Dive centre · Palea Fokea · Greece
5.089 Google reviewsSCUBALIFE DIVE CENTER, Nikos Vardakas
Explore the deep wrecks of Attica from specialized RHIBs equipped with dedicated cylinder racks for doubles and stages.
What sets this centre apart
- Specialised in CCR and technical diving expertise
- GUE and SSI affiliated training programmes
- Two dedicated RHIBs with Volvo Penta D3 engines
- On-board sonar for precise wreck location
- Racks for doubles and stage cylinders on boats
- Availability of Nitrox, Trimix, and custom gas blends
- Full rental of ROFOS drysuits and dive computers
- Small groups with a maximum of six divers per guide
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SCUBALIFE DIVE CENTER, Nikos Vardakas about the centre
Scubalife is situated in Palea Fokea, a prime location for accessing the diverse underwater topography of the Attica coastline. Established with over 26 years of experience in the industry, the centre has become a recognised hub for divers looking to move beyond basic recreational limits.
The centre is particularly noted for its expertise in technical diving and wreck penetration. Whether you are looking to explore the shallow reefs of the area or descend on deep historical wrecks, the operation is built around a methodical, safety-first approach to underwater exploration.
The club and its team
Founded by Nikos Vardakas, the centre operates with a strong emphasis on technical proficiency and diving methodology. The team is affiliated with both SSI and GUE, catering to divers who follow standard recreational paths as well as those pursuing more rigorous technical training.
Instruction is delivered in both English and Greek. To ensure a controlled environment, especially during technical or deep dives, the centre maintains a ratio of one guide for every six divers.
The centre at a glance
- Affiliation
- SSI
- Certification level
- autres
- Operating since
- 2018
- Languages spoken
- English · GR
- Website available in
- English
- Management
- English
- Boats
- 2 · RHIB de 7m et 8.5m avec racks à bouteilles fixes · 6 plongeurs
- Divers per guide
- 6
- Equipment rental
- complet, combinaison étanche ROFOS, ordinateurs de plongée, scooters, bouteilles de déco, mélange de gaz personnalisés
- Nitrox
- Yes
- Rebreather
- Yes
- Trimix
- Yes
- Night diving
- Yes
- Oxygen on board
- Yes
- On board
- eau, snacks, racks à bouteilles pour doubles et stages, sonar Lowrance Elite FS7
- Access and transfers
- Located 30 km from Athens International Airport and 45 km from Athens. Bus route 122 from Elliniko metro station towards Saronida. Airport transfer available (30 mins).
- Accommodation
- Various options are available (shared houses, flats, villas), located within walking distance of the centre or requiring transport.
- Phone
- +30 2291 041775
- Address
- Galinis 2, Palea Fokea 190 13, Greece
- Official website
- scubalife.gr ↗
Courses on offer
The training programme is extensive, covering everything from the initial SSI Open Water Diver qualification to advanced technical certifications. For those looking to expand their recreational skills, courses such as SSI Navigation, SSI Deep Diving, and SSI Enriched Air Nitrox are available.
Technical divers can pursue a high level of certification through both SSI and GUE pathways. This includes GUE Basic Fundamentals, GUE Recreational Diver 1, GUE Technical Diver 1 and 2, as well as SSI Hypoxic Trimix, SSI Extended Range, and SSI Technical Extended Range-Trimix. The centre also offers SSI Dry Suit Diving and GUE Drysuit Primer for those transitioning to more advanced kit.
The boats
The centre operates two specialised RHIBs, measuring 7 metres and 8.5 metres respectively. Both vessels are powered by Volvo Penta D3 engines and are designed specifically for dive operations, featuring fixed cylinder racks to manage equipment efficiently.
These boats are well-equipped for technical diving, with dedicated racks to accommodate doubles and stage cylinders. On board, you will find a Lowrance Elite FS7 sonar to assist in locating sites and wrecks, and snacks and water are provided for the divers.
Equipment and gases
The shore-based facilities are geared towards both recreational and technical divers. For those requiring specialised kit, the centre offers full rental equipment, including ROFOS drysuits and dive computers.
Technical divers will find support for complex profiles, with the availability of custom gas blends, Nitrox, and Trimix. The centre also stocks deco cylinders and scooters to assist with extended bottom times or exploration.
Dive sites with SCUBALIFE DIVE CENTER, Nikos Vardakas
Amphitrite Cave is a unique underwater cave located in the Aegean, featuring stalactites and stalagmites set against a backdrop of white sand. It is accessible to all levels, with depths ranging from 6 to 53 metres.
SS Patris is a passenger ship that sank in 1927, offering an advanced dive for those comfortable with depths between 28 and 72 metres. The wreck provides a significant site for those interested in maritime history.
SS Monrosa is an Italian cargo ship that lies at depths between 72 and 90 metres. This is a deep wreck intended for advanced divers with the appropriate technical training and gas management skills.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
Diving conditions
The best windows for diving the deeper wrecks are from May to mid-June and from mid-September to mid-October. During these periods, the conditions are most suitable for the technical profiles required for the SS Monrosa and SS Patris.
Water temperatures in the area typically range between 17°C and 19°C.
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