Kos: Try Scuba Diving with a diving boat

Kos puts a calm face on first-time scuba. I like the shallow, clear bay by Pserimos and the careful setup with two PADI instructors for groups of four or five. The main drawback is that the included underwater session is short, and the second costs an extra €45.

This is a friendly half-day outing rather than a full certification course. You get a 25-meter boat, basic instruction, equipment, one guided underwater session, swimming, and snorkeling for $123 per person. It is a good fit if you want to try scuba without committing to several days of lessons, but you must be comfortable in the water and leave at least 24 hours before flying.

Key points to know before booking

• The first session stays shallow: The bay reaches a maximum of 5 meters, with a gentle increase in depth.
• Small groups make a difference: Four or five people are paired with two instructors during the underwater session.
• Pserimos is the setting: The boat reaches a protected bay framed by rocky outcrops, with clear water and Mediterranean sea life.
• The boat is made for a relaxed morning: You get a shaded deck, a large sun deck, and room to swim or snorkel between activities.
• The second session costs €45: You can pay cash on board if you want more time underwater.
• The crew earns strong praise for patience: Several first-timers felt nervous at first, then became comfortable with the calm, supportive instruction.

Why this Kos trip works for first-time scuba

The appeal is simple: you can try scuba in a controlled setting without signing up for a full qualification course. The day combines a boat ride, a safety lesson, one underwater session, free time in the sea, and a return to Kos by mid-afternoon.

I especially like the shallow site. A maximum depth of 5 meters gives beginners less to worry about than a deep open-water setting. The bay is protected on both sides by rocky outcrops, and the bottom slopes gently, so you can focus on breathing, movement, and the equipment instead of feeling rushed.

The group arrangement also matters. Four or five people work with two instructors, giving you close supervision. That is useful if you feel anxious when breathing through a regulator. Several people who began nervously found that patient instruction helped them settle down, and one first-time participant described feeling supported after an initial panic.

This is still a real scuba session, not simply a quick swim with a tank. You need to complete a medical statement, listen to the safety briefing, and follow instructions in the water. You must also be able to swim. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 12, or people with serious existing health conditions.

Leaving Liamis Dive Centre around 8:30

Your morning begins at Liamis Dive Centre, where the 25-meter Liamis Dive Boat, called Apollon, is prepared for the trip. Departure is around 8:30 a.m., with a return to Kos at roughly 2:30 p.m.

The boat has two useful areas. A shaded deck gives you relief from the sun, while the spacious sun deck is the place to stretch out between activities. This setup makes the outing more than a quick transfer to a swim site. You have room to sit, watch the coast, and enjoy the sea during the crossing.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothes. Comfortable shoes are also recommended. Take snacks and cash, since food and drinks are not included and are payable on board. You may want a light extra layer if the morning weather changes, as the boat remains outside for much of the day.

The outward cruise takes about 45 minutes. That gives you time to settle in before the lesson, but it also means you should expect the activity to occupy most of your morning and early afternoon. If you are looking for a very short introduction, this is longer than necessary. If you like having sea time built around the main activity, the schedule works well.

The safety briefing makes the first session less daunting

During the trip, the instructors explain how the underwater session works and go through the equipment and safety rules. The briefing takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how the timing is described, so it is not a rushed talk on the boat.

That preparation is one of the strongest parts of the outing. You learn what to expect before entering the water, which matters when the breathing equipment feels unfamiliar. The instructors speak Greek and English, and their patient approach has helped people who were hesitant at the start.

You are then placed into groups of four or five with two instructors. The small group size allows the instructors to keep watch and respond when someone needs extra reassurance. For a first attempt, that close attention is more valuable than a large, busy boat with a single guide trying to watch everyone.

You should listen closely even if you have tried snorkeling before. Scuba asks you to manage breathing, equipment, and body position in a different way. The aim here is not to cover every skill needed for certification. It is to introduce you safely and pleasantly to the basics.

Pserimos offers a gentle introduction at 5 meters

After the cruise, the boat reaches the area around Pserimos Town. The underwater session takes place inside a bay protected by rocky outcrops on both sides. The depth increases gradually and reaches no more than 5 meters.

That shallow profile is the key feature for beginners. You can become familiar with the equipment without descending far, and the clear water makes it easier to see what is around you. The instructors remain with you throughout the session, which lasts about 20 to 25 minutes.

The water is home to Mediterranean sea life, and the activity includes time to observe fish and interact with them. The setting is not presented as a dramatic deep-sea expedition. Instead, it is a close, easy introduction to the underwater world, with color, fish, and clear visibility doing most of the work.

Underwater photographs may be taken during the session. If you want copies, photos and videos are available for €25 on a USB memory stick. One customer reported receiving a large collection of images and videos quickly through WeTransfer after paying extra, but the stated option is a €25 USB purchase, so ask the crew what delivery method is available on your departure.

The first session is limited in length. You should not book this expecting hours underwater. Its value comes from the instruction, the shallow conditions, and the chance to discover if scuba suits you.

Swimming and snorkeling fill the break

After the first session, you get a relaxing break. You can use the time to sit on the boat, enjoy the sun deck, swim, or snorkel with the included snorkeling equipment.

This is a sensible part of the schedule. Beginners often need a little time to process the first session, and a swim lets you enjoy the sea without the same concentration required underwater. If you decide not to pay for the second session, you still have something worthwhile to do rather than simply waiting for the boat to leave.

Snorkeling also gives you a useful comparison. You can look below the surface without a tank and see how the fish and rocky setting appear from above. If scuba makes you nervous, this break can help you regain confidence. If you love the first session, it gives you a pleasant pause before deciding whether to continue.

The second scuba session costs €45 per person and is paid in cash on the boat. It is optional. People who want more time underwater should budget for it in advance, while anyone uncertain about their comfort level can wait until after the first session.

Is the $123 price fair?

At $123 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-hour boat outing that includes transport by boat, a captain, instructors, equipment, a site briefing, one guided underwater session, and snorkeling gear.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one morning. You are not paying only for a short lesson. The fee also covers the boat ride to Pserimos, the crew, the equipment, supervision, and time to swim and snorkel in the bay.

It is less attractive if your only goal is a long scuba session. The included underwater time is about 20 to 25 minutes, and the second session adds €45. Snacks, drinks, and photographs cost extra as well, so the final amount can rise if you want the full day with refreshments and images.

I would budget for the second session only if you already know you enjoy the first one. The first session gives you a fair test without requiring another payment. If you are excited to continue, the extra €45 is a straightforward way to get more time in the water.

The free cancellation option allows you to cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is available. Weather and sea conditions can affect any boat activity, so flexible plans are useful.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to adults and children aged 12 or older who can swim and want a gentle first taste of scuba. It suits couples, siblings, and small groups who want to share a new activity rather than spend the whole day on a beach.

It is also a good choice if you are curious about scuba certification but do not yet know if you will enjoy it. One participant became interested enough to plan a full open-water course after the session. This introduction cannot replace certification, but it can help you decide if further training is worth your time.

You should reconsider it if you dislike boats, cannot swim, have a serious medical condition, or want a deep or technically demanding underwater trip. The activity requires a medical statement, and some health conditions may prevent participation. Ask a medical professional before booking if you have doubts.

The 24-hour no-fly rule is important. You should not schedule this on the final day before a flight, since flying is not considered safe for 24 hours after scuba.

What the strongest praise tells you

The most consistent positive feature is the instructors’ attitude. People who felt nervous about breathing underwater were given time and reassurance rather than pushed along. That is exactly what you need on a first attempt.

The safety explanation also receives strong praise. Clear instruction helps you understand the equipment before you enter the water, while the close instructor supervision keeps the session manageable. The crew is described as friendly, kind, and encouraging, which can make a big difference when you are trying something unfamiliar.

The boat itself receives positive attention too. Its size, shaded deck, and spacious sun deck make the six-hour outing more comfortable than a small transfer boat. You can enjoy the coastal views even if you decide not to take the second session.

The main limitation is not poor quality. It is simply the nature of a beginner introduction. The first session is short, the second costs extra, and the trip does not offer a qualification. Go in expecting a safe taste of scuba, not a complete course or a major underwater expedition.

Should you book the Pserimos boat trip?

Book it if you want a well-supervised first scuba session in shallow, clear water, with swimming and snorkeling included. The two-instructor setup, small groups, patient teaching, and comfortable boat make the $123 price easy to justify for a first attempt.

Think twice if you want long underwater time included in the base price, or if you are flying within 24 hours. For everyone else, this is a practical way to test scuba in Kos without making a major commitment. Bring cash for the optional second session and onboard refreshments, arrive ready to swim, and let the instructors set the pace.

FAQ

How long does the Kos scuba boat trip last?

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

Where does the boat go?

The boat travels from Kos to the area of Pserimos Town, where the underwater session, swimming, and snorkeling take place.

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. The activity is designed for beginners, and you receive a safety briefing and equipment instruction before entering the water.

How deep will the first underwater session go?

The maximum depth is 5 meters. The bay gets deeper gradually, making it suitable for a beginner introduction.

How long is the included scuba session?

The included session lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. The activity schedule also describes the scuba stop as approximately 30 minutes, allowing for the wider stop and preparation time.

Is a second session available?

Yes. You can take a second session for an extra €45 per person. This fee is payable in cash on the boat.

Can I snorkel if I skip the second session?

Yes. After the first session, you can relax on the sun deck, swim, or use the included snorkeling equipment.

What is included in the $123 price?

The price includes boat transport, the captain, instructors, diving equipment, the site briefing, one guided scuba session, and snorkeling gear.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should not fly for 24 hours after scuba. Plan the outing at least one full day before your flight.