Adventure brief
PADI Drysuit Diver
Learn to dive dry and stay warm on every dive: this two-day PADI Drysuit Diver course in Plakias teaches fit, maintenance and buoyancy through shore dives in calm Mediterranean waters. Small groups, excellent visibility and local marine life make it a practical upgrade for certified Open Water divers.
On the southern coast of Crete, in the sheltered bay of Plakias, Dive2gether’s PADI Drysuit Diver course turns cold-water apprehension into underwater confidence. Over two focused days based at the Dive2gether Crete shop in Plakias, divers age 10 and up learn drysuit fit, maintenance, and buoyancy control, then make three shore dives in calm, clear Mediterranean water. This course is ideal for certified Open Water divers who want to stay warm, extend their season, or refine precise trim using suit inflation.
The coastline here is a mix of rocky coves, low cliffs and sandy patches where Posidonia seagrass beds edge into deeper blue, providing habitat for octopus, groupers and colorful nudibranchs. Visibility around Plakias is often excellent; quiet bays and limited boat traffic mean students get repeated, relaxed practice on entries, neutral buoyancy and air management. On day one you’ll arrive at 8:30 a.m. for a hands-on drysuit fitting and walkthrough of seals, inflator hoses and maintenance—skills you’ll need to troubleshoot in the field.
Day two focuses on two shore dives bookending a long lunch at a nearby taverna, and the instructor-led sessions emphasize trim, gas management and using drysuit air to fine-tune vertical control. What makes this experience special is its small-group format—typically four students—which lets instructors give individualized feedback while you practice weight adjustments and emergency procedures. Dive2gether includes air, weights and transport to the site if required; expect guided briefings, a mapped dive plan and clear communication about any local hazards.
The southern Cretan coast blends Mediterranean marine life with accessible dive profiles, making it a great place to add drysuit skills without committing to cold, remote locations. Practical notes: complete the PADI e-learning theory before arrival, bring a swimsuit and layers for post-dive warmth, and be prepared to fill out medical forms. The course is well suited to divers who are comfortable in the water and want to dive longer without shivering, or extend diving into cooler months.
Whether you’re chasing better trim, longer bottom times or simply the comfort of staying dry on every dive, this two-day PADI Drysuit Diver course at Dive2gether Crete provides focused instruction, calm dive sites and local marine encounters that make learning immersive and immediately useful. For divers who hate being cold but love the ocean, this is a practical upgrade with plenty of blue Mediterranean scenery. Instructors emphasize hands-on safety drills, emergency procedures and equipment care, so you leave with both practical skills and confidence to maintain your own suit on future trips.
The course suits travelers staying in Plakias or nearby Rethymno, and the short drives to sites mean less surface time and more bottom time, ideal for maximizing visibility while keeping dives relaxed and culturally rich.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Complete e-learning firstessential
Finish the PADI theory module before arrival so in-water time is focused on skills and practice.
- 02Bring layered clothinginfo
A warm change of clothes and a dry towel after dives prevents chill and speeds recovery.
- 03Log your diveswarning
Record weights, suit settings and conditions after each dive to track adjustments that improve trim.
- 04Hydrate and eatinfo
Keep hydrated and plan a hearty lunch at the local taverna between dives to maintain energy.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Swimsuit & thermal base layers
Wear under a drysuit to stay warm and comfortable during fittings and post-dive periods.
EssentialPersonal dive computer
Helps track depth and bottom time; instructors will brief on settings for the course.
EssentialLogbook and dive certification card
Required to verify certification and to record your training dives.
EssentialWarm hood and gloves
Adds comfort during cooler months and helps you get the most from longer dives.
fallLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Long lunch at the beachside taverna adjacent to the dive shop, Quiet coves west of the main beach that offer sheltered entries and macro life
Local fauna
Octopus, Groupers
Historic heritage
Plakias is a southern Cretan coastal village with a long fishing and seafaring tradition, now a small dive hub.
Mindful exploration
Posidonia seagrass beds are protected; use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid anchoring on seagrass and follow local guidelines to minimize impact.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Shore entry point for wide-angle scenes, Shallow seagrass beds for macro life, Cliff-side above the bay for shoreline compositions
- Subjects
- Underwater landscapes, Macro nudibranchs and octopus, Shoreline tavern scenes
- Best times
- Morning for underwater clarity, Midday for bright water color, Late afternoon for warm light on cliffs
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Do I need to be certified to take this course?
Yes — you must be a certified Open Water Diver or hold an equivalent certification before participating.
What is the minimum age?
Minimum age is 10 years old; younger divers must meet fitness and certification requirements.
Is the drysuit provided?
Full equipment rental is available, including drysuit, BCD, regulator and weights; you can also bring personal gear.
How many dives are included?
Three shore dives are part of the two-day course, with skill-focused practice and guided briefings.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Dive2gether shop in Plakias at 8:30 a.m.; early arrival helps with gear fitting.
What if I have medical conditions?
All participants must complete medical forms; contact the operator if you have health concerns before booking.