Diving Centres in Sardinia

Padi Gold Palm 5 star and BSAC Resort.

Nautilus Diving Centre
Piazza G. Fresi 8
07020 Palau
Sardinia
Italy
Tel/fax: + 39 789 709058
Mobile: +39 340 6339006
E-mail: info@divesardegna.com

" I have always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, but was too afraid of deep water to try. This year my husband and I decided to give it a go, and we picked Nautilus, as we holiday in Palau every year. I June visited the dive shop and met Vincenzo, who was very friendly, and explained everything about doing the Padi OW very clearly, including the self-study internet test. I booked the course and 4 extra dives for July, but these dates had to be changed as I wasn't well and Stephanie (who I had emailed) was very helpful and friendly. Once we sorted out dates (and made it back to Palau) we did our course with Richard, and it was great, I felt completely safe, and had a lot of fun. We passed the course, and on a subsequent dive, after I had a panic attack and had to go back to the surface, VIncenzo, Richard and Dan (the other instructor) were really wonderful in reassuring me and making sure that I made it down again for the second dive, without fear. The sea around Palau, La Maddalena, Caprera and Lavezzi is a like a dream, we saw huge groupers, eagle rays, barracudas, corals and more fish than I can mention. Scuba diving was an amazing discovery and the experience was made even more special thanks to Stephanie, Vincenzo and the boyzzs, who despite working very hard never lots their sense of humour. Thank you!! "
Francesca, 2011

" As an organisation , we have worked with Stephanie and Vinnie at Nautilus Dive Center for a number of years. We work with many different dive operations around the world and Nautilus is one of the best. Stephanie and Vinnie are totally hands on owners, and the result is a first class operation. We bring multiple groups to them each summer and they handle the logistics with ease. Their instructors are knowledgeable and fun, two important attributes for working with our groups. You simply can't go wrong diving with Nautilus. "
Scott von Eschen, Adventures Cross Country, 2011

" Travelling to Sardegna from the USA is not commonplace, yet Stephanie and Vince arranged everything as if it were. They helped me set up accommodation s and even checked bus schedules from the airport for me. I did my rescue diver, underwater photography, and nearly 25 dives with them. I would recommend anyone interested in Mediterranean diving to consider using Nautilus for their next trip. "
Josh, USA, 2011

"I have just spent three fantastic days of diving with the Nautilus Diving Centre. They are efficient, friendly and enjoyable to dive with. I have been diving for over 30 years and I can truly recommend them. "
Gunnar Froberg, Belgium, 2011

" Would dive with them again tomorrow if possible. Vincenzo and Stephanie really looked after us. Price: (dives+scuba diver course) 290 euros. Did an introductory dive in Eilat (Israel) years ago but my experience at the Nautilus centre was much better in every aspect. Superb experience..The help from Stephanie went well beyond the diving experience (which was excellent and I'd highly recommend) from helping us find a great hotel (Piccada), the best places to eat sumptuous Sardinian food and marvellous places to visit when not in the water. "
Darren Powell, Canada

" I cannot recommend Vinne and Stephanie enough. They were recommended to me by a professional photographer and everything about them exudes professionalism. They are prompt and efficient which is a wonderful thing in Italy. "
Julian Cohen, Singapore

"Would dive with them again tomorrow if possible. Vincenzo and Stephanie really looked after us. Price (dives+scuba diver course) 290 Euros. "
Kirsten, Denmark

"Our family chose this year to dive in Sardinia with Nautilus Diving Center, which we found on the Internet. Through the Nautilus we rented the perfect holiday apartment overlooking the islands and the sea. Nautilus Diving Center is composed of very friendly and competent people. Diving is very organized. They do 2 dives in the morning with freedom for other activities in the afternoon. In quiet and leisurely pace, we were guided through the varied and fantastic underwater scenery. It was a great experience with a variety of colors on the rich marine life. Thanks to Stephanie, Vinnie, Patrick and Chris for 10 fantastic diving experiences. "
Kirsten, Denmark

"Sardinia was a wonderiful surprise and surpassed my expectations. We dived at the end of May with 25 metre visibility, and warmish sea. While it was not teeming with large fish, the underwater architecture was spectacular. I found the team from Nautilius a wonderful bunch of people, and thoroughly recommend them to other people. They are a small, well run and very friendly and accomodating team. Great stuff. The apartment is perfect for self catering and has a stunning view of the sea and islands. Wonderful for an early morning coffee or a late night glass of something tasty. Cheers Stephanie, Vinnie, Patrick, and Chris. Hope to see you again.Cheers Stephanie, Vinnie, Patrick, and Chris. Hope to see you again. "
Kevin Davies

"We completed the theory part of our PADI Open Water course with a UK provider and then proceeded to complete the practicals with Nautilus. Stephanie had been extremely helpful and resourceful even during the initial planning phase of our trip, and assisted us with arranging acomodation (a very comfortable, clean, spacious and welcoming apartment with stunning views a mere 2-minute walk from the dive school) and even travel from the St Theresa ferry terminal. During our confined and open water dives, Patrick (our instructor) assisted by Chris, ensured our safety took priority whilst we practised and mastered the various skills to required levels. They also made the learning experience fun and made every effort to combine learning with enjoyable diving. Thank you Patrick and Chris for your infinite patience and help and thank you Stephanie and Vincenzo for your friendliness and professionalism. We'll definitely be back! "
Hannelie and Johan Meintjies, Scotland

"Professional, personable, perfect. Just had 8 dives while my girlfriend took her Open Water with with Vinny and Stephanie in March. Cold water but a very warm reception from the dive centre. Excellent equipment, wonderful informative briefings and above all a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. (Nice tea too) Having said that both Vinny Stephanie's professional attitude towards their diving made me feel confident that my girlfriend was receiving the best possible training under the safest guidance. As a dive guide for me, Vinny certainly knows his way around and looked after me ss his guest very responsibly. Dive with Nautilus again? Most definitely and as soon as possible. "
Michael Bendon, Australia

"We chose the dive centre from the recommendations on this site and they were excellent. We had completed our Padi online and they looked after us excellently and directed us through the underwater steps of our certification. Look forward to diving with them again and I recommend them to all - really professional and friendly. Good value for money. "
Sue Hind, UK, 2008

"Never change a winning team...after finding the comments on Scuba Travel pages about the Nautilus Diving Center in Palau I went to Sardinia and have spend a week diving (12 dives) with them and no surprise at all, this Diving Center exceeded my expectations, with a great service, professional and very friendly team and great dive sites in crystal clear water. The owner of Nautilus have booked me in one of their villette that they rent for their divers located 5 min. car drive to Palau, highly recommend if you are looking for a typical Sardinian stay, but you must rent a car. "
Josiane Tissot, 2008

"I had a wonderful week here diving with Nautilus. All of the staff were very friendly, Stephanie running the shop, Vinnie driving the boat, and Rob and Patrick the dive masters. The diving was great too. I'd highly recommend it to anyone else thinking of diving in the Med."
James Padfield, UK, 2008

"My sister and I did our PADI Open Water course with Nautilus in June 2008. Even before we arrived Stephanie was very helpful sorting out accommodation for us close by. During the course everyone was friendly but professional and always put you at ease. I would definitely recommend Nautilus and dive with them again."
Jamie Linz, UK, 2008

"I would most definitely dive with Nautilus again. They were very professional, had a great boat and provided clear, fun and safety-conscious briefings. The staff are all great fun to be with and very sociable with excellent English spoken. There were also excellent value for money. "
Jon Connell, 2008

"I have just returned from a great couple of weeks in north east Sardinia and would recommend the Nautilus Diving Centre without any hesitation. Stephanie, Vincenzo and their team give a warm and friendly welcome and provide a professional dive service that is second to none. The equipment they provided was in excellent condition and is prepared for you on the dive boat, all you have to do is put it on. The dive sites were numerous and varied. I look forward to going back and diving with them again in the future. "
Martin Clayton, UK, 2008

"We had a great time that was not only very good in terms of what we saw in the way of marine life (Moray eels, Barracuda, Nudibranchs, Groupers...) but the underwater contours and scenery were unusual and made every view different as well as providing a sanctuary for fish and plant life. The variety is better than we have experienced elsewhere in the Mediterranean with the marine park, wreck diving and a variety of island dives off La Maddalena. We also thought that everything was very well organised and it felt very safe. I was very happy to let my son dive in these conditions and that made it much more enjoyable for me as I could relax and make the most of the very clear water and unspoilt aquatic life. Thank you all of you making our holiday so enjoyable. I hope we will dive with you again. "
Nick and David Jones, UK, 2008

More comments on Nautilus Diving...

Dive over 50 spots from Tavolara island and Capo figari to Maddalena archipelago and Lavezzi island.

Via Vespucci 52
07020 Cannigione
Tel: +39 3388 221135
Fax: +39 0789 88428
E-mail: info@areamare.com

Via Vespucci 52
Cannigione
07021 Arzachena (SS)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)789 88428
Fax: +39 (0)789 88428
Mobile: 0338 822 1135
E-mail: info@areamare.com

c/o Villaggio Isuledda
Cannigione
07021 Arzachena (SS)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)789 86253
Mobile: +39 (0)347 461 6292

Molo principale
07020 Cannigione
Sardinia
Italy
Fax: +39 (0)789 899202
Mobile: 0338 222 98 55
E-mail: info@scuba-tours.co.uk

Villaggio Tanca Manna
Litoranea Cannigione
Palau
Arzachena (SS)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 0789 86311
E-mail: anthias@anthiasdiving.com

Via Molara, 4
07020 - Porto San Paolo (SS)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)789 40360
Fax: +39 (0)789 40360
E-mail: info@csubtavolara.com

Strada dei Pini
07020 Baia Sardinia (SS)
Tel: +39 0789 99727
Mobile: +39 329 8140511
E-mail: info@proteusdiving.it
E-mail: info@areamare.com
Book diving via Divebooker…

"Wonderful dives, great team and a relaxed atmosphere. Recommended. "
Franz, Switzerland, 2006

Poltu Quatu
07020 Porto Cervo (SS)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)789 990010
Fax: +39 (0)789 906391
E-mail: orsodiving@aliceposta.it

Viale Bue Marino at the corner with Via dell’Erica
08022 Cala Gonone (NU)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)784 93046
Mob: +39 347 5304097
E-mail: info@argonauta.it

"A really excellent family run dive school. Good quality equipment, very professional with a decent briefing pre-dive. "
Paul Millner, UK

Via Lungomare
08040 Baunei Ogliastra
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)782 615 522

"Head to the local padi dive center for info/tour, it has a friendly atmosphere and I finished my openwater course there. It's in Santa Maria de Naveressa in the tourist port. "
Boi, 2012

08028 Orosei (NU)
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)784 91201
E-mail: oroseidc@tiscalinet.it

Loc. Su Catreattu
08028 Orosei
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)348 248 9180
E-mail: info@sardiniadivers.com

Operate on S. Pietro Island, where pristine and shimmering sea surrounds the coast of the island and opens towards the Mediterranean Sea. We organize scuba diving in a sea rich in marine life and SSI courses, also for children, from beginner to Divemaster, as well as various non-diving activities such as the wonderful tours of the island or the exciting snorkelling trips.

Via Cantieri snc
09014 Carloforte (CI)
Isola di S Pietro
Tel: +39 328 5673136
Mobile: +39 335 462502
isladiving@tiscali.it
isladiving.it/

Corso Cavour, 38
09014 Carloforte (CA)
Isola di S Pietro
Tel: +39 (0)781 855526
Fax: +39 (0)383 214447
tabardi@tin.it

Largo C. Colombo, 13
09011 Calasetta
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)78 142011
Fax: +39 (0)78 1887000

Via Garibaldi 37
09016 Iglesias (CI)
Italy
Tel: +39 0781 41930

"I used Ajoo Dive in Iglesias, Sardinia, and LOVED it. The dive guide (PADI) was really great. I went on my first cave dive with them, and couldn't have been more impressed."
Rebecca Duren, 2011

C.I.S. di Alessandro Pettinau
Via Dei Giudicati n. 1
09131 c - Italy
tel / fax +39 (0)70 807500 (winter)
tel / fax +39 (0)70 991399

"Centro Immersioni Sardegna in Costa Rei are a super small dive centre. They are a hard working team, safe and thorough. Our three teenagers did their PADI Open Water course in German although English was no problem either. We all went on a family dive at the end. We stayed at the Campsite Le Dune down the road in a bungalow. A successful holiday all round." "
Alexi Sauer, 2011

Open all year

Santa Margherita di Pula
Cagliari
Tel (cell): 3479229232
E-mail: bluexperience@tiscali.it

Open all year.

Porto di Calaverde
S. Margherita di Pula
Cagliari
Tel: +39 (0)70 9241042

Speak English and Swedish. Courses to Divemaster PADI or SDI, and TDI Tech Courses from Nitrox to Advanced Trimix. Dive sites include Salpi (wreck), Secca di Quirra and Capo Ferrato.

Via Arborea, 49
Villaputzu
Cagliari 09040
tel.: +39 347 9098914
E-mail: portocorallodiving@yahoo.it

Open all year.

"I have dived with Air Sub for several years and have found them to be organised and professional and amongst their staff can speak most European languages. I would recommend then to anyone visiting Southern Sardinia."
Stephen Sinclair, 2008

Aquaman Diving
Localita Campulongu
09049 Villasimius (CA)
070 791579
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: (+39) 328.1054215
E-mail: villasimius@acquaman.it

"I dived with Aquaman in Villasimius. They were great and their English was OK. They insist on taking small groups and the equipment was good. We stayed at a brand new small hotel called hotel Girasol. Extremely friendly and helpful and very reasonable "
Beryl Emm

Open Easter to October.

c/o Grand Hotel Chia Laguna
Chia
Sardinia
Italy
Tel: +39 (0)70 9218172
Fax: +39 (0)70 9230309
E-mail: chiadive@gmail.com

"
Following Davide Morelli’s advice (manager of the diving center), I had booked two 10-dive packs for my partner and me (10 dives each, 2 dives per day, 20 dives on aggregate in 5 days). Thus, I got a pack discounted price of 50 euros per dive, and paid 1000 euros in advance.
We were able to dive on the first day but problems began on the second day. Due to the diving center's internal problems, such as lack of personnel or not reaching their threshold number of divers, the fact is that we were able to dive for only 2 days at the end of the fourth day. When I brought up the subject of a refund for the 2 days we had not dived, Mr. Morelli sent a co-worker to tell me that he had decided not to apply the pack price and he was going to bill me for the full price (80 euros according to the co-worker). Given the situation, I decided not to dive on the fifth day, but he still made me pay for the 4 dives of the fifth day that we did not carry out. In a nutshell, I had booked 20 dives at 50 euros per dive, and I ended up doing only 6 dives and got billed for 650 euros, which makes it nearly 110 euros per dive! Now I understand the reason for the pirate’s skull of their logo! Obviously, I am not going to return to this diving center as long as Davide Morelli is running it.
The harbour is at a 30-minute driving distance from the diving center, through a winding narrow road. In addition to that, Mr. Morelli charges you a 15-euro fee for the transportation. "
Alvaro Martin, Spain, 2011

Ivan Lucherini Putzu Idu
Marina San Vero Millis (OR)
Tel: +39 (0)783 528004
Mobile: +39 3356059412
E-mail: info@9511divingteam.com

OK if you go out of season, but if they are busy then you could end up with shore dives that would be better snorkelled. Check the I. Maldiventre dive write-ups page and don't be fobbed off with the inferior dive sites.

Portu maga
Costa Verde
Tel: +39 (0)338 858 5504

Down from the Golfo si Oristano, set amidst long beaches and sand dunes.

Reviews:

Via Colombo 2
08013 Bosa
Oristano
Tel: 335 8189748
Fax: 0785 375633
E-mail: info@bosadiving.it

"The instructor is a very competent cave diver with many years experience. I found him a good guide, however to get the best from him you need to be fairly competent yourself. THey are a laid back dive centre, perfect for a relaxing holiday, and an easy-going approach, yet dig a bit deeper and you find the vast knowledge that has been accumulated over many years of coast and inland cave diving as well as sea diving. RIB ride very enjoyable along a super coast and knowledgeable info provided on the rock formations by an experienced speliologist dive instructor. Plan to re-visit Bosa diving and extend my cave diving experience in some of the extensive inland cave sites. Recommended. "
Howard Flegg, UK, 15 October 2012

"They are the worst dive operator I have encountered and disorganised to the extent of being unsafe. My first encounter with them was making a telephone booking with them only to turn up and be told that they had no booking for me. I eventually managed to dive with them two days later. On that day, nobody spoke any English other than the absolute minimum (so about as good as my vacation Italian) and the dive center was in total disarray. I was told to arrive at 8.45am for a 9am dive and we actually left at 10am. At the dive site, there was no briefing and the group split up, descending without the DM as and when they wanted to. I eventually descended with the DM though I was never buddied up. The DM took no interest in the welfare of the divers whilst in the water, though we did do a safety stop. After the dive, another driver dropped a lamp into the sea and was allowed by the DM to take on more weight and attempt a recovery on his own despite telling the DM that he had only 50 bar. In actuality he failed to descend and the DM spent 10 minutes recovering the lamp on his own. After this experience I decided not to book any more dives with the dive center and I would never dive with them again. "
Jon Connell, 2008

Via dei Gelsomini 5
09073 S'Archittu
Cuglieri (OR)
Tel: +39 (0)785 389000
E-mail: info@scubawave99.com

Offer film developing and video editing. Have four boats and provide PADI courses up to divemaster. Accepts credit cards.

Via Vittorio Emanuele 1 or Via Rockfeller 15
Alghero
Tel: +39 (0)79 979229
E-mail: mailbox@pooldiving.com

"Thanks to Pool Diving I have experienced a great Cave/Cavern diving. Good prices and excellent services provided. I'm definitely gonna dive with them again. They have 1 large steel boat and 2 dinghies. I spent little money for the accommodation in a very comfortable hotel in the city centre thanks to their help. For a diver Alghero is the place to go: cheap prices, great diving, very nice city."
Alex

"Just a short note to thank Pool Diving for providing a wonderful and memorable scuba diving experience for me and my wife Laura. She has since found a new world to explore. Your professional, competent and knowledgeable staff made my wife feel safe and successful. So much that she will seek certification in our local area. We hope to return in October and hope to see you then. We are definitely recommending Pool Diving to all our friends."
Dean Honewa, UK, 2008

Sardadivers
Lungomare Rovigno 21
07041 Fertilia
Alghero
Sardinia
Tel: +39 329 209 67 32
E-mail: info@sardadivers.com

"Diving in small groups, very professional, high quality diving. Two tank dive costs 37 Euro per dive, incl. tank weights and guide. One of the best diving experiences, in the Mediterranean. "
Tina, Austria

Offer film developing and video editing. Have four boats and provide PADI courses up to divemaster. Accepts credit cards.

c/o Base Nautica
Porto Conte
07041 Alghero (SS)
Sardinia Tel: +39 (0)79 942205
Fax: +39 (0)79 942205
E-mail: diving.center@portoconte.it

CMAS, PADI. Open all year.

Porto Conte Marina Km 48
07041 Alghero SS
Sardinia
Tel/Fax: 079 942122
Mobile: 338 3253695
Ab: 079 984890
sergiocarboni@libero.it

"I have dived all around the world...and I am sure Sérgio is without doubt the most friendly dive guide/manager in the world. He is very resourceful and knows every one around Alghero. From accommodation to camera spare parts...Sérgio can help you. This is the only place in the world that after saying: 'I'll be back', I really am back every year. The caves are great, only to match the world's famous (and best) Yucatan Cenotes. A well organised and friendly dive center, who specialises in diving caves and swim-throughs. Two - three RIBs, go out every day to local dive sites, usually not more than 10 minutes away. Underwater photographers/videographers are well looked after... Sérgio makes sure you have everything you need for your dive, he even carries your spare camera underwater for you. Great dive boat and good facilities. Great value for money. (Their dives and courses seem to compare favourably pricewise to others). Boat very comfortable with plenty of room. "
Ric Vieira, UK, 2007

Open April until October. Speak English, German and French.

c/o Hotel Capo Caccia
Capo Caccia
07041 Alghero (SS)
Tel: +39 (0)79 946666
Fax: +39 (0)79 956535

Open all year. Four boats. Dive the Capo Caccia and Punta Giglio areas, which are famous for their caves.

Via Aggius, 14
07041 Alghero SS
Tel/fax +39.079.9735108 - +39.079.952930
diving.center@portoconte.it

Outings take place every day: morning and afternoon. Experienced guides are available to take groups round the local caves. Accommodation is available close to the dive centre.

Via Lido 18
Alghero (SS)
Tel: +39 (0)79 987197
E-mail: info@blueservicealghero.com

Speak Swedish and English. Courses to Divemaster PADI or SDI, and TDI Tech Courses from Nitrox to Advanced Trimix.

Alghero (SS)
Tel: +39 389 8327716
E-mail: sardiniascuba@yahoo.com

Rock Climbing

The climbing looks fantastic on the cliffs around the coast. Take your boots if nothing else.

Caving (Spelunking)

Sardinia has over 336 caves. We haven't done any caving here but a quick web search finds that these clubs have and their websites give more information: Croydon Caving Club, Red Rose and Spéléo Club de Figeac.

Windsurfing

The North coasts are often windy and excellent for windsurfing.

Fishing

I watched with interest a fly-fisherman cast into the sea in vain. There are not many large fish close to the coast. However, the "fly" the fisherman was using was an exquisite little shrimp-mimic which wouldn't look out of place framed and hung on the wall. It was a surprise to me that shrimps could be flies, or indeed that flies could be shrimps. But apparently a fly is anything that copies a fish's food stuff. The fisherman tied the shrimp-fly himself; I doubt that you will get anything as delicately done from fishing shops but we can put you in touch with a skilled fly-tier if you would like to buy some.