Sea food collection is illegal!
Discover Compressed Air Diving and snorkelling
Your first ever dive or snorkelling experience with us will be a truly excellent one, also for certified diver friends that may choose to accompany you. You will be seeing some fascinating marine life with explanations and some unique underwater antiquities too - you actually dive on, or snorkel over, remains of an ancient wreck, thousands of years old with enough pottery shards for identification.
Depth there is only 5-6 m so it is easily seen by accompanying snorkelers on the surface.
The actual dive is more than an hour long, maximum depth is usually not more than 7m (and that is if you look comfortable with that, we jointly decide if we proceed deeper. Rate of breathing, body language and....diameter of eye pupils are some signs that help us decide that, along with an OK sign from the person(s) concerned!
Total time required for this experience is about 4-5 hours, of which about 40-50 minutes is theory, as it is better we believe, to include more information than "officially required or sanctioned", usually reserved for Open Water Diver or First Level certification sessions, like e.g., how the regulator/detendeur/lungen-automat works- this always instills confidence in prospective novice divers and ensures a far more enjoyable dive. We then choose the right fitting equipment and suit and enter the sea right here, just off Golden Beach: the conditions are “swimming pool” conditions really, 25m visibility plus a friendly sandy bottom at first with some obvious and some camouflaged animals. We then swim further out to the rocky seabed to observe different life forms dwelling there. Explanations on who eats whom and environmental matters are highlighted during the introduction.
Initially, about 10 minutes are required to patiently take you through the easy, basic, confidence-building exercises in chest deep water. If you need to ask something or you feel uncomfortable with part of the equipment, you can simply stand up at once and talk! The beach slope is very mild here, so “ear clearing” or “equalizing pressure” is very manageable and gradual. We normally take photos and if you like them, we require a further small sum of 10€ per dive, per person.
Halfway through the theory in the beginning, I bring out my special “plates of the day” containing "natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean": shells, sponges, snails and much more, then comes the next plate with lots of historical artifacts ranging from WW 2 remains to objects several thousands of years old : obsidian chips, Cycladic, Minoan, Classical, Roman pottery, ancient ship's nails etc
Maximum 4 persons per session of “discover diving”, minimum 2.
Snorkelers can accompany us on the surface (maximum 8) and certified divers can also join us right after the basic exercises session is over.
Day 1 : Snorkel Over or Dive Into ..the natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean Sea (4-5 hours duration), requires good swimming ability and a keen interest in discovering the unique geology, biology and archaeology hiding in the sea by snorkeling and / or diving; can start either at 09.00 or at 14:00, this program can be of interest to a wide target group: swimmers or snorkelers and even certified divers can join in at the same time: maximum groups size of persons diving for the first time ever is 4 but if there are persons with valid diving certification, there can be up to another 4 to join the dive, also, another group of snorkelers on the surface, can be part of the same outing from Golden Beach and the maximum group size for them will be 8.
So, in total, up to 4 beginner-divers along with another 4 certified divers under the surface and a further 8 snorkelers on the sea-surface!
Day 2: Same groups described above can join for the second dive on the following day (and or snorkel session) off Pyrgaki, the little bay where they will see many ancient wreck remains in an area which is important in archaeology, contemporary with Saliagos, 6,400BP years (before present).The surrounding area was excavated by Lord Renfrew, the same period he excavated Saliagos in 1964, and currently excavating Keros.
Day 3: Krotiria (on the other, south side of Pyrgaki) : again. a dive that can be accompanied by snorkelers on the surface with geological formations to see, marine life and pre-historic remains, discovered and photographed by your host.
Documentary link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bYs4U7dr4 Greek National T
Your first ever dive or snorkelling experience with us will be a truly excellent one, also for certified diver friends that may choose to accompany you. You will be seeing some fascinating marine life with explanations and some unique underwater antiquities too - you actually dive on, or snorkel over, remains of an ancient wreck, thousands of years old with enough pottery shards for identification.
Depth there is only 5-6 m so it is easily seen by accompanying snorkelers on the surface.
The actual dive is more than an hour long, maximum depth is usually not more than 7m (and that is if you look comfortable with that, we jointly decide if we proceed deeper. Rate of breathing, body language and....diameter of eye pupils are some signs that help us decide that, along with an OK sign from the person(s) concerned!
Total time required for this experience is about 4-5 hours, of which about 40-50 minutes is theory, as it is better we believe, to include more information than "officially required or sanctioned", usually reserved for Open Water Diver or First Level certification sessions, like e.g., how the regulator/detendeur/lungen-automat works- this always instills confidence in prospective novice divers and ensures a far more enjoyable dive. We then choose the right fitting equipment and suit and enter the sea right here, just off Golden Beach: the conditions are “swimming pool” conditions really, 25m visibility plus a friendly sandy bottom at first with some obvious and some camouflaged animals. We then swim further out to the rocky seabed to observe different life forms dwelling there. Explanations on who eats whom and environmental matters are highlighted during the introduction.
Initially, about 10 minutes are required to patiently take you through the easy, basic, confidence-building exercises in chest deep water. If you need to ask something or you feel uncomfortable with part of the equipment, you can simply stand up at once and talk! The beach slope is very mild here, so “ear clearing” or “equalizing pressure” is very manageable and gradual. We normally take photos and if you like them, we require a further small sum of 10€ per dive, per person.
Halfway through the theory in the beginning, I bring out my special “plates of the day” containing "natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean": shells, sponges, snails and much more, then comes the next plate with lots of historical artifacts ranging from WW 2 remains to objects several thousands of years old : obsidian chips, Cycladic, Minoan, Classical, Roman pottery, ancient ship's nails etc
Maximum 4 persons per session of “discover diving”, minimum 2.
Snorkelers can accompany us on the surface (maximum 8) and certified divers can also join us right after the basic exercises session is over.
Day 1 : Snorkel Over or Dive Into ..the natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean Sea (4-5 hours duration), requires good swimming ability and a keen interest in discovering the unique geology, biology and archaeology hiding in the sea by snorkeling and / or diving; can start either at 09.00 or at 14:00, this program can be of interest to a wide target group: swimmers or snorkelers and even certified divers can join in at the same time: maximum groups size of persons diving for the first time ever is 4 but if there are persons with valid diving certification, there can be up to another 4 to join the dive, also, another group of snorkelers on the surface, can be part of the same outing from Golden Beach and the maximum group size for them will be 8.
So, in total, up to 4 beginner-divers along with another 4 certified divers under the surface and a further 8 snorkelers on the sea-surface!
Day 2: Same groups described above can join for the second dive on the following day (and or snorkel session) off Pyrgaki, the little bay where they will see many ancient wreck remains in an area which is important in archaeology, contemporary with Saliagos, 6,400BP years (before present).The surrounding area was excavated by Lord Renfrew, the same period he excavated Saliagos in 1964, and currently excavating Keros.
Day 3: Krotiria (on the other, south side of Pyrgaki) : again. a dive that can be accompanied by snorkelers on the surface with geological formations to see, marine life and pre-historic remains, discovered and photographed by your host.
Documentary link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bYs4U7dr4 Greek National T
Day 1 : Snorkel Over or Dive Into ..the natural and cultural treasures of the Aegean Sea (4-5 hours duration), requires good swimming ability and a keen interest in discovering the unique geology, biology and archaeology hiding in the sea by snorkeling and / or diving; can start either at 09.00 or at 14:00, this program can be of interest to a wide target group: swimmers or snorkelers and even certified divers can join in at the same time: maximum groups size of persons diving for the first time ever is 4 but if there are persons with valid diving certification, there can be up to another 4 to join the dive, also, another group of snorkelers on the surface, can be part of the same outing from Golden Beach and the maximum group size for them will be 8.
So, in total, up to 4 beginner-divers along with another 4 certified divers under the surface and a further 8 snorkelers on the sea-surface!
Day 2: Same groups described above can join for the second dive on the following day (and or snorkel session) off Pyrgaki, the little bay where they will see many ancient wreck remains in an area which is important in archaeology, contemporary with Saliagos, 6,400BP years (before present).The surrounding area was excavated by Lord Renfrew, the same period he excavated Saliagos in 1964, and currently excavating Keros.
Day 3: Krotiria (on the other, south side of Pyrgaki) : again. a dive that can be accompanied by snorkelers on the surface with geological formations to see, marine life and pre-historic remains, discovered and photographed by your host.
Dive and snorkel menu
Feast your eyes!
1) Paros-Naxos Channel Wreck: An unforgettable scenic dive on this impressive sunken cargo shipwreck teeming with a wide variety of marine life. The forward section lies broken up, around a shallow reef and is ideal for beginners. The aft section lies in deeper water, 30m away but easily approached as one of the ship’s air-vents breaks the surface. The first deck top is met at –8m followed by another three open deck-levels. Max. depth: 25m. A 15 minute boat ride on our 7m 350 HP RIB . Lots of remains of ancient wrecks around the same reef area. In 2013 we began running an EU funded research project, Archimedes, to determine rates of metal corrosion which was filmed by national/international channel TV5
https://youtu.be/2L1hpgepNl4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bYs4U7dr4
The research continues.
2) Underwater Cave: A truly amazing experience as you enter this large karstic formation between 3.5m below the waterline and ~12m, surface in the cave, remove regulator, mask and marvel at the overhanging stalactites in this outlandish blue light!
Rare, colourful, shade-loving animals and fish inhabit the cave. Three openings lead out into clear, deep water (35m) where groupers are often present watching the action. A 20-min. ride, south of Paros. An exciting deep dive to the maximum depth (37m) may precede the cave dive. Dived by others very
3) Shoal of Wrecks in the Paros-Naxos Channel: A very special group of rocks, a few meters below the waves surrounded by wreck remains of several historical periods. We recently discovered this one, an undisturbed site that holds lots of marine life. A funnel, a steel mast with pieces of sail and many steel strakes of a 19th century ship covered in colourful sponges provide excellent photography subjects. Many, many other wreck remains too of the Classical and Roman period. Maximum depth ~ 25m. Approx. 23 mins.away. Exclusive to ADC.
4) Nearby Drionissi isle: A hidden and sheltered cove for snorkellers and some very interesting and varied diving on the reefs off the south side of this island. Wreck remains (keel and other structural members) of a wooden vessel about 100yrs. old with lots of forged iron fittings. Max. depth: 23 m. About 8 mins. away. (Classical and Cycladic period wreck remains).Exclusive to ADC.
5) Long Island: Scuba & snorkel where seabirds dive for fish and morays peek out of their lairs for octopus! Lots of sea life and fascinating rock formations down to about 18 m. We recently discovered prehistoric foundations of buildings at 10-15m depths! Only10 mins.away. Exclusive to ADC.
6) Cavern & fissure: A topside cavern (roof has caved in, allowing sunlight to illuminate it) and an underwater fissure with high biodiversity. Dive or snorkel in this very special site with unique rock formations, home to a wide variety of vibrantly colourful shade-loving creatures. Max. depth: 24 m. Approx. 15 min.boat
7) Round island drift-dive: An exciting but relaxed dive around an islet observing marine life assisted by the currents. Prehistoric remains of a village on the seabed with rectangular foundation remains, terracing and carved out rocks as stairs. Max. depth: 17m., about 8 mins. away.
8) A little cove in use for thousands of years: Excellent choice for snorkeling and diving over cultural and biological treasures. An uncharted underwater museum in a sense. Max.depth: 12m, less than 8 mins.away. Exclusive to ADC.
9) WW II German aeroplane and exploration dive: A longer sea-adventure (day-trip) about forty minutes away, off one of the Koufonissia islands. Dive and snorkel over this war relic lying on a Posidonia sea-grass carpet in a protected cove with a cozy deserted beach for lunching, relaxing and swimming. Max. A second dive on unexplored rock outcrops full of birds of prey completes this .
11) Granite Sculptures: Dive and snorkel around this group of smooth rocks sculpted by nature’s forces. Abundant with octopus, fish, morays and wreck remains of different periods. Ideal for families and mixed groups of divers and snorkelers Maximum depth ~ 15m. About 20 minutes away. Only ones to dive
12) Beaufighter, Second World War plane: a recent find lying in 35m in very good condition. Truly an unforgettable dive for more experienced divers.
13) Granite shoals (3 different sites) with lots of Roman pottery in the Paros-Naxos channel. An excellent choice for both experienced divers and beginners.Recently discovered and not dived by anybody else.
14) The lighthouse-rock wrecks: A very enjoyable dive both for wreck diving and marine life. A very recent discovery, max.depth 18m, 20 mins.away.
Several wreck remains of periods starting 3,500 years ago
Documentary link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_bYs4U7dr4 Greek National TV
