BEST OF · SCUBA DIVING IN ITALY
This is the shortlist you would send a friend who has never breathed underwater: 15 scuba diving in Italy, each with its price, its verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Cruise from San Vito along Polignano a Mare’s rocky coast with a small group of up to 10 people. Expect sea caves, swim and snorkel stops, music, local commentary from captains such as Christian, Nicholas, or Valerio, and a simple Prosecco aperitivo.
“Parking may be difficult. The driver is great. Swimming great if you want to snorkel bring your own.”
Meet Andrea and his team at Etna & Sea Excursions for a beginner-friendly underwater tour in the Gulf of Catania. After a boat ride to the Cyclopean Isles, you’ll learn the basics, swim past basalt columns and volcanic faults, and look for octopus, bream, sponges, starfish, and gorgonians.
“First time diving and it was amazing. Great for beginners. Instructor spoke fluent English. He made everything easy. Also, he helped my wife the entire time because she was terrified. He helped her to feel more comfortable.”
Meet the Blue Sea Diving Center at Mazzarò Bay for two guided underwater sessions off Taormina. You’ll receive equipment and safety instruction, make two short boat trips, spend up to 45 minutes underwater each time, and enjoy coffee, tea, water, and biscuits during the surface break.
“Very professional dive team. They went the extra mile to make it easy and relaxing. Including carrying all the gear for you.”
Meet Sea Spirit at Hotel Naxos Beach for a morning of equipment preparation, then take a boat to Isola Bella Marine Park for two guided scuba sessions. Certified divers get full gear, boat transport, fruit, drinks, wine, and almond biscuits. Try-scuba and snorkeling options are also available.
“I had two brilliant days of diving with Sea Spirit - they were organised, safety conscious, knowledgeable about the area and extremely friendly and welcoming. Thank you so much especially to Viv and Swann, it was great meeting you both and diving with you 😊”
Spend about four hours in the Alcantara River Canyon with guides such as Michele, Mario, and Miguel. Swim through natural pools, climb rock, use river slides, and choose from several jumps. Wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, shoes, and life jackets are supplied.
“Absolutely amazing! Must do. Mario and Miguel made the experience safe and memorable! If your looking for a break from boring tours, this is the one to book!”
Start at Sea Spirit Diving Resort at UNAHOTEL Naxos Beach, learn basic scuba skills with PADI-certified instructors, then take a boat from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella Marine Park. You’ll make two guided underwater visits, with fruit, drinks, Sicilian wine, and almond biscuits between and after them.
“With friendly and knowledgeable staff, this was a great experience that my daughter and I loved. It was her first ever dive and she’s now hooked!”
At Lido Cala Paura, instructors including Emilio, Natalino, Carmen, and Laury guide beginners from beach basics to underwater exploration. You get equipment, close support, photos, a certificate, and a Puglian snack with drinks afterward. Groups are limited to four.
“This was such an amazing experience. The team were so friendly and instantly made us feel at ease. They were very patient, helpful and supportive. Absolutely would recommend to anybody visiting Polignano!”
Take your first scuba breaths beside Baia’s submerged Roman villas, mosaics, statues, and marine life. A PADI-trained instructor stays with you throughout the 45-minute underwater visit. Andrea, Camilla, Alessandro, and the team teach in English, Italian, or Spanish, with groups limited to four.
“Camella was very kind and patient. Also very fun to talk with. The experience by itself was also very interesting and definitely worth going!”
Meet Jonio Pro-Dive Catania inside Camping Jonio for a two-hour first-time scuba session in the Ionian Sea. An instructor such as Samantha, Bruno, or Vicki guides you to a maximum of 5 meters among ancient lava flows, underwater caves, fish, and octopus. Equipment, a snack, and photos are included.
“Both our guides were amazing. Polite, smiling, understanding and very helpful. It was a great experience. A little pricey, but other than that wonderful!”
Explore Baia’s submerged Roman ruins near Naples on two guided underwater sessions with SuBaia Diving Center. Carlo and Alex are among the instructors, and the shallow sites suit beginners. The four-hour outing is limited to four people, with equipment, water, and park fees included.
“My husband and I have dove before but thought this would be a once in a lifetime experience while we were Italy, and it was! We took our 18 year old son and it was his first dive and he thought it was perfect. Carlos was our dive master and he was awesome! He has a great personality and even better sense of humor. His English was great as well! Can’t recommend this tour enough! The boat ride was only a few minutes from the dock. The depth max was 20 feet so a very comfortable depth for beginners. Max time on one of the dives was 39 minutes. In…”
Learn basic scuba skills with a certified English-speaking instructor, then explore Baia’s submerged Roman ruins on two guided descents. Your five-hour visit includes equipment, fees, water, and a maximum of four participants. Alex has received special praise for patient instruction. Statue sites require advance notice.
“Incredible experience. The divers were very nice and explained everything in detail. They make sure you are safe and have fun. I would recommend this excursion. I will definitely be back when in town.”
Meet at Jonio Pro-Dive Catania for a two-hour beginner scuba session in the sea near Catania. A PADI instructor guides you to a maximum of five meters, with all equipment, bottled water, and snacks supplied. No certification is required, and private groups keep the outing personal.
“The stuff was very helpful and kind. They made the experience extra nice with their eagerness to help us out. It was an unforgettable experience. We'd defenitly have a second go at it if we could due to also their professionalism!!”
From San Vito near Bari, your private group of up to five boards with a guide for a 90-minute cruise along Polignano a Mare. Expect sea caves, a swim stop, snorkeling, music, and prosecco with tarallini. Captain Nicolas is mentioned by name in one review.
“Great boat trip. Great spot to snorkel. Our captain Nicolas was friendly, but his humor a bit too sexual for our liking. But he gave much to swim, wish was really nice!”
Meet your qualified instructor at Subaquadive Service Diving Center in Villasimius, learn the basics, then travel by boat to Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. With quality SCUBA equipment, you slowly reach 5 meters and search for fish, octopus, sponges, algae, and turtles.
“Ottima escursione, gli istruttori tutti gentili, istruiti e pieni di passione. Un grande saluto a Francesco”
Meet Jonio Pro-Dive Catania at 9:00 am for two guided underwater sessions in the lava-formed bay at Campeggio Jonio. Full equipment is included, and patient instruction makes this a strong choice for first-timers, while varied sites also suit experienced participants.
“Good value, provided all equipment and instructions. Being able to dive with assistance of course as this was my first time. The instructor was very patient and we did not dive until I was comfortable breathing underwater and calm.”
Choose a coast, a certification level, or an animal.
