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Deep blue: the calm, clear waters are ideal for scuba diving

Snorkelling and scuba diving

The calm, clear waters that surround most of the Greek islands make them safe for snorkelling, and it is possible to see plenty of marine life just off the shore.

Scuba divers may also come across octopus, eels and sea horses.

Wreck dives are also available from some of the islands in the Mediterranean, as several ships were sunk here during World War II.

Activity holiday specialist Mark Warner offers Professional Association of Diving Instructors' courses at two of its club hotels in Lakitira in the Aegean and Paleros in the Mediterranean, although the cost of equipment and tuition is not included in the price of the holiday. Its PADI open-water diver and PADI advanced open-water diver courses can be pre-booked in the UK. Prices are available on application.

Mark Warner's holiday prices start at £455 for a week in Lakitira, including all meals and a range of activities, but diving costs extra.

Snorkelling and diving equipment and tuition is available from several resorts on the Greek islands, and can be hired locally.