General
Q. When does the dive boat depart?
Our boat “APOLLON” is situated in Kos Harbour very close to the dolphins roundabout. Our boat is open from 09:00 to check in passengers for our excursion. At 10:00 we request clearance from the Harbour Master and will depart at around 10:15. We arrive back to Kos Harbour at around 17:00.
Q. At what time do I need to be on the boat?
You need to be on the boat at 09:30 a.m. The boat departs from Kos harbor at around 10:00 a.m.
Q. How long is the journey to the dive site?
The journey to Pserimos Island is just 1 hour.
Q. Are you doing transfers from/to hotels?
Unfortunately no. There is the local public bus service you can use and of course taxi.
Q. Is lunch included?
No. But we have a fully stocked bar with a variety of sandwiches and snacks and cold drinks for sale at reasonable prices.
Q. How many dives can I make in one day?
It is possible to make two dives in one day. For the second dive you will pay on board.
Q. How far in advance and how do I make reservations?
Although it is not required it is recommended to make reservations about a week in advance to be sure that you have the best options available. Reservations can be made as late as the day before the dive but may have limited availability.
Q. What do I need to bring with me?
Don’t forget your dive certification and your log book. A jumper for the beginning and the end of season, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, a towel, a good pair of comfortable non-slip shoes (flip flops not advised). Extra money for snacks and refreshments and the optional extra facilities such as: CD for your underwater photos, T-shirts, Sweatshirts. If you tend to get motion sickness it is recommended that you take motion sickness pills prior to meeting the boat at the pier.
We will supply your equipment needs. However, most people who have their own diving equipment prefer to use their own. The choice is yours and is cheaper if you have your own equipment.
Q. Where do you dive?
We dive in Pserimos Island which is located in the north side of Kos. We have dive sites all around the island and choose the best sites each day depending on weather conditions (mostly wind direction). We do not dive in Kos cause of the underwater topography (sand and absence of marine life).
Q. I am with a friend or girlfriend for holidays. Can I bring him/her with me on the Liamis Dive Boat?
Yes you can. Spectators can join the boat with an additional fee of 20 €. They can sunbathe on our sundeck, swim in crystal clear waters, or even upgrade onboard to snorkelers or even try divers.
Q. My family member or friend is on the Beginners scuba diving program can I dive with them?
Yes, you can. It will count as the dive you have booked. Later you can join in on the second dive with the certified divers (Optional extra).
Q. What’s the minimum number to run a trip?
For economic reasons, unfortunately we don’t normally run a trip with one customer. It’s unusual, but if you have booked in advance and no one else can be found to dive on that day, we will move you to another day or give you a refund if we have to cancel due to lack of numbers. For a full explanation of our refund policies, please click here.
Q. I have started a diving program but not yet completed it. Can I dive with qualified divers? Can I continue my course in your school?
You cannot dive with qualified divers because you need to have a certification card. You can continue your course in our school if you bring your progress documents and logs from your instructor. In case you have started your course in a diving organization different than PADI then you will cross-over, which means that your final certification will be a PADI certification.
Diving
Q. How many dives can I make in one day?
It is possible to make two dives in one day. For the second dive you will pay on board.
Q. How long are the dives?
This question varies according to the person in question. Usually we average about 45 minutes per dive. Again, body size, health habits and movement under water play into this.
Q. Can I bring my own equipment with me?
If you have your own equipment and don’t mind carrying it, it does make a lot of sense to bring it as you will be more familiar with it, and you’ve paid for it, after all but also you will pay less for your dives.
Q. What kind of water temp can I expect and what type of suit is recommended?
When you are dealing with the Mediterranean Sea anything is possible with regards to the water temperature. Typically the water temp ranges from 19 – 27 degrees depending on the month. Most divers are comfortable in 5mm wet suits.
Q. Do you accept certifications from other dive training organizations like NAUI or SSI or CMAS or ESA?
Liamis Dive Centre is a PADI Dive Center but accepts current certifications from other training agencies such as NAUI, SSI, CMAS etc.
Q. Can I book a day’s diving for specific dive sites?
Unfortunately no. Dive sites are picked daily based on weather and sea conditions, your safety and the safety of our staff is paramount in our operation. If your requested dive site is unavailable due to weather we will do our best to find a suitable alternative for you.
Q. What marine life can I expect to see?
The importance of the Aegean Sea has been recognized for over millenniIt has supported and still supports a rare and unique biodiversity. While most seas and oceans worldwide are being degraded, the Aegean Sea still support important populations of rare and protected species. Diving conditions are excellent throughout the diving season –May to October- and clear blue waters with visibility of up to 30 metres is the norm. The underwater landscape is varied with reefs, walls, drop-offs and caverns. Marine life may not be as profuse as that found in tropical seas but on most dives one will encounter a range of species of fish including groupers, morays, sting rays, and bream. The observant diver will spot different types of nudibranchs grazing on marine plants and a variety of other molluscs – some like the octopus not as tiny but master of camouflage.
Q. Does Liamis Dive Center offer Nitrox?
Liamis Dive Centre is the only dive center with Nitrox filling capabilities. With new blending equipment you are able to enjoy the added comfort of diving Nitrox on any of your dives with us. Nitrox dives incur additional charges and are necessary to pre booked.
Q. Are the dive trips guided by a Divemaster/Instructor?
Liamis Dive Centre sends a dive master as a guide in the water on all dive trips. We want to make sure that your dive is as enjoyable as possible and our dive professionals know the best route and where to look for certain marine life.
Q. What kind of visibility can I expect in the area?
As with any diving the visibility is unpredictable. We have seen during peak season anywhere from 40 meters visibility down to as low as about 15 meters visibility. Conditions often change and are also sometimes affected by the moon cycles. No matter what the visibility there is a ton of marine life to see in our area.
Q. How many do you take in a group?
We take a maximum of six qualified divers. So with small groups, you’ll receive the best possible attention from our staff.
Q. What’s the minimum number to run a trip?
For economic reasons, unfortunately we don’t normally run a trip with one customer. It’s unusual, but if you have booked in advance and no one else can be found to dive on that day, we will move you to another day or give you a refund if we have to cancel due to lack of numbers. For a full explanation of our refund policies, please click here.
Q. What standard is your rental gear?
We continually update our rental equipment and service the gear on a regular basis. We also do our best to ensure that our customers look after the gear and inspect it so you don’t get faulty gear the next day! We have analysed O2 clean air, cylinders hydrostatically tested and in date.
Q. How do you ensure dive safety?
We always man our boats with a first aid qualified captain during your dives and have oxygen and first aid on board and our dives are guided as standard so you’ll be looked after in the water.
Q. I/we struggle to get back on RIB/tender boat.
Worried about getting back on the boat? We also have a ladder available on request!
Q. Can I rent equipment and go dive by my self – with my friend?
Going to a dive by your self is not only dangerous (you should know that already being a diver) but illegal too. (European Sport Diving Standards). Diving with your friend is ok as long as your diving certification is accepted by the local diving regulations.
You must know that we cover most the dive sites daily so why to go without us?
We can provide you with equipment, technical support, and escort you to a dive – dives. We have so many interesting things to show you. Join our company and enjoy the beauties of underwater world.
Q. I am a deep tech – trimix diver and I don’t like going shallow. How deep can we go?
Being a Diving Center we follow the recreational sport diving model. Sorry but we cannot take you that deep.
Q. Are the participants insured?
Of course! Insurance contact is a necessary document to work legally. We are contracted with DAN (Divers Alert Network) and our contract is available anytime.
Q. Where is the nearest decompression chamber?
An hyperbaric chamber is available for treatment of decompression illness. It is located at Kalymnos Hospital less than an hour away from our dive sites.
Q. What if I end up with a ‘gung-ho’ diver and I do not feel comfortable?
In any circumstances where you have any concerns about your diving or dive buddy, it is best speak to your dive guide. Many people dive for many different reasons, and sometimes a buddy mismatch can occur. There is usually a way to resolve this which your guide will be in the best position to do so.