Horizon Diving

Horizon Diving serves the Heraklion region of Crete, providing access to some of the most varied underwater topography in the Aegean. From the sheer verticality of the Dia Island walls to the historical interest of WWII aircraft wrecks, the area offers a diverse syllabus for both recreational and advanced divers.

The centre operates with a focus on private experiences and high-quality kit, catering to those looking for a more personalised approach to diving. Whether you are exploring Neolithic amphorae on a shallow reef or descending along a 50-metre wall, the local sites provide a wide range of environments.

As an SSI-affiliated centre, Horizon Diving follows a structured training programme ranging from Scuba Rangers to professional Divemaster levels. Their curriculum includes specialised training such as Wreck Diver, Cavern Diver, and Deep Diver, alongside essential safety courses like Diver Stress & Rescue and React Right.

The team focuses on professional standards, ensuring that all training is backed by primary insurance coverage through Dive Assure. For those looking to refine their skills, they offer Scuba Skills Update and Perfect Buoyancy courses to ensure your technique is sharp before heading to more challenging sites.

The training catalogue is comprehensive, covering the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Scuba Rangers, Scuba Diver, or the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to progress can move through Advanced Adventurer and Deep Diver certifications.

Specialised training is available for divers wanting to explore specific environments, including Wreck Diver, Cavern Diver, and Marine Ecology Diver. The centre also provides professional development paths for those aiming for Dive Guide or Divemaster qualifications.

The centre's primary vessel is the ANAX, a 9-metre RIB renovated in 2021 and powered by a Suzuki 300 hp engine. It is designed to carry up to 6 people, making it an ideal choice for private cruises or small groups seeking a more intimate diving experience.

On board, you will find amenities designed for comfort during surface intervals, including large sofas, a tent for shade, and a fridge stocked with snacks and drinks. The boat is also equipped with a freshwater shower, dryboxes for your belongings, and a Bluetooth music player for the journey.

The centre maintains a high standard of equipment, with all kit being yearly serviced and certified by Bureau Veritas. For those opting for full hire, they provide Beuchat 5mm wetsuits, Cressi MC9 regulators, and Cressi Start Pro BCDs, complemented by Cressi fins and masks.

Air quality is a priority on site, with an Alkin W32 Canopy compressor used to fill aluminum cylinders. The centre is also a certified professional service technician for Cressi, ensuring that the rental kit is kept in peak mechanical condition.

The marine life around Heraklion is diverse, particularly along the deep walls and wreck sites. You can expect to see large schools of tuna, amberjack, and seabream, alongside groupers and barracuda. On the reefs, moray eels and octopuses are frequently encountered near the crevices.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add significant interest to the dive, with sightings of nudibranchs, seahorses, and various crabs. The rocky areas and caves are also home to lobsters and various species of anemones.

In the more sheltered areas and reef flats, you will find a variety of sponges, red soft coral, and sea anemones. Turtles are also a regular presence in the local waters, often spotted near the deeper reef structures.

Diving in this region is subject to varying depths and environments, from shallow reefs at 6 metres to deep walls reaching 60 metres. The presence of tunnels and caves, such as those at Lygaria or El Greco, requires divers to be comfortable with overhead environments.

While many sites offer excellent visibility, divers should always be prepared for the depth-related requirements of the local topography, particularly when visiting the steep descents around Dia Island or Stavros Cape.