Kos: Try Scuba Diving with a diving boat

The best part of this Kos outing is its gentle introduction to scuba. You leave Liamis Dive Centre at about 8:30 a.m., cruise toward Pserimos, then enter a sheltered bay where the seabed slopes slowly to just 5 meters. That shallow, clear setting helps you focus on breathing instead of worrying about depth. Patient PADI instructors stay close to each small group, and the first underwater session lasts about 20 to 25 minutes.

I like two things here. First, the group arrangement is reassuring: four or five beginners are paired with two instructors. Second, the boat gives non-divers something worthwhile to do, with swimming, snorkeling, shaded seating, and a broad sun deck. The main consideration is that this is an introductory session, not a certification course, and the second underwater session costs an extra €45 in cash.

Key points at a glance

• A shallow first scuba session: Explore a protected Pserimos bay at a maximum depth of 5 meters.
• Two instructors for four or five people: You get close supervision, useful for anyone nervous about breathing underwater.
• A full six-hour morning on the sea: The boat leaves around 8:30 a.m. and returns to Kos at about 2:30 p.m.
• A real choice after the first session: Pay €45 for a second session, or swim, snorkel, and relax on deck.
• A comfortable 25-meter boat: Liamis Dive Boat, also called Apollon, has a shaded deck and a spacious sun deck.
• Good value for a first try: The $123 price includes boat transport, equipment, instruction, one session, and snorkeling gear.

What this Kos morning is really like

This experience combines a beginner scuba lesson with a half-day boat trip. You are not simply taken offshore, handed equipment, and left to figure things out. The morning begins with a safety talk and equipment explanation, followed by a controlled session in a sheltered area near Pserimos.

That distinction matters. First-time scuba can feel strange at the start. Breathing through a regulator, clearing your ears, and moving with fins all take a little attention. The format here gives you time to settle in before the group reaches the underwater site.

The sea trip also makes this more than a short pool-style lesson. You spend much of the morning on the water, with views of the Greek islands and time to swim or snorkel even if you decide not to pay for the second session.

From Liamis Dive Centre to Pserimos

The boat leaves Liamis Dive Centre at roughly 8:30 a.m. Liamis Dive Boat, known as Apollon, is 25 meters long, with a shaded deck and a large sun deck. That setup gives you a choice between shelter from the sun and an open spot for a better view of the coast.

The cruise to the area around Pserimos takes about 45 minutes. It is a useful transition from busy holiday mode to sea mode. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and clothing suited to the weather. The boat sells drinks and snacks, but you should also bring your own small supply, since those purchases cost extra onboard.

You will want comfortable shoes for the boat and a towel for after the water sessions. Cash is important too, since the optional second session costs €45 and the underwater photo package costs €25.

The safety briefing before you enter the water

Before the first session, the instructors explain the basic equipment and the safety rules. The briefing is described as lasting about 15 to 20 minutes, while the full itinerary allows roughly 20 minutes for this stage.

Expect an explanation of how to use the mask, fins, breathing equipment, and other supplied gear. You also learn what to do in the water and how the session will run. This is not filler. For a first-time participant, a clear briefing can make the difference between spending the whole session feeling tense and actually noticing the fish around you.

You are placed in groups of four or five, with two PADI instructors assigned to each group. That is a strong ratio for a beginner activity. If you need extra help with breathing or feel uneasy at first, an instructor can stay close rather than managing a large crowd.

Several people have needed a few minutes to feel comfortable. One participant had a panic response to breathing underwater but was able to continue after the instructors stayed calm and patient. Another person found the beginning scary, then became more relaxed as the session continued. The practical lesson is simple: do not expect yourself to feel instantly natural underwater. Listen carefully, move slowly, and tell the instructor if you feel worried.

A sheltered bay with a maximum depth of 5 meters

The underwater session takes place inside a bay protected by rocky outcrops on both sides. The bottom slopes down gradually, reaching a maximum depth of 5 meters. For a first experience, this is a sensible site. You can see the bottom clearly, and the gentle change in depth avoids the sudden drop that can unsettle a new participant.

The first session lasts about 20 to 25 minutes, though the itinerary describes the water activity as about 30 minutes. In either case, this is long enough to get a taste of scuba without turning the morning into an exhausting technical exercise.

The water is described as clear, and the instructors point out marine life along the way. You might see fish close to the rocky edges and have the chance to interact with them. The appeal here is not a dramatic wall or a very deep site. It is the simple pleasure of seeing ordinary Mediterranean sea life while breathing underwater for the first time.

That makes the experience well suited to curious beginners, couples, and families with children aged 12 or older. It is less suitable if you already hold a qualification and want a challenging underwater route.

What happens after the first session

After the first session, you get a break. This pause is useful because new scuba participants often need time to process the experience, dry off, and decide if they want more.

You then have two choices. The first is a second session for an additional €45, payable in cash on the boat. The second is to remain on deck and enjoy swimming or snorkeling, with snorkeling equipment included in the main price.

The optional second session received especially strong praise from people who wanted more time underwater. It can turn a brief introduction into a fuller morning of practice and exploration. Still, you should not feel pressured to pay extra. If your first session was enough, the boat provides a pleasant alternative with sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

The break also helps couples or mixed groups. One person can continue with the second session while another relaxes on the boat, though you should confirm the exact timing with the crew on the day.

Marine life, photos, and what you will actually see

The area around Pserimos offers clear water and abundant marine life, but this is still a beginner site in a natural sea environment. You should expect fish and small underwater sights rather than a guaranteed parade of large animals.

The instructors guide you around the bay and help you notice what is there. That matters because first-time participants can spend the first few minutes concentrating so hard on breathing that they miss the scenery.

Underwater photos and video are available for €25 on a USB memory stick. A separate purchase can include a large collection of images and video sent by WeTransfer, according to one recent experience. If you want a record of your first time, ask the crew about the current delivery method and price before the session begins.

You may prefer to keep your hands free and enjoy the moment. If you do want photos, remember that the best images depend on water conditions, light, and your ability to remain still. The photo option is a nice extra, but it should not be treated as part of the $123 price.

Is the $123 price fair?

At $123 per person, the cost is reasonable for a first-time sea scuba package in Kos, especially because it includes the boat trip, captain, instructors, equipment, site briefing, one guided session, and snorkeling gear.

You are also paying for the staff-to-beginner ratio and the boat time. A short introductory session on its own would offer less value. Here, the morning lasts about six hours, and you have a proper island cruise, time in the water, and a deck where you can rest.

The total cost rises if you add the second session, snacks and drinks, and photos. With the extra €45, the package becomes a more substantial underwater day, but you should budget for cash payments onboard. If you only want to try scuba once, the included session may be enough. If you suspect you will want more practice, paying for the second session is the most useful extra.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later arrangement also make it easier to fit the trip into a changing Kos schedule. Weather and sea conditions can affect the day, so keep your plans flexible.

Who will get the most from this experience?

This outing suits you if you:

• Have never tried scuba before.
• Can swim and feel reasonably comfortable in open water.
• Want close instruction rather than a large beginner group.
• Like the idea of a boat trip even if you decide not to continue after one session.
• Are aged 12 or older and have no serious health issues.
• Want a first taste of underwater exploration without committing to a certification course.

It is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 12, or anyone with a medical condition that makes scuba unsafe. You will be asked to complete a medical statement, so answer it honestly. If you have doubts about your health, speak with a medical professional before booking.

You must also allow at least 24 hours between scuba and flying. That rule is easy to overlook when planning a short Greek island holiday. Do not schedule this activity on the last day before your flight.

What to pack for the boat

Pack lightly, but bring the useful basics:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
• Snacks
• Cash for extras
• A light layer if the weather changes

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and fishing is not part of the activity. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

You do not need previous scuba experience. You do need to be able to swim and to follow the instructor’s safety guidance.

The best reasons to choose Liamis

The strongest feature is the calm, personal instruction. The crew has helped people who felt anxious at first, including participants who struggled with the sensation of breathing underwater. That makes this a better fit for a cautious beginner than an operation built around speed and volume.

The boat is another plus. A 25-meter vessel with shade and a sun deck gives you room to spread out during the six-hour outing. You are not confined to the underwater program, so the day still works if you decide to spend only one session below the surface.

The setting is also well chosen for a first attempt. A protected bay, clear water, and a 5-meter maximum depth keep the focus on basic skills and marine life. You can enjoy the setting without needing advanced training.

A few limits to keep in mind

This is not a full qualification course. You will not leave with an open-water certificate, and one short session cannot teach every skill needed for independent scuba. If the experience hooks you, the sensible next step is a formal certification course at home or through a qualified center in Kos.

The first session is also fairly brief. Twenty to 25 minutes underwater may feel short after the boat ride and preparation. That is why the second session is worth considering if you want more time to become comfortable.

Finally, the day depends on your ability to swim and on your health. A calm instructor can help with nerves, but no guide can remove the basic demands of open-water scuba. Be realistic about your comfort level before paying.

Should you book this Kos boat trip?

Book it if you want a carefully supervised first taste of scuba, a pleasant morning at sea, and the freedom to choose between a second session or snorkeling. The shallow Pserimos site, small groups, and patient instruction make it particularly appealing for nervous beginners.

Skip it if you cannot swim, have a medical condition that makes scuba unsafe, or want advanced underwater terrain. Also think twice if you fly home within 24 hours.

For most eligible beginners, the $123 price buys more than a single underwater session. You get a full half-day boat outing, equipment, guidance, swimming time, and a clear view of what scuba feels like. Keep €45 in cash if you want the optional second session, and you will have the best chance of turning a cautious first try into a genuinely memorable morning.

FAQ

How long does the Kos scuba activity last?

The full experience lasts about six hours. The boat leaves Liamis Dive Centre at around 8:30 a.m. and returns at about 2:30 p.m.

Where does the boat go?

The boat travels from Kos to the island of Pserimos. The scuba session takes place in a sheltered bay near Pserimos, protected by rocky outcrops.

How deep will the first session go?

The maximum depth is 5 meters. The seabed becomes deeper gradually, which suits people trying scuba for the first time.

Do I need previous scuba experience?

No. The activity is designed for beginners, and the instructors provide a safety briefing and explain how to use the equipment.

How many people are in each scuba group?

Groups contain four or five participants and are accompanied by two PADI instructors.

Is a second scuba session included?

No. One session is included in the price. A second session costs €45 and must be paid in cash on the boat.

Can I snorkel instead of taking the second session?

Yes. After the first session, you can choose to swim, snorkel, or relax on the sun deck. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What age do I need to be?

The minimum age is 12. The activity is not suitable for children under 12 or for people who cannot swim.

Can I fly after this activity?

You should not fly for 24 hours after scuba. Keep that restriction in mind when planning your departure from Kos.