Manolis Bardanis is a professional diver, instructor and researcher whose relationship with the Aegean began in childhood.
Born in 1968 in the mountain village of Apeiranthos on Naxos, Manolis developed a close connection with the sea and the underwater world from an early age. What began as a childhood fascination gradually became a lifelong profession dedicated to diving, exploration and practical work beneath the surface.
Following years of training under respected instructors, he became a professional diver and an instructor in recreational scuba diving, freediving and technical diving, working with the PADI, SSI and CMAS organisations.
In 2005, he established Naxos Diving, the first diving centre to operate on the island. Through the centre, he introduced thousands of people to the underwater environment and trained more than 2,000 divers at different experience levels.
Between 2018 and 2023, Manolis was based in Porto Heli and Spetses. He collaborated with the Ergodive–Loumis Diving Team as a scuba instructor and also worked professionally within the fish-farming industry, expanding his experience in demanding marine environments.
In 2023, he returned to Naxos. Today, he works independently, providing commercial diving services in Naxos for vessels, ports, public authorities and private clients. His approach combines local knowledge, careful underwater assessment and clear photographic or video documentation.
His work extends beyond diving. With academic training in meteorology, Manolis has written articles on historical and maritime subjects. In 1996, he contributed alongside Manolis Glezos to the establishment of the Natural History Museum of Apeiranthos.