Diving and sailing in Greece

It’s funny, but not all sailors like going into the water. Like ships’ cats, they prefer staying on the boat and commanding the waves from the helm. But there’s a rarer breed of people who happily combine sailing and diving – and even freediving. For willing practitioners, sailing and diving go together perfectly. You just need a boat with a scuba compressor installed. Tanks filled, and sails billowing, you can sail smoothly to your first dive site.

Your sailing boat offers cosy quarters. There are snug berths for all travellers: and solo travellers may share their room. Yes, conditions can be cramped inside, but up on deck there’s plenty of space for lounge lizards. Climb back on board after a morning swim and you’ll find breakfast served on the aft deck, whilst lunches are picnics. You don’t need to help with any of the sailing, just sit back and enjoy the breeze.

Dives run from spring until autumn. The most expensive time to go is in July and August and then prices drop in autumn. An October dive might be perfectly peaceful and perfectly toasty, as the water is warmest between June and October. You don’t need to bring much with you – equipment: wetsuits, fins, masks, air, is all provided, but eco-friendly sun cream is a must – it stops you burning, yes, but the ‘eco’ part also prevents it contributing to coral bleaching. You might also want to bring your underwater camera, so people believe you when you say how close a seahorse came to you.

Responsible diving companies do a lot to raise awareness of the plight of marine life. With the help of an in-house environmentalist, they organise marine ecology seminars and run underwater photography exhibitions. When the boat isn’t being used for holidays, it’s often employed for beach cleans and data collection for environmental research.

Annie Antonatou, from our specialist tour operator Mystic Blue has this advice:
“You need to have a PADI Open Water certificate or equivalent to participate in this trip. The training for the Open Water certificate is quite intense so we have found that there is not enough time for the theory lessons, studying, dive training and enjoying the sailing and exploring the islands we visit. Apart from the excitement of sailing through the unspoilt little Cyclades islands, you will also experience shipwrecks, cliffs, caves, walls, reefs… traces of ancient civilizations… and of course the spectacular biodiversity of the East Mediterranean Sea! You will discover the unique natural, cultural and historical wealth that hides both above and below the magical waters of the Aegean… while sailing from one island and site to the other!”