Dolphin Diving Centre, Porto Kalamitsi Reviews

I've been at the Dolphin diving centre in Kalamitsi (Chalkidiki, Greece) in June 2011, following some local advice and a few hints on the internet. It's been an excellent experience. To start with, unlike much previous experience it was organised perfectly well, with safety the highest priority. The centre is run single-handedly by Vasily, the Greek diving instructor, is friendly but firm when it comes to any safety issues, every trip is started by a detailed briefing of the diving site, including timing, depth, any potential risks and a reminder of the essential signals. The rental equipment is accordingly of a high standard and well-maintained. Once out, the good boat reaches a large range of diving sites quickly. I only went out five times, but was told there are 25. The five I have seen were by my standards quite spectacular. Admittedly, I don't have much experience diving in the Mediterranean, but this was close to the tropical spots I have seen, I didn't know it still exists in Europe. We saw quite a range of very colourful soft corals and worms in large numbers, many sponges, sea urchins, starfish and fish, plus a few more exotic creatures. Visibility was very good, 10-30m, although the dive master and some regulars complained it was worse then usual, due to more fresh water seeping in. Temperatures were also fine, for the early time of the year, the surface pleasantly warm over 20C, just beyond the thermocline it got quite chilly, due to the large amounts of cold fresh water. So all in all a superb diving place, and even the on-site accomodation (very reasonably priced bungalows, other rooms nearby) was very nice. The location and scenery are beautiful anyway, and to warm up after the dive (or for non-diving friends and partners) the surroundings are inviting for a little walk, with many exotic birds (e.g. bee eaters)and even turtoises to be discovered.