Paros - Cycladic Diving

Cycladic Diving is situated in Aliki, a traditional fishing village on the southern coast of Paros. The centre is positioned just a short walk from the beach and the local port, making it a convenient base for exploring the Cyclades.

With 30 years of experience in the region, the centre focuses on a small-scale, eco-responsible approach to diving. Instead of large, crowded groups, they prioritise intimate dives that allow for a better connection with the marine environment and a more precise focus on marine biology.

The team consists of multilingual instructors capable of conducting dives and training in French, English, and Italian. This makes the centre a versatile choice for international divers looking for clear communication during technical training or guided explorations.

They are specialists in adaptive diving, offering HSA (Handicap Sport Adapté) programmes for divers with disabilities. This expertise ensures that the centre is equipped to provide inclusive, professional instruction for a wide range of physical abilities.

Safety and quality are central to their operations, with the centre being audited annually by Bureau Veritas. They maintain a strict ratio of no more than six divers per guide, ensuring attentive supervision on every outing.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they offer a comprehensive range of certifications. This begins with the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses and extends to professional levels including Divemaster and Assistant Instructor.

For those looking to specialise, the centre provides training in Nitrox, Deep Diving, Navigation, and Underwater Ecology. They also offer specialised courses in Decompression and Photo/Video. Their expertise in adaptive diving is reflected in their HSA (Handicap Sport Adapté) training programmes.

The centre operates a 7-metre semi-rigid inflatable boat (RIB) powered by a 150 CV Mercury four-stroke engine. This vessel is designed to carry a maximum of six divers, ensuring the small-group atmosphere is maintained even when out at sea.

On board, you will find a comfortable ladder for easy access during entries and exits. The boat is equipped with oxygen and a first aid kit for safety, and it is used for all dive types, including night dives at Piso Aliki.

The centre provides full equipment hire, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, cylinders, and dive computers. They utilise high-end brands such as Scubapro, Cressi, and Mares to ensure reliability and comfort.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time. For safety, oxygen and a first aid kit are always kept on board the boat and at the centre.

The reefs and canyons are home to a variety of larger species, including groupers, moray eels, barracuda, and dentex. You will also find various species of sea bream, such as Diplodus vulgaris and Oblada melanura, patrolling the rocky structures.

Macro life is a highlight for many divers, particularly for those interested in nudibranchs and various species of octopus. The seagrass meadows and rocky crevices are also home to diverse crustaceans and small creatures like the scorpionfish.

In the spring, the area around the Preza islet becomes particularly active as birds begin nesting, and the seabed is rich with life including various species of nudibranchs and small fish such as Apogon imberbis.

The best time to dive in the area is during July and August. It is generally advised to avoid periods of the Meltemi, which are strong northern winds that can affect sea conditions.

Night diving is available, specifically around Piso Aliki, offering a completely different perspective on the local marine life.