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!”
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!”
From Hotel Baia di Conte, Sandalia Diving Center takes you by boat toward Capo Caccia for guided underwater exploration in the Isola Piana protected area. Giuseppe and Duccio work with groups of up to five, including beginners. Expect caves, walls, colorful marine life, and about an hour in the water.
“Hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done! The guide Giuseppe was extremely profesional, made you feel comfortable and safe at all times! Everyone was super friendly! Could not recommend this enough, if you’re going to do anything while in Sardinia, make sure you do this, it’s absolutely magical”
Meet Emilio and his team at Cala Paura lido for a two-hour shore-based scuba session in Polignano a Mare. You will receive equipment, a safety briefing, close guidance in the water, a first scuba certificate, and an aperitif with Bari focaccia and a drink. Groups are limited to four.
“everything was great. The guys were professional and very nice. despite the fact that our first date had to be canceled due to bad weather, we agreed on a replacement. and everything was well organized”
Spend about four hours learning the basics, preparing your scuba gear, and riding the boat Marianna to a quiet site near Elba’s coast. With no more than two beginners per instructor, you get a careful first underwater session. Viktor and the team teach in English, Italian, or German.
“Mooie eerste ervaring met de duiksport. Heldere, duidelijke uitleg, vervolgens met de boot de zee op richting de duikplaats. En dan achterover de zee in. Wat is daar veel moois op de bodem te zien.”
Meet your English or Italian-speaking instructor at the Calamosca-area center, learn the basics, then ride a 7.5-meter inflatable boat to a sheltered site. With full gear and close guidance, you’ll spend about 20 to 30 minutes underwater at up to 5 meters, swimming past fish, rocks, and small caves.
“fantastic and unique activity! instructor is experienced and patient, which made me feel safe under water. and above all, it was a great fun!”
Meet at ponton F in Marina di Brindisi for a two-hour scuba session with an English, Spanish, or Italian instructor. Choose a first underwater experience or a guided tour for certified participants, with equipment, shallow-water practice, open-water time, and a PTRD certificate included.
“Très belle équipe ! Ils prennent le temps de vous expliquer les choses et sont très sympathiques. C'est l'endroit idéal pour plonger en bonne compagnie. Merci 👍”
Meet your Italian or English-speaking instructor at Bosa Diving Center for a two-hour beginner scuba session in the Bosa Gulf. After a safety lesson and equipment briefing, you will make a supervised descent to 6 meters for about 20 minutes, with all gear, boat transfer, and DAN insurance included.
Meet Andrea and the Etna and Sea Excursion team in Aci Castello for a four-hour scooter tour through lava columns, sandy seafloor, wrecks, and marine life. You need a valid scuba certificate. The guide speaks English, Italian, Spanish, and French.
“Really nice experience, Andrea and her team were very attentive to the participants. The only problem, which is not their fault: the GETYOURGUIDE site did not specify that a diving certificate was required, which may penalize some. I highly recommend this activity!”
Meet your English- or Italian-speaking instructor at Lido Cala Paura for a two-hour shore-based scuba session. You must hold an open-water diver license. Cylinder, ballast, underwater guidance, photos, drinks, and snacks are included, while personal equipment and transport are not.
“A great time spent with the whole team! They really listen to people and are super nice! I recommend with my eyes closed Family atmosphere 😊”
Choose a coast, a certification level, or an animal.
