Corfu is at the forefront of all underwater activities. The island's coastline and bays its headlands and endless reefs constitute a paradise in miniature for diving fans of all ages.

From June onwards the sea is warm enough for comfortable diving, and whether the aim is to harpoon a fishy nibble to share with friends later, or underwater photography, or just an undersea wander with mask and breathing gear, Corfu's fantastic underwater landscape will not disappoint you. If you hold a diver's certificate you must know that Corfu is one of the few places in Greece where scuba diving is permitted without restriction. If you have no previous experience of this sport, do not worry. You do not need to be an athlete, nor do you need to be able to hold your breath for five minutes. You only need to be in good health and to be able to swim.

TIPS for a LIFE

1- How to Swim Against a Current
Current is rarely uniform everywhere. It is usually stronger at the surface, around points of land and through narrow passes. Swim cross-current out of the high-current area or go to the bottom.

2- BC Care: After Every Dive
Scrub it. Use a small brush such as a toothbrush to scrub the Velcro to get sand out.

3- Never Panic Again
Be fit to dive. That means not only maintaining good physical conditioning, but also resting and eating properly before a dive. It will do no good for you to be fatigued, breathing hard and metabolizing the last of a high-sugar breakfast.

4- How To Wash a Regulator
Spread the regulator and hoses in the shade to dry. Shake the water out of the exhaust tee. Don't hang your reg from a hook unless you can do so without straining the hoses. If you've used a tank, remember to dry the dust cap before replacing it.

5- Use Less Air
Move slowly. All your movements, not just your swimming, should be slow. Turn around slowly, reach to tighten your fin strap slowly, as if you were submerged in molasses.

6- Find More Fish
Learn families. Learn to recognize the large families and types of fish and you've both narrowed down your search in the identification book and nailed down some of its characteristics in your mind.

7- Making an Out-of-Air Ascent
Exhale slowly. The air in your lungs expands as you ascend, and it's not uncommon to exhale all the way up and reach the surface feeling you have more air in your lungs than when you began the ascent.