Try a Scuba Diving Experience

First underwater can feel way less scary. This Try scuba experience in Protaras teaches you the basics step by step, then gets you into a shallow bay a couple minutes from the centre before your first go underwater.

I like that you get patient, first-time focused instruction from guides such as Shaun, Nick, Richard, Kim, Bec, and Jodi, plus equipment that is supplied and described as sterile under Covid governance rules. The one drawback to plan around is weather, since the experience requires good conditions to run.

Quick Hits

• About 3 hours total from pickup or meeting time to the return, with your first go underwater after skills practice
• Sterile, provided equipment and a guided lesson on how everything works
• A shallow skills bay 2 minutes away so you can learn breathing and buoyancy without jumping in too fast
• Expert instructors who keep nerves calm with humor and one-on-one attention in a small, private group
• Photos and videos included in the price, shot during the session

Protaras Try Scuba in 3 Hours: How the Timing Works

This is a half-day style outing, and the full experience runs about 3 hours. You do it either in the morning or afternoon, and it is offered 7 days a week, so it fits well if you are trying to book one bucket-list activity without juggling a complicated schedule.

One thing I appreciate right away is the pacing. You are not thrown into a long, technical training course. Instead, you get taught, practice in shallow water, then have your first real go underwater when you feel ready.

It is also set up as a private activity, meaning only your group participates. In real terms, that usually translates into less waiting around and more attention while you learn the equipment and hand signals.

Where you start, where you end

You start at the Sirens centre (E306 513, Paralimni 5297, Cyprus) and the activity ends back at that same meeting point. If you are staying in the area, pickup and drop-off are available from your accommodation as long as you are within a 15 km radius of the dive centre in Protaras.

From Meeting Point to the Shallow Bay: Getting Set Up Smoothly

The first phase is all about comfort and control. You meet at the centre, get fitted with the scuba kit, and then you go through the basics with your instructor. The experience description specifically notes that the equipment is supplied and kept sterile under Covid governance rules, which matters when you are sharing gear in a way that feels more hygienic.

Then comes the part that makes this good for first-timers: you go to a lovely little bay about 2 minutes from the centre for shallow water skills. That short transfer is useful. You are not spending your energy traveling to a distant site, and you are not waiting around for hours before the learning starts.

In the shallow bay, the goal is simple. You learn how to breathe using the regulator, practice staying calm, and get used to the feeling of being underwater while someone watches closely.

A note on nerves

If you are worried you will panic, do not ignore that feeling. A review I read mentioned having a few nerves at the beginning, and the instructor was patient and helped them stay calm. That is exactly what you want to see in a first-time program, and it shows up again and again in the instructor praise.

Learn Equipment Basics and Hand Signals Before You Go Under

This Try scuba session is built around learning what matters most quickly.

Before you go any further, your team will walk you through:

• how the equipment works
• the basic skills you need to manage it underwater
• the relevant hand signals for communicating while you are submerged

That third item is underrated. Underwater, you cannot just talk normally. Knowing what signals mean turns the experience from confusing into calm. Your instructor gives you the system, and then you practice it so it becomes muscle memory.

Expect the teaching to be interactive. Many first-timers have questions about buoyancy, breathing, and what to do if something feels off. The reviews highlight instructors such as Shaun for being patient and attentive, and that matches the way this program is structured: you learn the basics first, then you test them in shallow water.

Your First Go Underwater Near Protaras: What You Might See

After shallow practice, you move into your first real underwater segment. The experience description is clear that once you are happy in the shallow area, the team takes you on your first go underwater. If you are lucky, you might see turtles.

The bay area around Protaras is also known for more than just turtles. One review mentioned seeing turtles plus fish such as lionfish and needlefish, and another described underwater sculptures in the area. I would treat all of that as possible, not guaranteed, because water conditions and seasonal sightings change. But the variety people report here is a good sign that you are not just going for the mechanical lesson. You get real marine-life moments too.

How long your underwater time feels

The official duration is about 3 hours total, but one review mentioned around 45 minutes underwater for a first-time session. That lines up with the idea of a short, controlled experience. You get enough time to feel the magic without turning it into a marathon.

Instructors Who Keep First Timers Comfortable (Shaun, Nick, Kim, Bec, Richard, Jodi)

The strongest pattern in the reviews is not just that the trip is fun. It is that the instructors are focused on the human part of it, the nerves, the questions, the awkward first moments.

Here are a few example names that show up:

• Shaun for being patient, funny, and attentive, helping someone stay calm
• Nick for patient and kind support when there were nerves at the start
• Kim and Bec for responsive help and reassurance so the group feels comfortable
• Richard and Jody/Jodi for calm, enthusiastic guidance and making the whole experience feel smooth

If you are traveling with kids or you want a confidence boost, this kind of teaching style matters. The program is suitable for adults and children from 8 years upwards, and that age range tends to work best when the instructor can explain clearly without rushing.

Also, remember this is a small private group setup. That makes it easier for an instructor to tailor coaching to your exact comfort level, instead of trying to manage a bigger crowd.

Photos and Video Are Included, and They Actually Matter

One of the best parts of this experience is that all photographs and videos are included in the price. That is not just marketing fluff here. Reviews mention that multiple cameras are used, including three different camera setups, and the photos and video are handed over for free.

Another practical detail: one reviewer said their underwater photos and videos were sent to them on WhatsApp the day after the dive, which is exactly how you want it to work on holiday. You can share right away, and you do not have to worry about shipping timelines or extra costs later.

If this is on your bucket list, you probably want proof. With this, you get it without having to buy an add-on or trust your own shaky underwater phone skills.

Pickup, Getting There, and Using the Map If You Drive

Logistics can make or break a half-day activity, especially if you are on a tight holiday timetable.

Good news: pickup and drop-off are offered if you are within a 15 km radius of the Sirens centre in Protaras. If you are self-driving or taking local transport, you can use a very good Google Map on the centre’s website and tell them your preference.

It is also described as being near public transportation, so even if you do not have a rental car, you should have a straightforward way to reach the meeting point.

The meeting point to remember

Start at: Sirens centre, E306 513, Paralimni 5297, Cyprus

End: back at the same meeting point

Keep that in mind when planning what you do after the experience. This is not a “drop you off in the middle of nowhere” situation.

Price and Value: Is $90.74 Worth It?

At $90.74 per person, you are paying for a very specific, time-limited outcome: real underwater experience with expert supervision, plus training, plus equipment, plus media.

Here is what you get included:

• Equipment supplied (sterile under Covid governance rules)
• Instruction on equipment use and hand signals
• Guided shallow skills first, then your first go underwater
• Photos and videos included in the price
• Pickup options within a 15 km radius, depending on where you stay
• A private activity setup where only your group participates

When you look at it that way, the cost is easier to justify. If you add up typical day-trip spending, equipment rental, instruction time, and then photo packages, the price starts to look more reasonable. You are not paying for a long course, but you are also not paying like it is a casual boat ride. This is hands-on coaching with the gear and the memories bundled.

If you are comparing it to doing nothing, it is also a rare “I can’t believe this is me” activity. That is the value: you get an experience you will likely keep thinking about long after the rest of your holiday photos fade.

Practical Tips I’d Use Before Your Session

I do not want to invent extra rules that the centre did not mention, but I can tell you the smartest mindset to bring.

• Go in ready to learn hand signals and follow instructions the first time. That keeps you safe and helps you enjoy the experience faster.
• Be honest with your instructor if anything feels off. The reviews repeatedly mention instructors who stay attentive and professional when people are nervous.
• Expect the experience to be weather dependent. If the sea conditions are not right, you might need a different time.

Also, since you get photos and video included, treat the session like an opportunity. Even if you feel awkward at first, once you get used to breathing underwater and moving slowly, most people relax quickly.

Who Should Book This Try Scuba Session

This fits best if you:

• want a true first underwater experience without signing up for a multi-day course
• like having an instructor right there teaching you what to do
• are traveling as a couple, family, or small group because it is private only to your group
• have kids age 8 and up who are ready for instruction and supervised time in shallow water

It can also be a good choice for people who have physical limitations, as one review specifically mentioned that it was great even for someone with bad knees. Still, if you have mobility concerns, it is smart to tell the centre before you go so they can guide you toward the safest plan for your comfort.

Should You Book This Try Scuba in Protaras?

If you want a straightforward way to check scuba off your bucket list, I would book it. The biggest reason is the combination: shallow skills first, structured instruction, and included photos and videos. You do not just get a ticket, you get coaching that helps you actually participate.

Book it especially if you care about feeling safe and calm during your first go underwater. The instructor praise is consistent, including names like Shaun, Nick, Richard, Kim, and Bec, and the tone is always about patience and attention.

Skip or pause if you are only traveling when the weather is uncertain, because the experience requires good conditions. But if you can choose a date that looks better, this is a highly memorable, well-supported Protaras activity that is built for real beginners.

FAQ

How long does the Try Scuba experience take?

It lasts approximately 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $90.74 per person.

Is pickup available from my hotel or accommodation?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are offered if you are within a 15 km radius of the dive centre in Protaras.

Where do we meet for the activity?

You meet at Sirens centre, E306 513, Paralimni 5297, Cyprus.

Is scuba equipment provided?

Yes. The experience includes provided equipment, described as sterile under Covid governance.

What do I learn during the session before going underwater?

You learn the basic skills required, how the equipment works, and the relevant hand signals for underwater communication.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes. It is suitable for adults and children from 8 years upwards.

Are photos and videos included in the price?

Yes. All photographs and videos are included in the price.

What times are available?

You can do it either in the morning or in the afternoon, and it runs 7 days a week.

What is the cancellation and weather situation?

The experience requires good weather. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.