Back from Milos where my family and I dove with the Milos Dive Center
in Pollonia.
My oldest did his PADI certification through the Dive Center; classroom,
"confinded", and open water dives. I think he got a good education.
They didn't have a camera or Internet access to PADI so it was up to us
to get the picture and send in the form; not a big deal. Also, we should
have used one of the other childrens instruction booklets (didn't bring one)
as the cost was steep: 50euro. However, the overall price for the program was
comaprable to what I would have paid in the USA, even with the conversion rate.
My other son and daughter (previously certified) dove on a variety of days.
Everyone was very helpful. Language was a little bit of an issue as this is
primarily a Greek/French speaking group and we were English/Spanish/a little
Greek speakers. But one of the assistants spoke French/English and when
he was on a dive translation went fine.
Equipment was fine although the suits a little worn
Be prepared to pack your equipment to the boat and back.
They never did a clear "saftey stop" but usually came up to about 5-6m
for awhile while we explored at the end of the dive.
Also, be prepared for BAR not PSI; not a big issue unless (like me) you didn't
reconfigure your computer before you went down and are having to do math
on the fly to reassure the dive master of your tank pressure!
Prices were about what I've paid in the Carribean.
The dive sites were varied; caves, fish, depth; a site for everything. Having only
been in the Carribean the last few years (most recently Belize) I'm a little spoiled
but I really enjoyed what we saw and where we went, as did my kids.
They didn't have any problems with me using my own BC and regulator and I got a
reasonable discount for using it.
Overall a good experience with nice, helpful people. We will be back next year.
