Diving off Skiathos

[nottrikk]

Anyone dived off Skiathos in Greece?

I'll be going ver there next summer (July) for the sister in law's wedding and have been given a ticket to dive if I so choose as SWMBO will be helping with preperations etc.

Decent sites/companies?

Companies to avoid?

I'll be doing some research prior to going out, but if i can narrow the field now, it's going to make that research a lot easier.

[air-guzzler]

(29-09-2008 08:35 AM)nottrikk Wrote:  Anyone dived off Skiathos in Greece?

I'll be going ver there next summer (July) for the sister in law's wedding and have been given a ticket to dive if I so choose as SWMBO will be helping with preperations etc.

Decent sites/companies?

Companies to avoid?

I'll be doing some research prior to going out, but if i can narrow the field now, it's going to make that research a lot easier.

Ive dived in Skiathos about 6 times since 2005 and would say that
Skiathos is very limited to sites that you can dive from.
The best operator is "Theo" of Octopus diver Centre who is a really relaxed dive operator & Located within teh town's harbour ,

http://www.odc-skiathos.com/


the site that you can dive are
Tsugriaki
Small island about 10 mins ride out of the harbour where all operators dive 2 sites which are rock reefs both sites are well within the limits of most OW & AOW

there are other sites that dependant on weather and the divers on board Theo may take you over to them,
Argo & Another i will check my log book later.
I will also post a few pictures.

The other operator is based by Nostos beach but my experience with this centre on 2 separate occations was not good hence i always chose to dive with Theo.

A few pictures

Arco


Tsugiaki

[nottrikk]

Cheers AG,

I was looking at a few of the websites and they were saying that there was a de-restriction of the diving spots in that general area. The Greek ministry for Mercantile Marine apparently has passed a bill that basically means that a lot of the coastline has opened up for diving. I found this on the BSAC forums

PRESS RELEASE
RECREATIONAL DIVING BILL
The new bill prepared by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine regarding recreational diving in Greece, is the outcome of the Hellenic Government’s Strategic Plan for positioning Greece prominently into the world’s scuba diving industry, and in addition for boosting the country’s alternative tourism.
The new diving law is fully in accord with the EU Standards regarding recreational diving, which have actually been in force since early 2004. Moreover the unreasonable restrictions imposed in the past by archeologists are now being successfully modified and the concept of Diving Parks has been firmly established. Notably, the legislative framework provides adequate environment protection, ensures the appropriate respect for the underwater precious antiquities, as well as the safety and adequate professional skills of the divers, who will enjoy clear waters, plus unique marine life and other hitherto unutilised underwater attractions.
An accreditation system consonant to EU directives is being established for the Scuba Divers’ Training Programs, for the appropriate certification of various Diver Training Organizations, as well as for the Diving Services Providers. The Diving Services are classified according to their type, they are certified on an individual basis by an accredited products certification agency and each of them will be licensed by the competent Port Authority. There are now clear requirements as specified by law, to the effect that only those holding the necessary license will be able to provide Diving Services.
Moreover, the modus operandi for the Diving Industry is now clearly prescribed, appropriate records will be maintained at the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, and violators of the existing rules will be subject to severe penalties.
The Republic of Greece has several advantages as a holiday destination for divers: safety as a EU member, short flight distances for European travellers, excellent climate and long diving season, same currency with many other EU countries, and other amenities.
The multitude of active European and American divers, as well as those aspiring newcomers who wish to experience the magic undersea world and receive competent training in scuba diving, will find themselves welcomed in the best possible environment for pursuing their exciting hobby.
Finally, the renewed availability of our Nation’s magnificent undersea world to the Diving Industry, necessitates its strict adherence to services of the highest possible quality, for the pleasure of our visitors and the prosperity of our society as well.
(Source: BSAC Dive forum)

There was also a bit in Dive magazine in 2005 about it (That I found online again) Dive magazine article

[air-guzzler]

yes you are correct but with the island being about 6 miles long all the opeartors tend to stick to the same sites there used to be a small wooden wreck but a few years ago it was destroyed ina storm.

Send Theo a email saying that you have spoken to me and he will return with teh answers to any of your questions.

AG

[skiathosdivingcenter]

(02-10-2008 09:11 PM)air-guzzler Wrote:  yes you are correct but with the island being about 6 miles long all the opeartors tend to stick to the same sites there used to be a small wooden wreck but a few years ago it was destroyed ina storm.

Send Theo a email saying that you have spoken to me and he will return with teh answers to any of your questions.

AG

hi there my name is panos im instructor and owner of the skiathos diving center im local so i now very well my island,i dont realy agree with what i read,there is many deferend dives to do(sallow dives,deep dives,reff dives,wreckdives,nigth dives,maybe the other operators dont want to spent muts fuel thats wy the dive close to there centers but we are not all the same,my opinion is come to skiathos check all the dive centers and then you disade with ho you diving,ill be very happy to give you eny information you need to now for diving or in general about my island,but you now the most important thing is not with ho you are going to dive but to have a great time at your holidays in skiathos.my email is info@skiathosdivingcenter.gr

[air-guzzler]

I have dived your island for the last 4 years with both operators at the time and found the better to be Octoplus dive centers Theofanis Pardalis who i have become good friends with over the years i see that you must be around the top of Papadiamandis street. posisbly based out of the new sports shop next to the electrical shop opposite the taxicaris hotel.

You fail to mention that the local authorities have only recently relaxed the laws on the island to allow you to dive different places.

How ever i wish you well in your new business and i will on my next trip to your island look you up so you can show me these new site that you tell others about how ever your web site prices are more expensive than the other 2 operators