Paros Diving Center

Paros Diving Center has been operating since 2016, situated on the south-east coast of Paros at Golden Beach. As part of the Louridis Studios facilities, the centre provides a dedicated base for divers looking to explore the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea.

The centre is an official SSI (Scuba Schools International) facility, catering to everyone from those taking their first breaths underwater to professional Divemasters. With a focus on the diverse topography of the island, the diving here ranges from shallow reefs to deeper wrecks and cave systems.

The team is multilingual, providing instruction and guidance in Greek, English, French, Italian, and Spanish. This makes the centre a versatile choice for international divers looking to complete certifications without language barriers.

Safety is a primary focus, with the centre following strict protocols including medical questionnaires, detailed safety briefings, and guided dives. They are certified by the EVETAM health and safety agency, ensuring that oxygen and first aid equipment are present on every excursion.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Try Scuba Diving, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver, moving through to Advanced Open Water Diver and beyond.

For those looking to professionalise, the centre offers Dive Guide and Divemaster programmes. There is also a significant focus on specialised training, including Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep Diving, Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy, and Diver Stress and Rescue. For freedivers, training ranges from Basic Freediver to Level 1 and Level 2, including specialties like Free Immersion (FIM) and Photo and Video Freediving.

The centre utilises an inflatable RIB boat to reach local dive sites. These trips cover a variety of underwater environments, from the nearby island of Makronisi to the more distant reefs and wrecks around the area.

The centre provides full equipment hire using high-quality brands. You can find Mares Rover BCDs, Mares 5.5mm full wetsuits, and Mares Puck Pro dive computers. Regulators are provided by Mares and Tecline Pro R1, and the centre uses 11-litre aluminium cylinders.

For those looking to extend their bottom time, Enriched Air Nitrox is available on-site. The centre is well-equipped for various disciplines, offering everything needed for scuba, freediving, and night diving.

The marine life around Paros is diverse, with rocky habitats and crevices providing homes for many species. You will find colourful sponges, lionfish, and various nudibranchs tucked into the reef structures.

Macro enthusiasts can look for fireworms and other small organisms amongst the rocks and cracks. The sheltered areas of the island often host a variety of interesting invertebrates for closer inspection.

In the more open areas and reefs, the environment supports a healthy ecosystem. The combination of rock formations and clear water creates a vibrant setting for observing local marine life.

The diving environment is generally well-protected. Many of the sites, such as Drionissi South, are positioned to remain sheltered even during the strong Meltemi winds of the summer months.

Local topography includes various canyons and passages, such as those found at Makronisi, which allow for interesting navigation through underwater channels.