If you’ve ever wanted to breathe underwater.

…this is a friendly way to try it off Kos, with a half-day boat ride to Pserimos and a starter setup built around gentle conditions. I like that the plan keeps things basic and safe, and you spend real time in the water without feeling thrown in at the deep end.

What makes it especially attractive for beginners is the close supervision: small groups (4/5 people) with two instructors, plus a careful, step-by-step in-water flow. I also like the boat setup, since Liamis Dive Boat-Apollon is a roomy 25-meter vessel with a shaded deck and a sun deck where you can recover between sessions.

One consideration: you must be able to swim and you’ll complete a medical statement. Also, there’s an optional second underwater session for an extra 45€ cash, so your total day cost can creep up if you want more time underwater.

Key things to know before you go

• Protected bay, max 5m depth: the water gets slightly deeper, but you’re kept at a maximum depth of 5 meters.
• Small groups with two instructors: groups of 4/5 divers with 2 instructors means hands-on attention.
• 20–25 minutes underwater: structured for first timers, then you come back up and reset.
• Pserimos boat day rhythm: cruise out, do the first underwater session, then choose between a second session or snorkeling/swimming.
• Fast photo delivery (when you buy it): photo/video packs are available on a USB, and people report quick digital transfers.

The appeal of trying scuba off Kos near Pserimos

Kos is great for an introductory scuba experience because it gives you a mix of sea views and a practical, low-stress training setup. The trip to Pserimos is the kind of day you’ll probably enjoy even if you’re nervous: you start on land, get fully briefed, then head out on a boat where things feel controlled and unhurried.

The real win here is how the underwater part is designed. You’re kept inside a bay protected by rocky outcrops, and the depth increases very gently until you reach the end of the bay at a max of 5 meters. That matters for first-timers because your brain can focus on breathing, buoyancy, and simple instructions instead of worrying about getting in over your head.

I also like the pacing. You’re not rushed from one step to the next. The day has a clear rhythm: briefing, equipment prep and coaching, a first underwater session, then a break and optional second session—or snorkeling and swimming.

Boat comfort on the Liamis Dive Boat-Apollon

This is a half-day schedule that still feels like a real sea day, not a quick hop. The boat is a 25-meter long Liamis Dive Boat-Apollon, with a shaded deck and a spacious sun deck. On a bright Aegean day, that’s not a small detail. Between learning moments and the exertion of first-time gear, you’ll want a comfortable place to sit and cool down while others prepare.

The boat leaves around 08:30 from Liamis Dive Centre. There’s a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes on the way to Pserimos. If you’re prone to seasickness, earlier mornings can help, and having shaded seating makes it easier to stay comfortable while everyone checks gear and listens for instructions.

You’ll be back in Kos around 14:30, which is handy if you want to keep the rest of your afternoon flexible.

How the day is structured (and why it feels beginner-friendly)

This tour runs about 6 hours total, and it’s organized like a training session that still includes fun. Here’s the flow you can expect:

Morning cruise to Pserimos (about 45 minutes)

During the ride, you’re in sea-view mode. It’s also time for the staff to get everyone settled and ready for the training block. Even if you’re itching to see the water, this first stretch helps you arrive calm and organized.

Safety and equipment briefing (around 20 minutes)

Before anyone goes underwater, you get an in-depth briefing. Expect it to cover the dive plan and the safety aspects, plus how to use the equipment you’ll be issued. This is where you should pay extra attention, even if you think you already understand scuba basics.

For your own confidence, I suggest you ask quick questions at this point—because after you’re in the water, there’s less time for figuring out details.

First underwater session in a protected bay (20–25 minutes)

You’ll split into groups of 4/5, with 2 instructors watching you in the water. The plan keeps you within the confines of the bay, and the maximum depth is only 5 meters. That depth limit is a big part of why this works for beginners: it reduces stress and keeps your training focused.

Return break, then choose your next step

After you finish the first underwater session, you’ll have a relaxing break. Then you can either:

• book the second underwater session for an extra 45€ paid cash on the boat, or
• skip the second session and snorkel or swim with the group on your own time.

This choice is a smart part of the schedule. Not everyone wants a second go, and not everyone wants to stop learning right after the first success.

The first underwater session: what you actually do

The underwater coaching here is built around staying controlled and staying comfortable. You go in as a group with instructors close by, and you’re in the water for about 20–25 minutes. For first-timers, that’s long enough to get past the initial shock of feeling different breathing underwater, but short enough that you’re not exhausted by the process.

You’ll also be guided during the session through a bay that’s protected by rocky outcrops. Because the depth rises so gently—and because the water is very clear—you may barely notice the change in depth. That clarity is what makes the experience feel rewarding quickly, since you can focus on marine life rather than worrying about visibility.

What you’ll likely notice underwater:

• you can observe and interact with fish safely under instructor guidance
• you’re working on simple tasks while the instructors keep watch
• your time is structured, not random wandering

Even if you’re thinking about just trying it once, the goal of the first session is to leave you feeling capable. The small group setup helps a lot with that.

Marine life and photos: keeping expectations realistic

This isn’t presented as a giant safari tour. It’s a beginner scuba course with marine-life discovery time inside a calm bay. That’s good news for you because it means you’re more likely to actually enjoy yourself. When your underwater experience is organized around learning, you tend to see more of the details that matter—fish behavior, movement patterns, and the way light works underwater.

You’ll have the chance to take underwater photos during the session. If you want more official photo/video delivery, there’s an option to purchase memory files via USB for 25€. Based on typical reports from people who bought it, photo/video transfer tends to be quick, and many couples choose to add it after their first successful session.

A practical note: if photos matter to you, don’t rely on your own phone unless you’ve been given specific guidance. The tour does include snorkeling gear, but it doesn’t state that personal waterproof devices are supported for underwater shooting.

Between sessions: snorkeling and swimming at Pserimos

After the first underwater session, you’re not just waiting around. You can snorkel or swim at Pserimos Town depending on whether you take the second underwater option.

This middle chunk is valuable because it gives your body time to reset. Scuba gear takes effort, especially on your first time. Snorkeling is lower pressure, and it’s a great way to keep seeing fish and enjoying the sea without the learning curve of full scuba equipment.

The schedule also helps you get your money’s worth. Even if you don’t add the second underwater session, you still get time in the water via snorkeling/swimming.

Price and value: what $123 gets you, and what costs extra

At about $123 per person for a 6-hour experience, you’re paying for three big things:

1) boat transfers to and from Pserimos

2) trained instructors plus equipment

3) one structured underwater session in a small group

That’s the core value. You’re not just buying access to water—you’re buying coaching, time with instructors, and a safety-focused setup. For first-timers, that instruction is often the difference between feeling panicky and feeling in control.

What costs extra:

• a second underwater session for 45€ paid cash on the boat
• snacks and drinks on the boat
• the USB memory stick with underwater photos/videos for 25€

If you’re deciding whether to add the second session, think like this: your first session is usually the hardest mentally, and the second tends to feel more natural once you’ve solved the breathing and body-control basics.

If you’re unsure, you can still start with one session. You’ll be able to judge how you feel right after your first underwater time.

Who this is best for (and who should skip it)

This experience has a clear minimum age: 12 years old. Prior experience is not required, but you do need two key things: you must be able to swim, and you need to pass a medical statement since diving requires no serious health issues.

It’s also not safe to fly for 24 hours after diving. If you’re building this into a travel plan, plan your flight timing carefully.

This setup is a great match if you:

• want your first scuba experience with a safety-first team
• prefer small groups and close instructor attention
• like the idea of a calm, beginner-friendly depth limit (max 5m)
• want a boat day plus snorkeling time, not just a short training block

It’s a poor fit if you:

• can’t swim
• have a pre-existing medical condition that affects diving safety
• are under 12
• need to fly the next day

Also, pets aren’t allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).

Practical tips to make your day easier

These aren’t flashy. They’re the kind of small steps that help you feel comfortable from the start.

Bring the right gear and clothing

• comfortable shoes
• hat and sunglasses
• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes for the boat ride
• cash for the optional second session and any on-board purchases

Pack snacks if you want them

Snacks and drinks are not included, so having your own can help you stay energized between the morning briefing and your return.

Expect the day to move fast

There’s a cruise, then a briefing, then gear and water time, then break and choice. If you’re the kind of person who likes long pauses, give yourself permission to just go with the flow.

Think about motion comfort

The schedule is early, and the boat has shaded areas. If you’re sensitive to waves, staying shaded and looking at the horizon can help.

Should you book this Kos-Pserimos scuba starter trip?

Yes—if you want a beginner scuba course that keeps you at max 5 meters, in a protected bay, with small groups and two instructors watching closely. This is the kind of plan that helps nervous first-timers settle in and learn without feeling rushed.

Skip it if you can’t swim, if health conditions make diving unsafe for you, or if you have flight plans within 24 hours after your underwater session. Also consider whether adding the second underwater option is worth it to you, since it’s an extra 45€ cash and your preferences may change after that first session.

If you’re ready to trade a bit of morning nerves for a real sea experience, this Kos-to-Pserimos day is a solid value. You’ll come back to land with a skill you can build on—plus time to snorkel and enjoy the coastline.

FAQ

How long is the experience?

The total duration is about 6 hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Liamis Dive Centre in Kos and returns to Liamis Dive Centre at about 14:30.

What’s the price, and does it include the boat and instructors?

The price is $123 per person. It includes boat transfers, dive instructors, diving equipment, site briefing, and snorkeling gear, plus one underwater session.

What depth will I reach?

The first underwater session stays within a protected bay with a maximum depth of 5 meters.

How long is the underwater part?

Your first underwater session lasts about 20–25 minutes.

Is there an option for a second underwater session?

Yes. A second underwater session is available for an extra 45€ payable cash on the boat.

Do I need prior scuba experience?

No. Prior experience is not required, and this is suitable for beginners.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes. It is necessary that participants can swim.

Are there any health requirements?

You’ll be asked to fill out a medical statement, and diving requires no serious health issues.

When can I fly after the activity?

It is not safe to fly for 24 hours after diving.