The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net forever.
For me, some of my earliest memories are of toddling in and out of the cool Aegean Sea under the late afternoon summer sun, feelings imbued with warmth, love, and contentment. During the long, cold winters in my hometown London, I would recall the balmy summer days and the sound of waves lapping the shores of Andros, my ancestral island, which always lifted my spirits.
When summer arrived, I would return to Andros, to our small house perched on a cliff in Chora town. The waves breaking on the rocks below often lulled me into the most satisfying sleep. For most children, contentment is found in simple things, and for me, it was the sun, the sea, and the carefree freedom of island life.
As I grew older, my exploration extended to swimming and snorkeling in Andros waters and taking boat trips to distant beaches. Fascinated by the underwater world, I spent hours each day exploring and reading about marine life. Although my teenage years brought other distractions, my love for the sea remained strong. This passion led me to become a diver to experience the exotic waters I dreamed of fully.
At seventeen, I had my first open water dive in the cold, murky waters off Plymouth. Despite the challenging conditions, I was thrilled to stay underwater longer than a breath-hold, solidifying my connection with the sea.
In the following years, I saved every penny to travel and dive in alluring destinations worldwide, capturing the beauty of marine life through photography. Though adult responsibilities limited my diving trips, my passion never waned.
Eventually, my wanderlust brought me to the island of Utila in Honduras and the Utila Dive Center, the premier PADI Career Development Center in the Caribbean. It was there that I trained to become a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer under the watchful guidance of the experienced and knowledgeable staff. Subsequently, I spent many years working around the world as a scuba instructor, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration to explore new underwater realms, and developing a passion for empowering others and making the difference through teaching.
Now, as the founder of Andros Aquatic Dive Centre, I aim to share my lifelong love of the sea with others. Our centre offers top-notch training and unforgettable diving experiences in the stunning waters of Andros. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, join us to explore the vibrant underwater world that has captivated me for so many years.
Christos Rodopoulos
Owner/Instructor Andros Aquatic Dive Centre
We are dedicated to teaching scuba diving in a way that is enjoyable, educational, and safe. Our mission is to turn your diving experience into a lifelong passion that educates, inspires, and energizes you like no other activity can.
We aim to introduce people to the incredible diversity of marine life while educating divers about the importance of preserving our oceans—one dive at a time.
Join us in sharing our passion for scuba diving.
To aid in the fulfillment of our vision at Andros Aquatic Dive Centre we provide our customers with cutting-edge Scubapro equipment. Whether you go on a guided dive, take part in a dive course, or choose to go snorkeling with us, you will be adorned with the gold standard in dive gear by which other brands are measured. Scubapro is renowned for producing high-quality dive gear due to its commitment to innovation, durability, and reliability. Their equipment undergoes rigorous testing and incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure superior performance underwater. From regulators and dive computers to wetsuits and masks, Scubapro gear is trusted by divers worldwide for its comfort, functionality, and ability to withstand the demands of various diving conditions. This dedication to excellence has established Scubapro as a leader in the diving industry, providing divers with gear they can depend on for safe and enjoyable underwater adventures.
For all our air-filling needs we have a brand new Paramina Typhoon Classic 15 compressor that ensures we have clean, filtered, and high-quality breathable compressed air. Paramina Air Compressors are highly regarded in the European scuba diving community for their exceptional reliability and performance in filling scuba tanks. Known for their robust build quality and efficient operation, Paramina compressors are capable of delivering high-pressure air consistently and safely, meeting the stringent standards required for diving applications. Divers appreciate Paramina compressors for their ease of maintenance and user-friendly design, making them a trusted choice for dive centres.
Both our Scubapro equipment and our Paramina Compressor are frequently serviced and maintained by our staff, and also inspected and certified yearly by Bureau Veritas, one of the World’s leading and respected certification bodies.
Safety is a top priority at Andros Aquatic Dive Centre and our team is highly committed to it. We adhere to the safety-driven and proven PADI system of education, and we strictly follow PADI Standards of Safe Diving Practices.
Our dive staff is trained in diving rescue techniques, CPR, first aid, and the use of emergency oxygen, and our dive centre is fully equipped with safety gear, including first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and an emergency oxygen cylinder.
We are a DAN (Divers Alert Network) affiliated dive centre, and when you book a course with us you will be insured through DAN Europe, the European branch of the international non-profit medical and research organization dedicated to the safety and health of recreational scuba divers. DAN provides twenty-four seven worldwide medical assistance in case of a diving emergency.
From the moment you step into our facilities and our pleasant reception area, you will feel at ease and excited to commence your diving experience. Our reception area is adorned by our state-of-the-art scuba diving equipment and marine-themed décor and is completed by our small library, office, and teaching spaces. Our service room houses our compressor and filling station, storage, and our equipment servicing area. The interior of our facilities is completed by our changing/shower room and our restroom. The exterior of our centre has a spacious teaching and assembly area complete with equipment cleaning and drying stations.
As a dive centre focused on small groups and private dive sessions, we designed our facilities with our divers comfort and tranquility in mind. Come by for a visit!
Andros, the northernmost island of the Cyclades archipelago in Greece, is a gem that combines rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a tranquil atmosphere. Known for its verdant landscapes, Andros offers a stark contrast to the typically arid environment of the Cycladic islands. The island’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of habitation from the Neolithic period. Throughout the ages, Andros has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans, each leaving their mark on the island’s cultural and architectural heritage.
One of the most captivating historical sites on Andros is the ancient city of Paleopolis, which served as the island’s capital during the Classical period. Visitors can explore the remnants of this ancient city, including its ruins and the archaeological museum that houses artifacts from various periods of Andros’ history. The island also boasts several beautiful monasteries, such as the Monastery of Panachrantos, nestled high in the mountains, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s religious heritage.
Andros is also renowned for its diverse attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. Nature enthusiasts will find delight in the island’s numerous hiking trails that meander through lush valleys, rugged mountains, and picturesque villages. The Andros Route, a network of trails spanning over 100 kilometers, is particularly popular among hikers. The island’s coastline is dotted with pristine beaches, such as the golden sands of Agios Petros and the secluded bay of Achla, where crystal-clear waters invite visitors for a refreshing swim.
The main town, Chora, is a charming blend of neoclassical mansions, narrow alleys, and vibrant cultural life. The Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art in Chora is a must-visit for art lovers, featuring works by prominent Greek and international artists. Additionally, the town’s array of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops provides ample opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and crafts.
Andros is a wonderful place to visit because it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and serenity. Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy islands in Greece, Andros maintains a sense of authenticity and tranquility that allows visitors to truly unwind and connect with the local way of life. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, hiking through lush landscapes, or simply relaxing on a secluded beach, Andros provides a diverse and enriching travel experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Andros Aquatic Dive Centre is based in Chora, Andros, and specifically on the beachfront of Neimborio. The centre is ideally located just a few metres from the sea and is near several restaurants, cafes, and places to stay.
Aside from the guided scuba diving, dive training, and snorkeling typical of the services offered by a dive centre, we offer a few extra services including underwater video and photography, and underwater boat maintenance and repair. These additional services include photo and video reporting, search and recovery of lost chains and anchors, boat hull and propeller cleaning, and the laying of new moorings. For further information please give us a call.
