http://www.hippocampos.com/ Hippocampos Bali Dive Center organize boat scuba dive excursion & PADI scuba diving courses in interesting dive sites at Bali Rethimno Crete Greece Copyright Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/57.html Hippocampos Bali Dive Center is situated in Bali, the perfect place for your holiday!Bali is a really beautiful village (bay) of Crete, at the north side of the island, 30 km from the city of Rethimno and 50km from  Heraklio.It's an ideal place for scuba diving with a variety of dive sites (most of them can be reached only by boat), with a lot of nice creeks around (we can always find a protected place, even if some time the sea is wavy), clear water, no currents and still sea life to see!Scuba diving is our passion and we, Angelos and Corinne , wanted to  share it with more divers who really love sea and diving, we also would like to show how nice and easy is and teach scuba diving by the right and joyfull way to all who would like to try it and who even have no idea how or what there is under the sea surface. That was the reason we started on 1993 with the idea to create a "Diving School".Early in 1994 "Hippocampos Dive School" had start with one philosophy:  "Do scuba diving for ALL our guests as we would like it to be for US if WE go some where for diving" Today, as PADI 5 Star Dive Center, we continue with the same philosophy and same warm and familiar atmosphere, offer diving explorations and lessons. Our logo is "SAFETY-COMFORT-QUALITY" and we do our best for this. We don't get many divers, so, we always dive in small groups that we can give personal care before and during the dive, make joyfull dives and spend time together after the dive when we offer you a soft-drink and talk about the dive.This is our bussines to earn money, but our best payment is our divers who are going away happy with  a big smile looking forward for the next holiday to come back and dive again together with us!Here we want to get the opportunity to thank all friends-divers (and non divers) who are coming again and again so many times and give us reason to keep on. Special Thanks to those who already have get our "special certificate" for their "100th dive with Hippocampos", also to all those who are close to it and they are going to get it soon... "Thank you for diving with us. Thank you for your confidence, your friendship, your love for diving and the underwater world and know that we will be here as you knew us and we do our best to keep so!" Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/57.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/60.html Accommodation is plenty in Bali: several hotels of all categories, studios, apartments and rooms to let are available.***This page is still on construction! sorry...  but, pls, check again soon 2C more info. Thank you!*** (Untill we complete this page, if you need any information, help, or reservation about accomodation, please, do not hesitate to contact us! With pleasure we will do our best for you!!!) Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/60.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/59.html Bali is a small, nice village in a picturesque and calm bay on the north coast of Crete. Over and around this bay are hanging the lower tops of the "Talea ori" (Talea mountains) which protect the area from the wind. Here was living Talos, before Medea remove the bronze nail and Talos bled to death. Talos was a giant bronze warrior who circling Crete's shore three times a day while guarding it. In front of the village the Cretan sea comes in to the protected bay and the picturesque creeks with the sandy beaches, where always is calm and safe and that's why here was made the city of Atali (or Astali) the port of the old known city of Axos. It was an important port but it was completely destroyed, as is believed, about 1.500 B.C. by a huge tsunami from the big explosion of the volcano at Santorini (or some earthquakes). Proof that the city did exist are many documents and the small remaining we can see on the land but also in the sea. Old potteries from different periods, remaining from houses, anchors from boats etc... Later and after more earthquakes and also because of the pirates, the habitants lived mostly higher on the mountains. Much later they started come close to the sea again. For a long period the area was habited by Arabs and Venetians who did build a castle, on an existing construction, up on the hill at the north side of the bay. Later, at Turk's occupation, it was partially destroyed and rebuild for their needs. Unfortunately on the 2nd world war it got completely destroyed. Today there is a small tower (as a cafeteria) and a small church to remind the old castle Gloria. The new village, Bali, is believed that it took its name from the Turkish word for "honey" as this place were producing much and very good quality of honey. It was one very small fisher's village, with out electricity until 1974, when the new national road, which pass just near, was finished. The old village of "Vlihada", behind the national road, started desolate and Bali started grow more. Just a few people were coming at that time in the village as tourists and they, habitants and tourists, all knew each other. Often the tourists were invited to the houses to eat and stay with the local families! Some of them are still coming and they remember us, all, as younger or children..! We remember and see them as a part of our village! Today, unfortunately, because of the modern times life rhythm, needs and difficulties the people can't act as they would like to... but they still are simple and friendly with a smile and open heart. Bali has grown. Vlihada, the old village grows too. Some are even buying houses or land to live here. It has become a favourite tourist destination. Are you young? or even younger? are you old or older? you need to relax? need loneliness? you want live? you like meet people? you want to enjoy, having fun? you like activities? you prefer drive and visit the island? you love sea? mountain? In Bali there is something for you! It's a quiet place for those who need to make really relaxed holidays, it is a safe and magic place for the children, a romantic place for couples, there are activities and night life for the wild spirits, while is calm and charm for older people. Its near the sea and the mountains and at the right place to start your excursion to the whole island! It is the right place of holidays for every body!!! Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/59.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/99.html Bali nowadays is one of the most popular small holiday resorts on the island. Although many tourists are coming every summer it does never look that busy. Even on the high season its calm (its quite busy on some beaches on Sundays of Julie till 15 August. Good day for drive away or go on boat cruise!). It's a quiet place because the hotels are dispersed on the coast all around the bay. There are five nice sandy beaches in the bay and some little hidden beaches in and out of the bay. Close to the main beaches are cafeterias, beach bars, taverns, fast foods, water sports. There are different kinds of small shops, mini markets, tourist offices, car rental offices, even Real Estate agencies. There are some night clubs, bars, dancing clubs, but don't worry, not too noisy for those who prefer sleep quiet!!! Here you will find every thing you would like and if not ...the city is not far at all! Buses pass every half hour from the national road to the cities, boats organise trips to Rethimno twice a week. As the village is located at the middle of Crete, near the main road, it is very easy for you to drive by car (or bus) to every place on the island and come back to your hotel and that's one more benefit which makes Bali a popular place! Bali attracts a fairly young and cosmopolitan mix of couples and families. Ideal place of holidays for every body, perfect for families, i would say. Not perfect for people with disabilities as there are plenty of hills. There are people with disabilities who are coming here (also for scuba diving) and some return as they love the place. But some one who comes for first time, should know how it is before he/she comes! Any way the little train which goes around Bali every day, it makes it easier, and cheap, for every body! Even if you just want to move from one side to another or even if you want to make a complete tour and see the whole village. The little train start at 9:00 pm until 11:00 am continuously, and it pass from the same points every one hour. A place that is worth to visit some day, during your holiday in Bali, is the historical monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. It is on the side of the mountain over Bali on the south-west side (just over the national road) about 2km from the bus station on the way to Rethimno. Its worth to visit, as well, on the hill at the north side of Bali, where the castle Gloria was, the small tower (cafe) for the plain and beautiful view. Especially in the afternoon, before the sun set! Another interesting place close to Bali is the cave in the historic village of Melidoni, behind the mountains at south-west.Bali bay is perfect, except for Scuba Diving, for other kind of Water sports as well. You will find different kind of water sport on some of the beaches. The most organised is on the first big beach "Livadi". Two friendly guys, Andreas and Alex, will give you a lot of fun on the water!The restaurants and bars in the hotels are good, you will like them but probably you will not get really Cretan "test" of food, hospitality and fun if you don't visit the taverns and the local cafeterias and bars. Go out, find some place of your pleasure, stay there and talk with the local (Cretan) people. I'm sure you will enjoy your time and you will make some friends! Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/99.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/2.html If you wish to contact us, it's easy and fast! Just select the easiest, for you, way of the following!Thank you! Angelos & Corinne  Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/2.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/51.html Crowning the southern-most part of the Aegean, Crete has been standing there for centuries, proud bearer of its past; a past that blends myth and historical fact, power and demise, leadership and defeat, but never subjugation, never weakness. Its terrain unpredictable... filled with mountain ranges, intense and defying, serene plateaus - blessed with the rich vegetation that only gods could bestow on this island - interspersed with wide expanses of serene valleys and gentle hills, that meet the waters of the sea, some times with fierce determination, others with quiet resolve. The island of King Minos and a civilization that left its mark on the world, faced the voracious appetite of conquerors from mainland Greece, Rome, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, the Venetians, was raided by pirates and invaded by armies who cruised the Mediterranean in search of riches and power. The proof of this is in every corner of the land; in Chania, Rethimno, Heraklio and Lasithi. Finds of long-forgotten civilizations, castles with thick walls and deep moats, monasteries and churches, standing along-side minarets and mosques, they are all testaments to the turbulent past of this corner of Greece. And the people!!!... Proud as the mountains, strong as the waves that beat upon its shores, yet gentle and generous, bearers of age-old traditions and culture. This is the birthplace of gods and heroes, divine artists and inspired politicians: Zeus and Minos, El Greco, Kornaros, Kazatzakis, Venizelos ... From myth, to antiquity, to renaissance, to modern Greek history, figures who contributed of themselves to what today makes up Crete, Greece and to some extend Western civilization. Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/51.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/76.html Do you always wanted to try Scuba Diving…..?  Discover the under-water magic world? Hippocampos Bali Dive Center will realise your Dream!Our professional, experienced and friendly team offers you Try Dive or Discover Scuba Diving, (half-day programs). Starting from shallow, safe and clear water, you will discover how easy and fantastic scuba diving is. There is a big variety of plants and fauna to see.  In small groups (up to 2 divers/instructor) and under the guidance of your PADI instructor SCUBA diving is safe, easy and enjoyable!  Discover Scuba Diving program                            67 Euro“Discover Scuba Diving”  is a half day program designed to allow the non-diver to experience SCUBA Diving. It includes: video show, briefing, confined water exercises & an open water dive with a professional certified PADI instructor, full equipment,  gift certificate . The meeting is at 2:00 pm at the Dive Center.It takes only a couple of hours in the afternoon. First you will fill the requested medical statement and you will see a short PADI video. Then you will get your personal dive equipment and your instructor will give you a briefing and explain exactly what and how you are going to do. The under water exercises and the open water dive will take place at a carefully selected area. It is a beautiful, protected bay, where the water is calm. There it is safe and easy to dive and you can see a big variety of sea life! You will start at very shallow water, where you can stand. After you have done the exercises and when all are fine you can go to deeper water. Maximum depth: 12 metres (your instructor will decide the maximum depth)After having successfully completed this program, subsequent shallow open water dives (max 12m at the instructors discretion) are allowed with the supervision of the  instructor (at a lower price). Also, at the instructors discretion, the student may receive credit for having completed Confined Water Dive One and Open Water Dive One towards full certification, should they wish to continue, within 12 months from the Discover Scuba Diving experience date.     Min. Age: 12 years old. * Try  Diving  experience                                           57 Euro“Try Diving”  (Discover Scuba) is a half day program designed to allow the non-diver to experience SCUBA Diving. It includes:  briefing, a confined water dive with a professional certified PADI instructor, full equipment, a gift certificate. The meeting is at 14:30 at the Dive Center.After you have fill the requested medical statement, you will get your personal dive equipment and your instructor will give you a briefing and will explain exactly what and how you are going to do.The dive will take place at a selected area. It is a small, beautiful bay, where the water is always calm. There it is very safe and easy to dive and you can see a big variety of sea life! Your instructor will help you with your equipment and together you will start at very shallow water, where you can stand, to discover the Under Water World! There are no exercises for this program  and only when all are fine you will go deeper. Maximum depth: 6 metres (your instructor will decide the maximum depth, depending on age, water conditions etc)After having successfully completed this experience, subsequent shallow dives  (max depth 6 m depending on age, water conditions etc) are allowed always under the instructor’s supervision.     Min. Age: 8 years old. * *(Parents,we assure that your children will love this experience. It will be really great for them to live safely in the under water nature. Don’t let them wait as long as you probably did...Give them the chance now!!! and ...why not? ...dive with them!!! ...be together on their big adventure!!! ..they will appreciate it and you will enjoy it much too!!!) Why don't you become a certified diver now? View here, an eLearning demonstration. Now its easier than ever! Read more in our training programms! Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/76.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/50.html We do own two boats. Both are made from GRP (glass-reinforced-polyester) by Drago-boats, the bigger boat-manufacturer in Greece and they are (re)designed for Scuba Diving use.The smaller one, "Bourboulithra"(funny name for "bubble" in Greek) is an "open" boat with outboard motor Yamaha 75HP and has a capacity for 6 divers. We did use this boat daily for few seasons and now we do use it mostly as a "spare boat". The second boat is bigger and called "Asterias"(Sea Star in Greek) is the one we do use daily now. Asterias is a boat which was specially made for Scuba Diving excursions. Ιt was manufactured on 2004 and it was remade on 2005 to be more suitable for diver needs. It's an "open deck" boat as well and with its 200HP stern drive diesel engine bring us fast and very comfortably at the various dive sites around Bali.Although it can easily and safely transport 15 persons, for your comfort, we usually charge this boat with maximum 2 groups of divers (4 certified divers in each group with a dive guide and the captain) or even less than this.It is well-equipped with all properly equipment for safety, emergency and medical needs for its category as is requested by the Greek / European laws. Boat-to-shore communication, first aid and oxygen are standard equipment.  In the improbable case that a problem happens just before the dive with your dive equipment, there are also tools and spare parts on boat to manage it.The weight-belts are on boat and there are sheaths for the bottles. After you have prepared your dive gear we will bring it, for you, to the platform and will help you to wear it. It's very easy to exit on the platform behind the boat with a leader, where the entrance and exit from the water is really easy!There is place, on boat, for your clothes or other small things which should stay dry, place for you with sun or shade, fresh water, of course music and .....Let's go diving!!!  Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/50.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/70.html The Diving Center / ShopThe "Hippocampos Bali Dive Center" (dive base & shop) is situated next to the main port of Bali (about 40m) where our dive boat is. It is open every day (except days off) from 9:00 am untill 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm untill 9:00 pm (it is open as well from 2:00 pm untill 3:00 pm, in order to prepare for the afternoon dive) (exceptionally on Tuesday it ‘s closed  from 10:00 pm till 12:00).There, Corinne, with pleasure will give you information about diving and you will book your dives as well. Introduction dives for beginners, Scuba diving courses for beginners and experience divers to obtain an international PADI certification and/or dive explorations for certified, experienced or unexperienced, divers. Moreover, you can book the gear you would need to hire for your dives, if you didn't bring yours and/or wash and safely, store your own diving equipment during your holidays.There you can buy as well, High Quality Equipment and a range of accessories for SCUBA Diving and/or Snorkelling as well. There are also high quality equipment for Snorkelling that you can hire per day.The dive season starts on 15 of April untill end of October. The Dive Center is open 6 days in the week and 1 day it's close. In April, May, June, September and October the dive center is close every Monday. In July and August it is close every Sunday.                                                                                                      ABC  Rental                                                 15 €/Day - 10 €/3H“ABC” is the basic equipment that someone needs to snorkelling or scuba diving.It is: Mask - Snorkel - Fins (and optionally, caring bag). The ABCs that the Dive Center use are of high quality, comfortable and anatomically designed, made usually from anallergic treated silicone, tempered lenses, thermoplastic ruber, techno polymer etc.As they cost much to buy them, here you have the chance to hire a set (per day). Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/70.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/49.html We have selected a number of interesting and varied dive sites for you to explore.Here you can see (about) where they are and a very-very short description of them! (...more on boat before the dive!!!)When new divers (new with us, here) come to book dives, a very common question is: "What shall i see?"(logic!), "are there wrecks?", some others, they compare the dives here with their last dive in Red Sea! and very few (usual they have done no more than 10 dives) they complain that they don't see any life and then, the story about their trip to Maldives, last year, start!!!Here, very shortly, i will give some answers.Some times we see photos of tropical-sea's fishes in web sites of Mediterranean dive centers...  this upsets us...  we think this is not clever of whom does it but also of whom see it and believe to see here such things... We don't like to lie and talk too much...You have to know that Mediterranean Sea is much different than the tropical seas. It does not mean that there is no life as some believe or as i see written in some blogs in internet... there IS life... there IS interest... not like some years a go(i dive since '88), it's true that there is less life in all Mediterranean sea now but where else there is not?  There is still much to see but you have to know where and how to find it!!! If you really love diving and the nature, you will see things! and i can tell you that find things by "searching" in holes, in caverns, looking around, behind and under the rocks, will give you a huge pleasure! This is diving! this is exploration and adventure!!!If you expect to see here mantas or those giant groupers of Caribbean, corals or sharks... you will get disappointed...  sorry...  and be aware of who promise different!!!Ok, "what you can see?" Once you have look at our dive sites have a look also at our photo gallery . There is what you can see here. Those photos & many more, are ALL from here (no one from somewhere else!) most of them were shoot by me and few from other friends like: Michael, Siggi, Herleif & Lillian, Jean-Claude, Samantha, Rodney, Bill and others (forgive me "others", i only wrote few!). It does not mean that you will see them all in one dive but ALL those are possible to see here!Wrecks? Crete has a big history and many battles took place here. Some one, justifiably, would expect to see wrecks! ...unfortunately there are not... at least no one possible to dive... apart 2 or 3 with not such interest. Here, in Bali , although we know that boats have sink, except their old anchors and potteries from different periods that they did throw out from ships or from sunken ships you can't see a really shipwreck. On the Google-map, click on the small icons to see small description...  (click on "Satellite" to see map better) or click on the dive site's name, bellow, to see a little more info! ...and come to dive with us 2C much more!!! :-)))karavostasi - Angires - Sifounas - Glaria (west) - Glaria (east) - Peristeri - Agroklima - Plakoures - Prasonisi - Diapori - Agia Paraskevi - Harakas - Aspri Limni - Pirovolopetra - Agios Nikolaos - Fanari - Panormos angires - Fodele - Lavris (Creta Panorama) - Stavros cape Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/49.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/100.html When you come for diving in Bali, probably you want to bring your own equipment. Then here, in the dive center, there is place where you can wash and safely store (of course for free) your equipment at a place for private equipment.If you don't have or didn't bring your own equipment, don't worry, we do have all the proper equipment for scuba diving and scuba diving courses.Our equipment are from AQUA-LUNG, TECHNISUB, BEUCHAT, FREE SHARK, WATER PROOF, IST, SPECTRUM PRO and our compressor is from PARAMINA LTD. The cylinders (air tanks) are TECHNISUB and FABER/KARTELIAS and they are made of steel. They have valves of both, INT and DIN, connection. (There are some double valve tanks) The wet suits are, mostly, single-piece with out hood, 5 or 5,5mm. We also have some neoprene under-suits and hoods for the beginning of the season, if some one needs (and some boots if you use open type of fins). There are also some shorties for the warm months! The regulators are single piston in line (some INT and some DIN) with main 2nd stage and octopus, pressure gauge (or both, pressure gauge and depth gauge) and direct feed (Inflator hose) (some regulators, specially for some "try-dives", have no octopus) The most of our BCDs are single air-bag and all of them are non integrated weight. The most of the fins are closed type (foot pocket) and some are open type (adjustable). There are different kinds of mask, plus some "optical masks". There are simple snorkels and snorkels with valves. We have two different sizes of torches. The smaller sizes are used for day and night dives and the bigger size are used only for night dives. There are simple net-bags for the equipment transfer (so, if you bring your big, nice bag, you will not have to bring it at the sea!)About sizes: There are: 50 air tanks of 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 15 and 18 litters. 20 regulators, 25 BCDs (jacket) XS-S-M-L-XL-XXL. 50 wet-suits from XS for the little children to XXL for the big daddy!!!The weights are simple on three sizes: 1kg, 2kg and 2,8kg. Simple weight belts with quick release. Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/100.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/75.html Certified Divers: We have a large selection of interesting and varied dive sites for you to explore. Enjoyable dives in small groups, up to 4 divers, always accompanied by a professional from our team. Half-day explorations: 1st dive: 9h30 am, 2nd dive: 2h30 pm, and Night dive.Dive Exploration                                                 34 Euro“Dive Exploration” is for certified divers of any level and any recognized SCUBA Diving organisation, who would like to discover and enjoy the Cretan Under-water World. In small groups of diver of about the same level with an experienced professional dive guide you'll visit the different interesting dive sites we have selected on the around area. All of the dives are made from a boat without excluding shore dives. All dive sites are 5 to 20 min. drive, from 5 to 30m deep, depend the site and the diver level, there is no time limit but "air limit", it means we stay till some one is on reserve, then we ascend (if there is no other reason). Anchors, Amphora's, Fresh water springs, Canyons, Caverns, fishes & animals are some of what you can see... (look in our photo gallery )An exploration includes: one full tank, weights, a dive guide, diving insurance, ABC, transport, boat when needed, and day torchlight when needed.  When a diver makes several dives, there is a discount for six dives and for ten dives.1) SIX Dives = 178 euro     2) TEN Dives = 278 euroThe meeting time is at 9:30 and at 14:30 at the Dive Center near the port of Bali.Basic Scuba Equipment Rental                            (BCD - regulator - wetsuit)BCD, regulator and wet-suit are charged extra 5 euro / dive, each.2 dives on one day: 23 euro.4 or more dives in several days: 12 euro (per dive). Night Dive                                                      + 15 Euro"Night Dive": an unforgettable experience! If you want a truly memorable diving experience in Crete, then a Night Dive is one of the best ways to do it. There can be big change between the sea life during the day and the night. During the day damselfish, wrasse, bream and parrotfish maybe are everywhere and on the night dive they may have disappeared or be found hiding and/or sleeping. Then other species come out, such as conger eels, red-long armed octopus, squid, shrimps, morays, slipper lobsters, anemones and hermit crabs. Where have they been hiding during the day? One of the best ways to do a night dive is to dive at the same area on day and then in the night. We do highly recommend this dive! Night dives in Bali are always great!It is offered on request. We do organize it 2 or 3 times in the week. It is a program for certified divers who have done at least one dive during the day with Hippocampos Dive Center before the night dive. The groups are of 2 - 4 persons with a professional dive guide. The price is extra to "Dive Exploration" price and it varies if you have your own torchlight with you (+15 euro) or if you hire the torchlight from the Dive Center (+18 euro). Refresher Dive                                                   38 Euro“Refresher Dive” is for the certified diver who has not been diving for a year or more, or the new diver who wants to review skills. This course is a series of in-water exercises to reacquaint the diver with the basic skills to dive safely. This skill exercise is conducted by a Dive Master or Instructor, at a shallow and easy site, before this diver begins her/his diving vacation. It costs 15 Euro extra if the diver hasn’t her/his own equipment. Do not hesitate to contact us any time, at the Dive Center for more information you may want have about dive in Bali. Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/75.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/47.html There is no adventure more exciting than SCUBA Diving!!!   SCUBA Diving: the unforgettable experience of your holiday! An activity for ...children from 8 to 88 years old!!! Whether you are beginner or experienced diver, we, Angelos and Corinne, the owners of HIPPOCAMPOS BALI DIVE CENTER, the local Dive Center in Bali (Rethimno - Crete), invite you to discover together the world where life began... the Underwater World. We welcome you to enjoy SCUBA Diving at a variety of selected, interesting Dive Sites , always in small groups with safety and personal care from our professional, experienced and friendly instructors.A flora and fauna varied by their colors brings you in an unreal world. Your curiosity reaches its peak in front of the mystery of the various local dive sites.Come and share with us these moments of excitement which will leave you with unforgettable memories .Find out, in our web site, more information about us , about diving in our area, read our news , read about Bali and Crete , how to come, where to stay, find useful links and much more... If you need any more information or if you have any question, please, do not hesitate to contact us! It will be a pleasure for us if we can give you an answer or a solution! Read the story of how Hippocampos Diving Centre began...... Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/47.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/85.html The Legendary past of the island: more than 8.000 years ofLegend and HistoryThe Mythology...Legend has bestowed on the Greek island of Crete the privilege of being the birthplace of Zeus , father of the gods. Rhea, his mother, fearing the mania of Cronos, Zeus'father, who "swallowed" is children in order that they might not usurp his power, came to the island, with the help of Gaia and Uranus, and gave birth to her son in a cave. He was reared by Nymphs and, when he grew to manhood, he engaged his father in a fight, emerged victorious, and became king of the heavens.From the union of Zeus with the princess Europa - whom, according to mythology, Zeus, assuming the form of a bull, had abducted from Phoenicia and brought to Crete - three sons, worthy of their father-god and of their noble mother, were born. They were Minos, Rhadamanthys and Sarpidon. Minos, the better known and most honoured of the three, became the powerful, just and wise king of Crete, ruling from his palace in Knossos, and from the important centres of Phaestos and Kydonia. During his reign, Crete developed into a rich sea power,flourished culturally and artistically, and her people lived in peace and justice.Minos' brother, Rhadamanthys, helped him administer his kingdom, while the third brother, Sarpidon, founded his own kingdom in Lycia.Other well-known legends are linked with king Minos. One of these, telling of the Minotaur and of the feat of the daring prince of Athens, Theseus, is among the most popular and colourful, and has been handed down for thousands of years from generation to generation. According to the legend, Minos' wife, the queen Pasiphae, prompted by the god Poseidon, who wished to punish her husband, fell in love with a bull. From this unnatural union was born a hideous monster, with the head of a bull on a supernatural, human body the Minotaur.Minos confined the bull in the Labyrinth, a maze-like prison under the palace, built by Daedalus. At that time, the city-state of Athens was paying Minos a tribute of seven young men and seven lovely maidens of noble birth, to feed the Minotaur. It was from this humiliating and horrible tax that the brave Theseus, son of Aegeus, king of Athens, resolved to deliver his city.He set off with the pitiable shipment of doomed young men and maidens for Minos' Crete, and put into action his plan, which was to kill the terrible beast, to manage to find his way out of the labyrinth and to escape from Crete together with the fourteen young Athenians. He succeded thanks to the help of Ariadne, daughter of Minos and Pasiphae, who fell in love with him and offered to help him, after he had promised to marry her and take her away to Athens. Theseus entered the labyrinth and, unrolling the ball of thread which Ariadne had given him, he made his way to the place where the Minotaur was, killed the beast and then, rolling up the ball again, he was able to find his way back out of the labyrinth.Theseus, with the young people and Ariadne, set off again, on the Athenian trireme, for the journey home. They were so overwhelmed with joy by their deliverance from the Minotaur, however, that they forgot to lower the lack sail of mourning from their mast and to hoist the joyful one, as had been agreed with Aegeus before they left. The king sat on a rock at cape Sounion, agonisingly waiting to see his son's ship return. When he saw the black sail from a distance, he believed that the young people, together with his beloved son, had all been lost. He bowed his sad head and threw himself into the sea and drowned. Since then, this sea has been named after him: the Aegean Sea. Neither did Ariadne's love for Theseus have a happy end. According to another myth, the princess was abandoned by Theseus on the island ofDia on the very night of the consummation of their marriage, while another myth has it that the god Dionysos fell in love with Ariadne and carried her off with him.The story of Daedalus and Icarus is also linked with Crete and the time when the great king Minos reigned.Daedalus, a skillful craftsman of the palace and builder of the labyrinth, incurred the wrath of Minos because he had helped the queen in her unlawful affair with the bull.Wishing to escape from the island together with his son, Icarus, and knowing that king Minos controlled all the sea routes, the idea came to him that only if they could fly like birds would they be able to escape. So, he made two pairs of wings glued together with Wax and attached them to his son's back and to his own. During their flight, however, his son was so elated by the height and speed, that he flew ever higher, nearer to the sun. His wings melted in the heat and he fell and drowned in the sea, which thereafter bore the name of Icarian sea.Daedalus, flying carefully, was able to reach Sicily. Minos, however, had an inglorious end. He was murdered by the daughters of king Kokalos, while he was in Sicily searching for Daedalus in order to punish him.These, and many other myths and tales related to them, speak of Crete and lend the island the other-worldly and mysterious aura, which has surrounded it through the millenia of its long history, and which is still felt today.The Neolithic period (6000 - 2600 BC)At some point in the remote past, history takes over from mythology, although the boundaries between them are still somewhat indistinct. The lengthy systematic archaeological research carried out on the island has brought to light information which confirms the existence of life on Crete from the 6th millenium BC (Neolithic period: 6000-2600 BC). The limited number of finds show that neolithic man on Crete, as in the rest of the eastern Mediterranean, used caves as dwelling-places, but also had permanent houses, that he lived on agriculture and animal breeding, buried his dead, used tools made of stone, bone and obsidian from Melos, and utensils made of clay.The Minoan period (2600 - 1100 BC)The British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, who excavated the palace of Minos at Knosssos, was the one who gave the period and the unique civilisation which developed at that time the mythical king's name. The Minoan civilisation emerged, flourished and decayed within a period of 1500 years which has become known as the Minoan age. It presents three phases, which Evans named Early Minoan (2600-2000 BC), Middle Minoan (2000-1600 BC) and Late Minoan (1600-1100 BC).The reasons which contributed to the development on the island of the first important European civilisation are:a. The important geographical position of Crete, between three continents, and its proximity to places where major civilisations had already developed (Egypt, Mesopotamia, Phoenicia, Palestine, Asia Minor).b. The relative facility of communication between Crete and the surrounding island area (Cycladic civilisation).c. The fertile land and temperate climate of the island, which were significant factors contributing to the prosperity of its inhabitants.d. The long years of peace, as a result of which the Cretans were able to pursue pacific occupations, to develop their commerce and to cultivate the arts.Around the third millennium, the Cretans began to build up their navy and to sail their ships all over the Mediterranean, establishing contacts with their neighbours (Egypt, Syria, Mesopotamia) and with the Cycladic islanders. These contacts contributed to the improvement of the Cretans' standard of living, of their agricultural methods, and to the perfecting of their everyday utensils, tools and weapons. This was the dawn of the Minoan civilisation. By 1900 BC, Crete was at the peak of its prosperity. This was when the first palaces at Knossos, Phaestos, Mallia, Archanes, Zacros and Kydonia were built, which indicates that, in Minoan Crete, there were kings in whose hands all powers were concentrated.During the same period, shipping and commerce flourished, colonies were founded (Melos, Kythera) and commercial exchanges with Cyprus, Egypt and Syria was regular.The sea power of the Minoans gained great renown and this coincided with a remarkable flourishing of the arts. The absence of any kind of fortification on the island is a sure indication of the peacefulness of the Minoans' lives.Around 1700 BC a great disaster, perhaps the result of a catastrophic earthquake, hit the island, which waslaid waste. However, the Minoans soon rebuilt their palaces and homes in grand style.The period between 1700 and 1450 BC is the most brilliant era of Minoan civilisation. Crete controlled almost the entire Aegean area, as well as many parts of mainland Greece.Around 1450 BC, however, and while it was at the climax of its power and glory. Crete was struck a new and irreparable blow. This time it was not an earthquake, but the violent eruption of the volcano on the island of Thera, which caused great devastation on the island. This was followed by an invasion of Achaeans who occupied Knossos and imposed their domination. Not very long afterwards, the palace of Knossos was completely destroyed, probably during a conflict between the Achaeans of mainland Greece and those already settled on Crete, out of which the former emerged victorious.After these events, Minoan civilisation declined, surviving only within the narrow confines of the island itself, ntil the occupation of Crete by the Dorians around 1100 BC.Everyday life - religion - art in Minoan CreteThe Minoans belonged to the Mediterannean race. They were short of stature and had slender bodies and dark skin, hair and eyes. The fact that there were many palaces is evidence that Crete was separated administratively into several areas, each with its own ruler. There were no clashes between them, which indicates the possible supremacy of the king of Knossos, who must have been accepted as the overlord.The greater part of the fertile land was exploited by the royal families, the nobility and officials. It was cultivated by a limited number of slaves. Small arable plots of land also belonged to ordinary citizens who were usually craftsmen (gunsmiths, potters, goldsmiths) who worked in the palace workshops. Many Minoans were sailors and served on the numerous ships with which the kings, chiefly, carried out a profitable trade.The position of women in Minoan Crete was an important one. The Minoan women took part in public meetings, religious ceremonies, and even athletic contests. Their clothes were striking and their hair was elaborately dressed, as we can see from the frescoes on the palace walls, from decorations on pottery and from statues. The Cretans worshipped female deities related to Nature and fertility. The goddesses were worshipped in specially designated sacred sites, in caves, on mountain tops and out in the open. The sacred symbols and animals of Minoan religion were the bull, the snake, the double horns, the double axe etc.Religious ceremonies, both numerous and grand, including sacrifices and athletic games with bulls 'taurokathapsia'), were organised at special times by the priesthood, whose head was the king of Knossos.The Minoans particularly honoured their dead. The tombs that have been excavated are domed and carved chamber tombs. However, simple gaps in the earth, small caves and seaside areas were often used as burial places.The dead were placed on wooden litters or in wooden, clay or stone sarcophagi and funeral gifts - various useful or well-loved objects - were placed by their side. The Minoans initially used a type of writing similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics, where each letter symbolized an animal or object.Later they used the writing known today as "Linear A", made up of simplified figures and, still later, after 1450 BC and the Achaean occupation, a writing called "Linear B". The decipherment of Linear B, in 1952, by Michael Ventris and John Chadwick, proved that at that time the language that was spoken in Knossos was the same (Greek) language spoken by the Achaeans.The major creation of the Minoans, considered the crowning glory of their civilisation, was their art, distinguished by its originality, elegance and vividness, since most of its themes were taken from everyday life and nature.Through this art we derive information concerning the life, the administration, the daily activities, the religion, religious ceremonials and burial rites of Minoan Crete.Architecture, in particular, flourished, s we can see from the four large palaces of Knossos, Phaestos, Zacros and Mallia - and to these must be added the royal building of Archanes, the palace of Aghia Triada, the rich mansions of the nobility and landowners, as well as the simple houses of craftsmen and labourers. The frescoes decorating the walls of the palaces and stately homes are worthy of particular mention.When the palaces were rebuilt after 1700 BC, they were decorated with magnificent frescoes depicting human forms, landscapes, animals, religious or burial processions, athletic contests, etc. The colours are vivid: red, brick-red, yellow, black, blue and green dominate. Some parts are brought into relief through the use of plaster. The architecture of the tombs is also noteworthy, as are the paintings decorating the sarcophagi.Another characteristic creation of Minoan art is that of ceramics and pottery painting. The pottery of Kamares - so named by the archaeologists because the first examples were found in the Kamares cave in central Crete - is famous, with its vivid colours and characteristic motifs, its curves and spirals. Finally, small masterpieces have been brought to light of Minoan miniature work, metalwork and goldwork.Statuettes of faience, steatite, stone, ivory, religious objects, pots, everyday utensils, tools, weapons, seals, gold jewellery, all made with love and meticulous care for detail, show that the Minoan craftsmen were well acquainted with the secrets of their art and served it with utmost skill.From the Dorians too the Romans (1100 BC - 330 AD)During the period between 1100 BC and 900 BC, Dorians emigrated to Crete from mainland Greece, occupied the entire island and forced the descendants of the Minoans, known as Eteocretans (or "true Cretans") to retire to the mountains, where they continued to retain their customs and traditions for several centuries. The new inhabitants of the island brought with them, not only new customs (burning of the dead, Greek gods etc.), but also the use of iron.Around 900 BC, city-states began to be founded in Crete following the Greek model, and life was organized, in the Spartan way, obeying purely military discipline. The regime was aristocratic and the legal system very advanced. Irrefutable evidence of this is the famous inscription of Gortyn (6th century BC) - a legal document which laid down the tenets of civil law and which came to light in 1884.Among the arts, sculpture, metalwork and the fashioning of small objets d' art flourished, influenced by Oriental styles. Around 500 BC, constant civil wars between the city-states, invasions by various peoples coming from the Helladic area or from Asian shores, and the decline of commercial activity, brought about the gradual decay of Crete.During the Classical and Hellenistic period (500 BC - 67 BC) Crete fell into oblivion. It did not even participate in the Persian or the Peloponnesian Wars and only later did it take part in the expedition of Alexander the Great, under the Cretan admiral Nearchus.In the 2nd century BC anarchy reigned, as a result of poor administration and civil unrest. The island, exhausted by internal strife, became a lair for pirates from Cilicia, who used its shores as a base for their predatory raids on Roman territory.This offered the Romans a pretext for launching an attack against the island. Though initially unsuccessful, because the Cretans, faced with external danger, joined forces and put up a strong resistance, they were able to fully occupy Crete in 67 BC under the consul Metellus.The Roman occupation lasted until 330 AD. The Roman governor took up residence in Gortyn, which became the Roman capital of the island.The Romans influenced but did not change the Greek character of the island in the least. The Greek language, religion, customs and traditions, were preserved unaltered. Latin was only used in the administration, while the grand Roman style of architecture left its mark in splendid amphitheatres, temples, odea, agoras, baths, healing centres (Asclepieia), administrative buildings and various other structures with elaborate mosaics, which are still to be found in many parts of the island. During the Roman period, Christianity was brought to Crete by a disciple of the Apostle Paul, Titus, who founded the first church.The Byzantines, the Arabs and the Venetians (330 AD - 1669 AD)From 330 AD Crete constituted an eparchy (province) of the Byzantine state, with Gortyn as its capital and with a Byzantine general as its governor.Until 824 AD it enjoyed a period of prosperity. Christianity was firmly established and many of the early Christian basilicas were built during this period.In 824 the Saracens occupied the island and set it up as an independent Arab state with Candia (today's Heraklion) as its capital. A strong fortress, surrounded by a deep moat, was built around the town. The name of the town itself is derived from the Arabic "chandak", meaning moat. The Greek population was reduced to slavery, while the Arab occupiers were amassing untold wealth from piratical raids into Byzantine provinces and from the slave trade. The Byzantines made several unsuccessful attempts to reconquer the island. Finally,Nicephorus Phocas, who was then a Byzantine general and later became emperor, landed on the island with a strong navy (960 AD) and, after a bloody siege which lasted several months, succeeded in liberating Candia (961). In the following years and until 1204, the island gradually progressed, the Greek element was strengthened by the arrival of Christians from other Byzantine provinces and conditions became favourable for a cultural revival, for peace, economic progress and social stability.However, this second Byzantine period in the history of Crete was fated to be cut short by the Fourth Crusade (1204), which overthrew the Byzantine Empire and installed a Latin Emperor in Constantinople. He presented the island to Boniface of Montferrat who sold it to the Venetians for a pittance.In 1210 the Venetians consolidated their dominion over the island and began to systematically establish a settlement, by bringing over members of the Venetian nobility and military. The Cretans reacted with repeated revolutions and local insurrections. During one of these, the revolutionaries, together with many discontented Venetians, were victorious and declared Crete an independent "Republic of Saint Titus". The Venetians, however, soon reconquered the island.In the years that followed, the feudal system of the Venetians fell into decay and a new, ambitious bourgeois class emerged, which was very actively involved in trade. The economy thus thrived and the arts and letters flourished.The influence of the Italian Renaissance was significant on icon painting, and resulted in the creation of the "Cretan School" - a style of iconography which retained the Byzantine elements but also borrowed others from Italian art. Its representatives are Michael Damaskinos, Theophanes, and Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) - in the works of his youth. The Cretan theatre also flourished during the last two centuris of the Venetian period, with Georgios Hortatzis ("Erophile", "Panoria") and Vicenzo Komaros ("The Sacrifice of Abraham" and "Erotokritos") as its main representatives.Finally, there are fine examples of Venetian architecture all over the island: great fortifications, ports, churches, monasteries, public buildings, squares, are some of the work of Venetian architects.The Turkish occupation period (1669 - 1898)The Turks had made several unsuccessful attempts to invade the island during the latter part of Venetian rule.The most important was that of Khaired Din Barbarossa (1538) who met with the resistance of the town of Candia and was forced to abandon the territory he had conquered. In 1645 the Turks landed on Crete and, within a period of two years, had succeeded in taking almost all the strongholds of the island, after which they began the siege of Candia, which lasted 21 years, because of the fierce resistance of both Greeks and Venetians.Candia finally fell into the hands of the Turks and only the province of Sfakia remained free, though it had to pay a tribute. The Cretans began a guerrilla war from the very first years of Turkish rule and organised several unsuccessful revolutions. In 1830 Crete was ceded to Egypt and in 1841 came once again under Turkish rule.A period of bloody uprisings and revolts of the Cretan people followed, culminating in the revolution of 1895-96.A year later, a unit of the Greek army helped the revolutionaries free several provinces. The island vibrated with the stirring call for union with Greece and, following the intervention of the European Powers, Crete was declared an autonomous Cretan state (1898) with the Greek Prince, George, as its High Commissioner.The modern times from 1898Union with Greece, which the Cretan people had so ardently longed for, became a reality several years later, after further struggles. The Cretan parliament had repeatedly voted for the union of the island with Greece. In 1905, the revolution of Therissos, led by Eleftherios Venizelos, took place. The revolutionaries forced Prince George to abdicate, abolished the post of High Commissioner and declared union with Greece (1908). The European Powers recalled their forces and, after the end of the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), Union was officially recognized with the signing of the Treaty of London (May 17/30 1913).From that time on, the island shared the history of free Greece. In 1923, after the Greco-Turkish War and the agreement regarding an exchange of populations, the Muslims in Crete were exchanged with Greek refugees from Asia Minor.On the 20th of May 1941, the Germans, having overrun the Greek mainland, launched concerted attacks by air and sea on the island. These continued until May 28th, when the German invasion took place. This is known as the Battle of Crete, one of the most heroic chapters in the history of World War II. British, Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought alongside their Greek comrades together with a large part of the civilian population. During the German occupation, the Cretans organised a gallant resistance struggle.After the end of the war and the withdrawal of the invaders, a period of reconstruction and progress began for the island, so that Crete today is one of the most prosperous and vital parts of Greece in several areas (agriculture, tourism, letters) Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/85.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/108.html ***This page is still on construction! sorry...  but, pls, check again soon 2C more info. Thank you!*** function PADIeLearning() { accessWin = window.open('https://www.padi.com/padi/elearning/default.aspx?irra=32185','','scrollbars=yes,top='+(screen.height/8)+',left='+(screen.width/8)+',width=1000,height=700,resizable=yes'); window.accessWin.focus(); } Sign Up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/108.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/90.html Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/90.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/55.html (some of these photo galleries are not complete yet or still on construction... check this page again 2C new pics!) Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/55.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/73.html Scuba Diving PlanWe organise Scuba Diving every day (except days off ).We go to the dive sites by boat (without excluding  car in some special ocasion).We do organise 2 dives per day. One dive in the morning with certified divers and/or Scuba Diving courses for certified divers, one dive in the afternoon with introduction dives and dive lessons for beginners  plus exploration for experience divers in different group (and usually in different site) and 2-3 times in the week we organise night dives  (which are very interesting dives at the area). There are many different  selected dive sites that we can go.The meeting for the dive in the morning is at 9:30 at the Dive Center.  With our help you will prepare your diving equipment (tanks and weights are already on boat)  Every time  we choice the site depend the weather and the divers level, we also try to go, with divers who dived already with us, to a different site every time. Depend the site (how far it is)we will be back at the Base ~11:30 - 12:30. There we get time to wash our equipment, make a hot shower, drink something while we talk about the dive we just did and not only, see in our books and photos what we have seen, fill up log books and plan the next dive!Then there is a brake for some lunch and we meet us at 14:30 at the Dive Center for the afternoon dive (at 14:00 for the Discover Scuba Diving program in order to watch the PADI DSD video and get a briefing from the instructor). After the D.S.D. video we prepare equipment (for divers who dived also in the morning, the equipment are on boat) and... "Let's Go Diving!".We are coming, happy, back to the Base between 17:00 - 18:00 for a debriefing and certification conferment! We also organise Night Dives on request (usually 2 times per week) with certified divers and advance courses. Night dives are interesting here and we do recomend them. The meeting for a Night Dive is between: 20:00 - 21:00 (depending the period).At "Hippocampos Bali Dive Center" is easy! Once you have prepare your dive equipment with our help, you will only have to care your dive-bag to the boat which is not far. Air-tanks and weights will be on board already for you. On the Dive Boat you will assemble your SCUBA gear with our help, when you need and we bring you your weights. The Dive Boat will bring us, safe and fast, exactly at the dive site and after a short briefing some one of our team will help you with your equipment and help you get into the water. All dives are guided by a member of our team, who will show you things, show you the way and take care of you for your safety. Bottom time is depending on your air consumption (and depth of dive). We do not have "time limit" on our dives but "air limit" that means that we come up only when a diver is on "reserve"(50 bar)(or for other necessary reason). On most of dives you will not have to go back to the boat as the boat will come to you when and where you ascend! Some one of our team will help you come easily on boat. We will disassemble SCUBA gear and go back to the port. Once we are back in the Dive Center and you have done a hot shower (or cold if you prefer..!!!) we will drink something and look, in the diferent languages, books we have, what you did see during the dive and fill your log book! ...and of course plan the next dive!!! For all kind of dive the minor student/divers need a written consent of guardant. (given at the Dive Center)All guests should sign the requested Medical Statement before participating in any Scuba Diving activity.Reservation for Scuba Diving should be done at least 24 h earlier.  Thank you! Sea temperatures in Bali - Crete   (approximately - in °C)  Jan Feb Mar April May Jun JulyAug  SepOct Nov Dec 181717151516161818232326262727292725252222201918 Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/73.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/82.html Crete (in Greek: Κρήτη, Kriti) is the largest of the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica & Cyprus). Crete lies at the centre of the eastern Mediterranean basin, where the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa meet, at a distance of a little more than 100km from the southern point of Peloponnese, about 180km from the shores of Asia Minor and less than 800km from Africa. Its northen coast is douse by the Cretan Sea(Kritiko pelagos), the southern side by the Libyan Sea(Liviko pelagos), the west by the Myrtoan Sea and on the eastern side by the Karpathian Sea. Its maximum length, straight, is about 260km from the western point to the eastern point, its width varies from 60km to only 12km. It covers an area of about 8.300 km² and has a coastline approximately 1.050km of, mostly, rocky coast, full of smaller or larger bays, creeks, peninsulas, capes, long & small sandy beaches, beautiful hidden beaches and little rocky islets. Around of the island there are also few bigger islets that is possible to visit. Crete is a mountainous island, with three large ranges crossing from west to east: the White Mountains (Lefka ori or Madares 2.452m), Mountains Ida (Psiloritis 2.456m) and Dicte (Lasithi mountains 2.148m). Apart from these large mountain ranges there are many smaller ones extensions of these three like Talea Mountains over Bali. There are some plateaus among the mountains. The most important are 3. The richest one is the Lasithi plateau at about 900m, the famous Omalos plateau at White Mountains, 700m and at Psiloritis the Nida plateau about 1.400m. There are a lot of caves on the island and some of them are famous and possible to visit. Although there is much water and many (not big) springs on Crete there are not important lakes apart from the lake of Kournas. As the island is so narrow, there are not important rivers but there are few small and the most of them dry during the summer. The most important rivers are: Geropotampos (or Milopotamos) by which our area has got its name (it ends at the western side of Creta Panorama hotel. Some of you have been in this hotel already!) Anapodiaris river.... Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/82.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/74.html Beginners or Experienced, we offer you all different kind of PADI Scuba Diving Courses. Enjoyable, high standard courses with our experienced instructors, obtaining an international recognised PADI Certification:Scuba Diver , Open Water Diver , Referral and Completion , Advanced Open Water Diver , E F R , Rescue Diver , Speciality Diver , Dive Master , Assistant Instructor.Scuba Diver 250 Euro“Scuba Diver” course is for students who wish to become divers but their time is not enough for the “Open Water Diver” course on one holiday. The course is a “part” of the “Open Water Diver” course.It includes: 3 academic sessions, 3confined water dives, 2 open water dives and a written exam, full equipment, an internationally recognized PADI certificate and certification processing fees. The Open Water Diver manual with recreational dive planer and Log Book is an extra cost. (more...) function PADIeLearning() { accessWin = window.open('https://www.padi.com/padi/elearning/default.aspx?irra=32185','','scrollbars=yes,top='+(screen.height/8)+',left='+(screen.width/8)+',width=1000,height=700,resizable=yes'); window.accessWin.focus(); } Sign Up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online (The books (diver manuals) are existing in the most of the languages! But the "eLearning" at the moment, does only exist in English, French, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish for the Open Water Diver course and in English for the Advanced Open Water Diver course)Open Water Diver Course 390 Euro “Open Water Diver” course is a five days course designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to dive safely and to plan their own dives. Includes: 5 academic sessions, 5 confined water dives, 4 open water dives and a final written exam, full equipment, an internationally recognized PADI certificate and certification processing fees. The Open Water Diver manual with recreational dive planer and Log Book is extra cost. Group of maximum 4-6 persons.Age of 12 to 15: Junior Open Water Diver - 15 and above: Open Water Diver. (more...) (page up) Open Water Referral and Completion 230 Euro “Open Water Referral and Completion” is a two days course for individuals that have already completed their academic and confined water training. It includes: scuba review, 4 open water dives - two per day, all equipment needed, transfer and/or boat when needed, an internationally recognized certificate and certification processing fees. Students should bring two passport sized pictures along with documentation from their last instructor. For referral information from instructors other organisation than PADI please call the Hippocampos Dive Center. (more...) (page up)   function PADIeLearning() { accessWin = window.open('https://www.padi.com/padi/elearning/default.aspx?irra=32185','','scrollbars=yes,top='+(screen.height/8)+',left='+(screen.width/8)+',width=1000,height=700,resizable=yes'); window.accessWin.focus(); } Sign Up for the PADI Open Water Diver Course Online Adventures in Diving course 240 Euro / 290 Euro "Adventures in Diving" consist of two different courses: "Adventure Diver" course (3 dives) and "Advanced Open Water Diver" course (5 dives). Contact us and the choice is yours!"Adventures in Diving" course is a course for the Open Water Divers, or equivalent, to advance their skills and get a "taste" of different specialty dives, under the supervision & guidance of an instructor.Both courses include: all-gear diver needs, study materials, internationally recognized PADI certificate and certification processing fees. Student manual and dive tables for using during the course. The book is extra cost. (more...) (page up)      Emergency First Response 115 EuroThe “Emergency First Response” course is not only for divers. This knowledge we probably need at any time in our life, at any place...EFR program is composed of two courses, EFR Primary Care (CPR) and EFR Secondary Care (First Aid) In this course you will learn how to respond if someone needs help. You will learn about primary care, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), secondary care (basic first aid) and other emergency response procedures at laysman’s level. This certification or an equivalent, is requisite for the Rescue level and above. (more...) (page up) Rescue Diver course 350 Euro “Rescue Diver” course is for the Advanced divers.You learn here, under the supervision & guidance of your instructor, how to foresee, prevent and manage potential diving accidents. The course includes: Instructor presentation, 5 sections, all-gear diver needs, study materials, an internationally recognized PADI certificate and certification processing fees. Student manual is extra.A certification of Medical First Aid (CPR) is requisite. (Can be the EFR or other) (more...) (page up)  Specialty Courses“Specialty Diving” programs are 1 - 3 days programs for any certified diver. A big range of specialty dive courses give the diver information and presentations about special kinds of diving.In general, you will learn to dive safely in all kinds of environments, although a specialty dive course gives you the knowledge, skills, experience and confidence to make your dives safer, more interesting, more enjoyable and help you discover more ways to enjoy the Under Water World and SCUBA Diving!For more details and prices please contact the Hippocampos Dive Center. (more...) (page up) Dive Master 600 euroThe “Dive Master” rating is the point where the diver’s adventure, as a professional diver, begins.For you who decide that SCUBA Diving can be more than a recreational endeavour and you are interested in exploring the professional potential it may hold, the acquisition of the Dive Master rating is an essential step in the process. The next step, before becoming an Instructor (optionally) is the Assistant Instructor level. For more details for those levels, please contact us at the Dive Center. (more...) (page up)  Note: When you learn diving, depend what course you take, you will be asked to fill some forms or questionnaires. Here you can download the Medical Questionnaire that you should fill for all kind of diving courses.   Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/74.html http://www.hippocampos.com/2/79.html Angelos is Greek (Cretan), born in Bali.As his father is a fisherman, Angelos has always lived by the sea... From 10 years old he were fishing with his father, use boats and discover the sea around Bali. As a seaman on Commercial Marine he did work for a while on different ships.On 1988 he did his military service, (24 months) in the Greek Navy, at a special force (O.Y.K.) He is a Commercial Diver and Scuba Diving instructor of several dive organisations although last years he dive and work only with the standards of  PADI as an IDC Staff (member since 1993).Scuba Diving is a passion for Angelos and fishes are his good friends. So, he stopped early with fishing and his passion became job... He is upset that there is no way that the others stop fishing too... hopefully some day some people will open their ears and eyes and make some "non fishing-zones"(parks)...Corinne is French, from Versailles.After she finished her studies she did start work (working with the children). Later and for a while she did different jobs. Having a wild mind, on 1986 she decided, with her good girlfriend, to travel around the whole world. That was her big dream!First trip was to Crete... (they started by the end...!!!) Here she did discover her paradise! The place, the people, the climate, even the air did charm her! Soon she decided to leave France and stay in Bali Crete. She started work with the tourism and later until now she keeps together with Angelos their Dive Center. They have two sons, Stelios and Alexandros, who, of course, are divers too. Corinne is a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver; she loves diving, the sea and the fishes. She also likes the relation with people. She likes much her work and enjoy make people discover the Cretan under water world! Some more photos of us !Click here 2C more photos of us and some of our staff           Hippocampos Bali Dive Center http://www.hippocampos.com/2/79.html