Evelin Dive Center

Located in the Rethimno region, Evelin Dive Center serves as a gateway to the contrasting marine environments of the Aegean and Libyan Seas. While their information office is situated in Platanes, the main diving operations are based at Kalivaki Beach in Georgioupolis. This central position allows for easy access to the diverse oceanography found along both the north and south coasts of Crete.

Since 2012, the centre has focused on providing a personalised experience through small group diving. Whether you are exploring the coastal ruins of an old Venetian harbour or heading out to deeper wreck sites, the focus remains on quality and safety. The centre's location in Georgioupolis provides a convenient base for divers looking to experience the unique geological formations of the island.

As a PADI 5 Star IDC Center, Evelin Dive Center is equipped to handle everything from introductory dives to professional-level training. The school is owner-operated, maintaining a small and friendly atmosphere that prioritises individual attention. This setup ensures that dive leaders can manage groups effectively while maintaining high safety standards.

Training is available in English, French, and German, making it accessible for a wide range of international divers. The centre's status as an IDC center means they are capable of training the next generation of dive professionals, providing a high level of expertise on-site.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the entire PADI progression. Beginners can start with the Bubblemaker or Scuba Diver programmes, progressing through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to refine their skills, specialized courses such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Enriched Air (Nitrox), Deep Diver, and Underwater Navigation are available.

More advanced divers can pursue the Rescue Diver and Divemaster certifications, or even enter the professional stream through the IDC. The centre also offers niche training including Sidemount, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and Search and Recovery Diver, as well as environmental programmes like AWARE Coral Reef Conservation and Underwater Naturalist.

The centre provides a full range of equipment for hire, covering everything required for a complete dive rig. For those who prefer to use their own kit, there is ample facility to manage your gear.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom times. The centre also provides refreshments, including water, fruit, and snacks, to ensure you stay hydrated and energized between dives.

The marine life around Crete is diverse, with many species inhabiting the rocky reefs and walls. You can regularly encounter octopus, moray eel, grouper, seabream, wrasse, flounders, and European seabass. Larger pelagics such as great barracuda and turtles are also known to visit these waters.

For those with an interest in macro photography or observation, the area is particularly rich in nudibranchs. You may also spot sea stars and various small marine life amongst the crevices of the reefs and wrecks.

In the deeper sections and along the walls, look out for lobster and other crustaceans that hide within the structures. The combination of cave systems and wreck sites provides a variety of habitats for these species to thrive.

Diving in the area is characterised by excellent visibility, which can reach up to 30 metres in many locations. The sites vary from shallow sandy shores and Venetian ruins to deep walls and cavernous structures, offering a range of environments for different experience levels.