Kos: Beginner Scuba Diving at Pserimos Island

Take your first underwater breaths in a sheltered bay. This six-hour Kos outing combines a comfortable boat trip, a careful beginner course, and a shallow scuba session near Pserimos Island. I like the clear, gently deepening water, which keeps the first experience calm, and I like the close attention from two PADI instructors for each small group. You should know, though, that the included session lasts only 20 to 25 minutes, and the optional second session costs another €45 in cash.

The morning boat ride adds real value. You are not simply taken to a swimming platform, but out toward the Dodecanese island of Pserimos, with time to enjoy the sea, sun, and coastal views. I also appreciate that you can switch to snorkeling or swimming after your first session if you decide scuba is not for you.

The main limitation is that this is an introduction, not a full certification course. The maximum depth is only 5 meters, and the first underwater session is short. That is exactly right for a nervous beginner, but experienced scuba enthusiasts may find it too basic.

Key points to know before booking

• Sheltered Pserimos bay: Rocky outcrops protect both sides of the bay, while the bottom slopes gently to a maximum depth of 5 meters.
• Small teaching groups: Four or five participants are paired with two instructors, giving beginners close supervision.
• Early Kos departure: The boat leaves Liamis Dive Centre at 8:30 in the morning and returns after roughly six hours.
• One session included: Your booking covers one 20 to 25-minute underwater session, with a second available for €45 cash.
• Swimming ability required: You do not need previous scuba experience, but you must be able to swim and complete a medical statement.
• A relaxed backup plan: If you do not want the second session, you can use the snorkeling gear, swim, or rest on the sundeck.

Starting at Liamis Dive Centre at 8:30

Your morning begins at Liamis Dive Centre in Kos Harbour. The early start leaves enough time for the boat trip, instruction, the first underwater session, and a relaxed return without squeezing everything into a rushed afternoon.

The total outing lasts about six hours. That matters because the scuba portion is only one part of the day. You are also paying for the boat transfer to Pserimos, the setting, the equipment, the instruction, and time on the water.

I would arrive ready for a full morning outdoors. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, bring a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and shoes that are easy to manage around the boat. Pack snacks and water because food and drinks are not included and are payable on board.

Bring cash as well. The second session costs €45, and the underwater photos and videos cost €25 on a USB memory stick. These extras are optional, but it is easier to decide on the boat if you already have the right payment with you.

The 45-minute ride toward Pserimos

The boat ride is part of the appeal rather than a simple transfer. The route takes you away from Kos Harbour and toward the Greek islands, giving you time to sit on the boat, take in the coast, and get used to the idea of breathing underwater.

The trip to Pserimos lasts about 45 minutes. You are on a proper half-day sea outing, so bring weather-appropriate clothing even in warm weather. Conditions can feel different on the water than they do beside the harbour.

The boat is described as comfortable and includes a sundeck. That gives you a useful choice after the session. You can sit in the sun, take a break, snorkel, or swim instead of treating the whole morning as a test of your scuba skills.

There are no pets permitted, apart from assistance dogs. Fishing is also not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited. Those rules keep the outing focused and help maintain a safe environment for a first-time course.

A calm 20-minute lesson before entering the water

Before you use the equipment, the instructors give you a safety briefing lasting about 15 to 20 minutes. This covers the basic operation of the gear, what to expect underwater, and the safety steps needed to make the session comfortable.

I see this as one of the strongest parts of the outing. First-time scuba can feel strange at the start, especially when you are learning to breathe through the equipment and stay relaxed in the water. Clear instructions give you something useful to concentrate on instead of simply worrying.

The experience is available in Greek and English. You are placed in groups of four or five, with two instructors assigned to each group. That is a helpful ratio for beginners because the instructors can keep a close watch while still giving individuals time to settle.

The medical statement is not a formality to ignore. Scuba requires participants to have no serious health issues, and you need to answer the health questions honestly. The activity is not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions, according to the supplied requirements.

You also need to be able to swim. This is not a shore-side lesson where you can remain fully supported without swimming ability. Children under 12 cannot take part, and the minimum age is 12.

Pserimos bay keeps the first session gentle

The boat reaches a sheltered bay on Pserimos in the Aegean. Rocky outcrops protect the bay on both sides, creating a more contained setting for a beginner session than an exposed stretch of open water.

The depth increases slowly as you move through the bay. The maximum is 5 meters, a shallow limit that makes sense for an introduction. You are not being sent into a deep-water environment before you have learned how the equipment feels.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, so you can barely notice the gradual increase in depth. Clear water also helps you see the rocky surroundings and fish without needing to travel far.

The included underwater session lasts 20 to 25 minutes. One itinerary reference describes the scuba stop as about 30 minutes, so it is best to plan around the more specific 20 to 25-minute figure. This is enough time to get familiar with the equipment, look around, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a long exploration.

You stay under the supervision of the PADI instructors throughout the session. The small groups and shallow bay are especially reassuring if you feel nervous at first.

What you may see beneath the surface

The focus is on the simple pleasure of entering an underwater world for the first time. You may see fish and other marine life around the bay, and the clear water should make the colors and shapes easier to notice.

The instructors stop along the way so you can look at the marine life rather than simply follow a route. There is also an opportunity to interact with the fish and take underwater photos.

I would keep expectations sensible. This is not advertised as a specialist wildlife trip, and no exact species list is provided. You are coming for a gentle first taste of scuba in a clear island setting, not a guaranteed catalogue of rare creatures.

The photo option is useful if you want a permanent reminder of your first session. Underwater photos and videos are available on a USB memory stick for €25. Since this is an optional extra, ask about it on the boat before the session if preserving the moment matters to you.

The human side matters most for beginners

The strongest praise focuses on the instructors and crew. The teaching is described as thorough, patient, kind, and supportive, with particular care given to people who feel hesitant at the start.

That is important here. The technical details of beginner scuba are simple enough to explain, but feeling safe is what lets you enjoy the experience. One particularly useful pattern in the feedback is that initial nerves eased as the session continued. That suggests the instructors do not rush people into the water before they are ready.

You should still expect a few nervous moments. Breathing through a regulator, wearing unfamiliar equipment, and entering the sea can feel awkward during the first minutes. The right approach is to listen closely, move at your own pace, and tell the instructors if you need help.

The team is also praised for being willing to help throughout the day. That support is more valuable than flashy equipment or a complicated route when your main goal is to feel comfortable underwater.

After the first session: pay for more or take it easy

After the first session, you get a relaxing break. This is when you decide how you want to spend the rest of your time on the boat.

You can pay €45 in cash for a second underwater session. The extra session may suit you if the first one leaves you wanting more, since you will already understand the equipment and basic skills. It also gives you another chance to look around the bay without using your first minutes simply getting comfortable.

You can also skip the additional cost. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can snorkel, swim, or relax on the sundeck. That flexibility makes the outing more appealing for couples or friends with different comfort levels. One person can continue with scuba while another enjoys the surface.

Snacks and drinks are not included. You can purchase them on the boat, but bringing your own snacks is sensible, especially since the trip occupies most of the morning.

What the €97 price really covers

At $97 per person, the price is reasonable if you want a guided first scuba session rather than simply renting equipment. The cost includes the boat transfers, captain, instructors, equipment, site briefing, one underwater session, and snorkeling gear.

The value comes from the complete setup. You do not have to arrange separate transport to Pserimos, find equipment, or locate an instructor once you arrive. The small group format also gives the price more weight than a large boat trip with only a quick equipment demonstration.

Still, you should budget beyond the advertised price if you are likely to want more time underwater. The second session costs €45 in cash, photos and videos cost €25, and food or drinks are extra. The basic price is clear, but your final spending can rise if you choose several add-ons.

For a beginner who mainly wants to try scuba safely, one included session may be enough. If you already know you will want extended time underwater, compare the price with a longer introductory course before booking.

Who will enjoy this Kos outing most

I would recommend this experience to adults and children aged 12 or older who can swim and want a gentle introduction to scuba. It also suits people who like the idea of a boat trip and a sea day, not only a lesson.

It is a good fit for:

• First-time participants who want a shallow, closely supervised session
• Nervous beginners who value patient instruction
• Couples or friends with mixed interests, thanks to the snorkeling and sundeck options
• Visitors who want to combine Kos with a short trip toward Pserimos
• Swimmers who want to see fish in clear water without committing to a certification course

I would not choose it if you cannot swim, have a serious health issue, or want a full training program. It is also a poor match if you expect a long session at significant depth.

One important planning rule concerns flights. It is not safe to fly for 24 hours after scuba, so schedule this outing with that restriction in mind. Do not book it on the final morning before a flight home.

Practical preparation for a smoother morning

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. Your useful checklist is:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Snacks
• Cash

Leave alcohol and drugs out of the plan. Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs, and fishing is not part of the outing.

I would also avoid treating the medical statement as something to complete casually. If you have health concerns, check that you meet the requirements before reserving your place. The activity is not suitable for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

The free cancellation period is up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Kos schedule is still taking shape.

Should you book the Pserimos scuba session?

Book it if you want a safe and shallow first introduction with a pleasant boat trip attached. The 5-meter maximum depth, clear water, small groups, and two-instructor setup all work in favor of beginners. The consistently high rating of 4.7 from 79 ratings also fits the main strengths: kind staff, clear explanations, and strong reassurance for nervous participants.

Skip it if you are looking for a serious scuba course, long underwater time, or a specialized wildlife trip. The included session is short, and the second one costs extra.

For most suitable participants, the best plan is simple: book the basic outing, bring cash, decide about the second session after the first, and leave at least 24 hours before flying. That way, you get the island setting and the underwater introduction without turning a gentle first attempt into an overplanned production.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

It starts at Liamis Dive Centre in Kos Harbour.

What time does the boat leave?

The boat departs at 8:30 in the morning.

How long does the full activity last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

Is previous scuba experience required?

No. The course is designed for beginners and includes an equipment and safety briefing.

How deep is the first underwater session?

The maximum depth is 5 meters.

Can non-swimmers take part?

No. You must be able to swim to participate.

Is a second underwater session included?

No. One session is included. A second session costs €45 and is payable in cash on the boat.