Clear water, teeming marine life, caves and shipwrecks attract thousands of scuba divers to Greek waters each year.

Until recently diving was limited to just a few dive sites to protect the many ancient underwater treasures. Now restrictions have been lifted and many new areas have been opened up for scuba diving. Scuba diving is now allowed in all Greek seas, except where specific prohibitions apply. In response, there has been a sharp rise in Greek diving centers.

Many Greek island scuba dive centers now offer scuba diving lessons and yacht-based diving tours. In choosing a dive center check that the instructors have PADI qualifications and that equipment is either new or regularly serviced. Diving can be dangerous with underwater currents a particular hazard. It`s a good idea to take out specialist Scuba diving insurance in case of accidents.

Spear fishing is a popular pastime for scuba divers but take care. It is illegal to spear fish in Greece without a license. To get a license apply to the port authority of the island you visit. It usually takes about a week to get one.

The scuba dive centers listed here mostly have their own websites where you can check out details such as qualification, equipment, dive spots and courses on offer.

Dive centers come and go below are for guidance purposes only.