore divers rarely see. Visibility often improves offshore, and the water brings a different cast of Mediterranean life—lazier groupers, curious octopus in crevices, and shoals of bream that patrol blue walls. Small groups (max four students) and an experienced crew mean lots of individual coaching and a relaxed on-deck culture: lunch, coffee and the chance to leap from the roof into crystal water between dives. The course is practical and concrete. You’ll practice safe boat entries and exits, learn to guide a dive and navigate back to the mooring, and get hands‑on tuition with weights, air and dive computers if rented. Expect ground rules like completing the PADI e‑learning theory beforehand, completing medical paperwork, and being at least 10 years old with Open Water certification or equivalent. Dive2gether provides air, weights and hospitality; optional extras include full kit rental, dive computers, torches, and photos. For travelers staying in Plakias or nearby Rethymno, this day is a fast, confidence‑building way to expand diving horizons on Crete’s south coast. It’s ideal for divers who want to lead boat dives, sharpen navigation under supervision, and see the offshore sites that shape the island’s marine character. The Philomena and Dive2gether Crete make boat skills accessible, practical and fun—so your next dive feels less like improvisation and more like command. Bring a small dry bag for your clothes and a reef‑safe sunscreen; surface intervals are sunny and amphora‑free coves invite a breather. If you’re photo‑minded, rent a torch for color on deeper profiles and ask guides about quieter sites later in the season when boat traffic falls off. For families, the program’s minimum age of 10 and small group sizes keep the experience focused and safe. Always.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

1 day.

Fitness level

Good general fitness; able to carry and don equipment, perform controlled entries and swim short distances at the surface

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior certification?

Yes. You must hold Open Water Diver certification or equivalent to join this PADI Boat Diver day.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 10 years old; minors should check local medical clearance requirements.

What does the day include?

Includes two supervised boat dives, instruction, air and weights, lunch, tea and coffee, and transport to/from the dive site if required.

Can I rent full equipment?

Yes. Full equipment rental including BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel is available as an extra.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at the Dive2gether Crete shop in Plakias at 8:30 a.m. to fit gear and complete briefings.

Is the PADI e‑learning mandatory?

The e‑learning theory should be completed before your dive day so you can focus on in-water skills and navigation training.

Local insights

Wildlife

Groupers
Octopus

History

Plakias is a small coastal village on Crete’s south coast with a long local fishing and seafaring heritage that shaped its diveable offshore reefs.

Conservation

Dive2gether emphasizes small groups, no‑touch diving, and reef‑safe sunscreens to limit impact on Mediterranean marine habitats.

About Dive2gether Crete

Dive2gether Crete is a dive and snorkelling operator based in Myrthianos Plakias, Greece. The centre organizes a range of guided experiences including boat diving, shore diving, family snorkelling trips, PADI Try Scuba sessions and marine biology dives focused on seagrass restoration. Many trips run in small groups and include safety briefings, local site orientation and underwater photos provided after the activity. Boat diving options feature a comfortable boat equipped for day trips with a sundeck and prepacked lunches on selected itineraries. Shore diving programs explore gorges and rocky formations with visibility reported around 30m on many sites. The Try Scuba option is delivered with a dedicated private instructor and takes place at accessible beach sites. Marine biology dives are available for certified divers and include hands-on seagrass planting and a lab session to inspect microscopic life. Snorkelling choices include family-friendly afternoon boat snorkelling, the Kourtaliotiko Waterfalls snorkel with guided hiking and transport, and a night snorkelling experience led with bright dive lights to reveal nocturnal marine activity. All trip descriptions specify calm seas and excellent visibility at many locations. Dive2gether Crete lists multiple multi-day programs (two- and three-day options) to accommodate visiting divers. The operator emphasizes small-group attention, local sites near Plakias, and photographic records of guests’ underwater experiences.

Base locationMyrthianos Plakias

Tours offered12+

Specialtywater-activities

Stewardship

Adventure tips

Complete the e-learning firstFinish the PADI theory e‑learning before your day on the Philomena so you can focus on practical boat and navigation skills.

Bring a dry bagPack a small dry bag for your warm clothes and phone—surface intervals are sunny but your things will get wet.

Use reef-safe sunscreenApply reef-safe sunscreen before boarding to protect marine life and avoid oily residues on equipment.

Ask to rehearse the mooring returnRequest extra practice on returning to the mooring line under supervision—this is the core skill you’ll use on future boat dives.

Recommended gear

Wetsuit (3–5mm): Keeps you warm during deeper offshore profiles when water temperatures can be cooler than shore dives.
Mask, snorkel and fins: Personal fit speeds briefings and ensures comfort during surface swims and entries.
Dry bag: Protects your clothes, phone and paperwork between dives.
Reef‑safe sunscreen: Protects skin and the marine environment during sunny surface intervals.