Everything you need to know about diving with us in Chania, Crete
Freediving
Do I need previous experience to try freediving?
No previous experience is required for beginner freediving sessions. Our introductory programs are designed for complete beginners and focus on relaxation, breathing techniques, safety, and comfort in the water.
Is freediving safe?
Yes, when practiced correctly and under professional supervision, freediving is a very safe activity. All sessions at Hania Diving Center follow strict safety standards with certified instructors and proper buddy procedures.
What equipment is included in the freediving session?
We provide all necessary freediving equipment, including mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and weight belt. You only need to bring swimwear and a towel.
How deep will I dive during my first freediving experience?
Depth depends entirely on your comfort level and ability. Most beginners focus on technique and relaxation rather than depth during their first session.
Can children participate in freediving courses?
Yes, depending on age and swimming ability. We offer beginner-friendly programs for younger participants under professional supervision.
Snorkeling
Is snorkeling suitable for non-swimmers?
Basic swimming skills are recommended, but many beginners with limited experience can still enjoy snorkeling safely with flotation support and instructor guidance.
What marine life can I see while snorkeling in Crete?
Depending on the location and conditions, you may see colorful fish, octopus, sea stars, sea urchins, and the beautiful rocky coastline of Crete beneath crystal-clear water.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included, including mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit if needed, and flotation devices when appropriate.
How long does a snorkeling trip last?
Most snorkeling experiences last between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the program and location.
Is snorkeling safe for children and families?
Absolutely. Snorkeling is one of the best family-friendly sea activities in Crete and can be adapted to different ages and comfort levels.
Try Scuba Diving (Beginners)
Do I need a certification to try scuba diving?
No certification is required for a Try Scuba Diving experience. This program is specifically designed for beginners with no previous diving experience.
What is the minimum age for beginner scuba diving?
The minimum age usually starts from 10 years old, depending on the program and conditions.
How deep do beginners go during their first dive?
Beginner dives are conducted in shallow, controlled environments, usually between 5 and 12 meters, always under direct instructor supervision.
Is scuba diving difficult for first-time divers?
Most beginners are surprised by how comfortable and easy scuba diving feels after a short briefing and basic practice session.
Will I be alone underwater?
No. A professional instructor stays with you throughout the entire dive experience to ensure comfort and safety.
What if I feel nervous before the dive?
Feeling excited or slightly nervous is completely normal. Our instructors take things slowly and adapt the experience to your pace and confidence level.
Certified Divers
Can certified divers rent equipment at your dive center?
Yes, we offer full scuba equipment rental for certified divers, including tanks, weights, wetsuits, regulators, BCDs, and accessories.
What dive sites do you visit around Chania?
We dive a variety of sites including reefs, caverns, walls, underwater formations, and selected wreck locations depending on weather and diver certification level.
Do I need to show my certification card?
Yes, certified divers are required to present a valid certification card and preferably a recent logbook or proof of diving activity.
Are guided dives available for experienced divers?
Yes, guided dives are available and highly recommended for exploring the best local sites safely and efficiently.
Can technical or deep divers join special dives?
Advanced and technical dives may be available for properly trained and certified divers after evaluation of experience and conditions.
Do you offer refresher dives for inactive divers?
Yes, refresher programs are available for certified divers who have not been diving recently and want to regain confidence and skills.
What water temperatures should I expect in Crete?
Water temperatures generally range from approximately 16°C in winter to 27°C in summer.
Multi-Day Dive Experiences
What is included in a multi-day diving package?
Packages usually include multiple guided dives, tanks, weights, logistical support, and optional equipment rental depending on the selected program.
Can you customize multi-day dive experiences?
Yes, we can create personalized dive schedules based on your certification level, interests, experience, and available time.
Are accommodation and transport included?
Some packages may include assistance with accommodation and transport arrangements, while others focus only on diving activities.
What are the advantages of booking multiple diving days?
Multi-day experiences allow divers to explore a wider variety of dive sites, improve comfort underwater, and enjoy a more relaxed diving schedule.
Is multi-day diving suitable for underwater photographers?
Absolutely. Multi-day programs are ideal for underwater photographers and videographers who want flexible schedules and access to different underwater environments.
How many dives per day are recommended?
Most divers comfortably complete 2 dives per day, although schedules can be adapted depending on experience, conditions, and personal preferences.
Can non-diving family members join the trip?
Yes, many of our multi-day experiences can be combined with snorkeling, sightseeing, or private boat activities for non-diving companions.
Experience: Try CCR / Try Rebreather
Do I need previous rebreather experience to join the Try CCR program?
No. The Try CCR experience is specifically designed for certified divers who want to experience rebreather diving for the first time under direct instructor supervision.
What certification level is required to participate?
Participants must hold at least an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent), be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 12 logged dives.
Which rebreathers can I try during the experience?
Depending on availability and diver profile, participants may experience the JJ CCR, Hollis Prism 2 CCR and SF2 CCR systems. The Halcyon Symbios CCR will also become available once the official SSI training program is released.
Is the Try CCR experience safe for first-time rebreather divers?
Yes. The program is conducted in a highly controlled environment with experienced SSI CCR instructors, detailed briefings and direct supervision throughout the entire experience.
How long does the Try CCR experience last?
The duration depends on the chosen program format and conditions, but typically includes equipment orientation, safety briefing and at least one supervised in-water session.
Can I continue with full CCR certification after the experience?
Absolutely. The Try CCR experience is the perfect introduction for divers interested in continuing toward full CCR certification and technical diving training.
Ultimate Dive Experience
Are all three dives guaranteed in the Ultimate Dive Experience package?
Yes, all three dives are included in the package, provided that weather and sea conditions allow safe access to the selected dive sites.
Can dive sites change depending on weather conditions?
Yes. Safety and sea conditions always come first, so dive locations may change in order to provide the best and safest possible experience.
Q: Who is this experience designed for?
A: The Ultimate Dive Experience is designed for certified divers looking for a premium and complete diving experience in Crete.
Q: What equipment is included in the package?
A: Full diving equipment can be included depending on the selected booking option and diver requirements.
DPV Diving Experience
Do I need previous DPV experience to join this activity?
No previous DPV experience is required. A full briefing and equipment introduction are provided before the dive.
What is a DPV?
A DPV (Diver Propulsion Vehicle) is an underwater scooter that allows divers to travel longer distances underwater with reduced effort.
Is the DPV experience suitable for beginner divers?
The activity is suitable for certified divers with good buoyancy control and comfort in the water.
Can DPVs be used during guided dives?
Yes. DPVs are integrated into guided dives under instructor or guide supervision.
Scientific Diving Experience
What is included in the Scientific Diving Experience?
The experience combines diving activities with scientific diving methodologies, underwater observation techniques and real expedition-style procedures.
Q: Is this an archaeological diving course?
No. This is not an archaeological certification course, but participants may experience techniques and procedures used during scientific and exploration diving missions.
Q: Who leads the Scientific Diving Experience?
The program is led by experienced scientific and technical diving professionals with expedition and underwater exploration backgrounds.