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Scuba Diving Sicily

Scuba Diving Sicily

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4.9 (13 reviews)

The sea of Sicily hides a wonderful underwater world beneath its surface. With so many marine protected areas and dive spots found all along its coast, Sicily has always been a popular destination for divers. The Sicilian waters are rich in biodiversity, hiding sea caves, pinnacles, rock walls, shipwrecks and an abundance of fish and other life forms. From Messina to Lampedusa, those who want to go scuba diving in Sicily will be spoiled for choice. The island's many diving centers offer diving itineraries of all levels, pleasing both beginners and experts.

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Everything you need to know about scuba diving

Scuba diving with an oxygen tank requires an Open Water Diver certification, which is obtained by taking specific scuba diving courses. However, almost all diving centers organize introductory diving experiences suitable for novices.

For recreational diving, you don’t need to be an expert swimmer, you just need to feel comfortable underwater. During dives, instructors are always present, even in the case of experienced divers, because it is necessary to be accompanied by someone who knows the waters and routes perfectly. Before embarking the boat that takes you to the dive site, the guides always hold a briefing on safety measures.

Diving is practiced at a minimum depth of 5 meters up to hundreds of meters deep in the case of experienced divers, for a time of about 45 minutes per dive. Although it is practiced more in the summer, diving can be done year-round. Equipment can be rented at the diving centers.

Diving Sicily: the best diving spots

Although Sicily has diving spots all along its coastline, some must-see locations are particularly recommended. Among these, Taormina and Giardini Naxos should certainly be mentioned, with at least 6 dive sites and a variety of sea walls and caves.

Between Catania and Acireale there are several dive sites suitable for even inexperienced divers. The most striking one in this area is Santa Maria La Scala, a real sea canyon where you can go as deep as 40 meters.

Some of the most beautiful dives in Sicily take place near the smaller islands. Ustica, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, the Egadi Islands and the Aeolian Islands are all ideal diving locations. One of the most famous dives is at Scoglio del Medico, in Ustica. Because of the richness of the coral and the variety of possible routes, this is one of the most interesting sites in the Mediterranean. A maximum depth of 35 or 40 meters can be reached.

There is also wide choice for diving in Palermo and Trapani, with numerous diving spots, especially in the San Vito Lo Capo area. In the Aeolian Islands there are wonderful dives at the islands of Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli. In the latter, you also get to see volcanic rock walls and underwater lava flows.

How much does it cost to go diving in Sicily?

Prices for diving in Sicily depend on the starting location, itinerary and duration. Diving in Catania costs from 25 euros per person, diving directly into the bay in front of the dive center. To reach more distant dive spots, such as smaller islands, prices are higher because of the boat travel‘s added costs. For example, diving in Ustica starts at 60 euros per person.

In addition to single dives, diving centers offer diving packages or multi-day experiences. For experienced divers, there are actual diving cruises. These are week-long boat vacations in which you stop at major dive sites in Sicily. In all mentioned cases, the price includes the guided dive, tank and ballast. The rest of the equipment is rented separately.

For beginner diving experiences, however, you spend about 50 euros per dive. In this case, the fee includes an introductory lesson, assistance from an experienced instructor, and all necessary equipment.

Gift a scuba diving experience

If you have friends or relatives who are diving enthusiasts, a scuba dive in Sicily will be an exceptional gift. But for such an activity, you do not necessarily need to be an experienced diver. Centers also offer introductory dives which are suitable for everyone. Giving it as a gift to someone who would never have imagined themselves scuba diving opens up a new world and allows them to experience unexpected emotions and discover a mysterious and fascinating world.

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Opinions of our adventurers

General rating
  4.9 / 5.0
13 verified reviews

09 Sep 2024 | Scuba diving in the waters of Catania

Excellent experience

We chose this experience to get back into diving after a few years of stopping and it was a great choice! Joshua and all his staff were attentive to every need, patient, professional, kind and friendly! When there are great professionals who convey tranquillity and a desire to share, it's always a great experience! Thank you!

AF

Reviewed by

Adele F.

09 Sep 2024 | Scuba Diving Experience in San Vito Lo Capo

Magical

I had an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend. The instructors were patient, helpful, reassuring (and even nice!) from the very beginning. Although I was a bit nervous at first, as soon as I entered the water, I never felt in danger, I was led by the hand to discover the wonderful underwater world... an experience that I will definitely repeat!

GL

Reviewed by

Giuditta L.

23 Jul 2021 | Scuba Diving Experience in Catania

First experience

It was our first diving experience, we had fun and saw what it is like to be underwater with an oxygen tank Our guide was very friendly, ready to answer any questions. I put 4 stars because the experience lasted less than we expected. But thank you very much 😊

AM

Reviewed by

Alessia M.

12 Aug 2021 | Scuba Diving Experience in San Vito Lo Capo

A dive where the water is bluest

Wonderful first experience! I was with a group that already had a licence but that didn't stop me from learning something new. Instructor super patient with me, even when I had an initial small panic attack. I was underwater for 1 hour without any problems swimming among the fish! Amazing!

Margherita B.

Reviewed by

Margherita B.

20 Sep 2023 | Scuba Diving Experience in Catania

Spectacular

The instructors (Adele and Andrea) were really good at explaining everything, very friendly and always helpful. Highly recommended. It is an experience that you have to do at least once in your life. Thanks again ❤️

Carola Z.

Reviewed by

Carola Z.

12 Aug 2024 | Dive Experience in the Gulf of Catania

A family dive

Fantastic day

MD

Reviewed by

Marilena D.

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