Mare sud diving center

Located in Kokkinos Pirgos on the southern coast of Crete, Mare Sud Diving Center has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1992. The centre is positioned to take advantage of the diverse underwater topography of the region, ranging from deep offshore walls to sheltered coastal reefs.

The operation is built around a fleet of three distinct vessels, allowing for a variety of trip styles. Whether you are looking for a traditional boat experience or a faster transit to more distant sites, the centre provides access to the most significant marine environments in southern Crete.

The centre is led by Nikos Tzagkarakis, an SSI Advanced Open Water instructor and captain with more than three decades of experience in the field. His long-standing presence in the area provides a deep local knowledge of the currents and seasonal shifts of the southern Cretan waters.

Instruction is provided in English, Greek, and Italian, ensuring clear communication for international divers. The team focuses on a wide breadth of SSI certifications, catering to those beginning their journey as well as seasoned divers looking to specialise.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of SSI certifications. Beginners can start with Try Scuba Diving and progress through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver.

For those looking to refine their skills or move into technical diving, the centre offers several specialties. These include Perfect Buoyancy, Diver Stress & Rescue, Underwater Navigation, Deep Diving, and Wreck Diving. Advanced students can pursue courses in Decompression Diving, Gas Blender Nitrox/Trimix, and the Dive Guide qualification.

The fleet includes the Nikolas, a fast motorboat with a capacity for 20 people, powered by twin CUMMINS 450 HP engines. This vessel is ideal for reaching further sites quickly, such as the Paximadia islands.

For a more traditional experience, the Kapetan Manolis is a 16-metre vessel powered by a Caterpillar 300 HP engine. It carries up to 10 divers and is well-suited for longer excursions where a steady pace is preferred. Full-day boat trips on this vessel include food, fruit, water, and wine.

The third boat, Giorgos L., is a 9-metre vessel with a capacity for 10 divers. It is powered by an IVECO 360 HP engine and a Yamaha 30 HP auxiliary, providing reliable transport for smaller groups or specific coastal dives.

The centre provides full equipment hire for divers, though you should remember to bring your own dive computer and compass. For those needing a specific setup, 15-litre cylinders are available.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also maintains oxygen safety equipment on hand for all operations.

The marine life in this part of Crete is defined by the varied habitats of the southern coast. On the reef flats and rocky outcrops, you will find a variety of fixed life that provides structure for the local ecosystem.

In the more sheltered areas and around the reefs, the biodiversity includes various species of fish that inhabit the crevices. You may also encounter the Cretan wild goat, known as Kri Kri, on the cliffs above the dive sites.

Diving in the south of Crete involves navigating different environments, from the sheltered reef flats to the more exposed offshore walls. The choice of boat often depends on the swell and the distance to the target site.

Boat trips to the islands or the deeper walls may encounter different current conditions than shore-based dives. The centre uses its fleet to select the most appropriate vessel for the day's planned itinerary.