Sandalia Diving Center

Sandalia Diving Center is a relatively new operation, established in 2023 by Duccio, Gabriele, and Giuseppe. The centre is strategically positioned within the Capo Caccia and Isola Piana Marine Protected Area, housed inside the Hotel Baia di Conte. This location offers immediate access to some of the most significant diving sites in the Mediterranean.

Because the centre operates within a protected marine zone, the local ecosystems have been allowed to thrive. This results in high levels of biodiversity and healthy populations of various species. The area is also famously known as the Coral Riviera, with coral colonies appearing at depths as shallow as 5 metres.

The centre is run by a team of three founders who focus on sharing their passion for the marine environment. They offer a structured path for diver progression, catering to everyone from those taking their first breaths underwater to advanced technical divers.

Training is available for all levels, including specialised courses for cavern and cave exploration. The team facilitates guided immersions designed to ensure safety while navigating the complex topography of the Alghero coastline.

The training catalogue is extensive, covering everything from the initial Discovery Scuba Diving and Smile Diver/Bubblemaker programmes for younger divers to full Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers Deep Diver, Nitrox, and Divemaster courses. They also provide specialised training for more technical environments, including Cavern Diver, Cave Diver, and Sidemount courses.

The centre utilises gommoni (RIBs) to reach the dive sites. These boats allow for quick transit to the various reefs and cave systems within the protected area, making the most of the proximity to the Capo Caccia cliffs.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who prefer not to carry their own kit. This includes a complete range of diving gear, with individual components such as BCDs, regulators, dive computers, and wetsuits available for daily hire.

For those looking to extend their bottom time, Nitrox is available for use. The centre is equipped to support divers looking for more efficient gas blends during their excursions.

The marine life in this protected area is abundant, with many species benefiting from the conservation status of the marine park. You will frequently encounter schools of barracuda and common dentex, alongside groupers patrolling the structures.

In the shallower sections of the reef, the coral presence is a defining feature of the Alghero coast. The seabed is rich with various coral species, providing a complex habitat for the local fauna.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are also present throughout the area, including various species that inhabit the crevices of the caves and the reef flat.

Diving takes place within the Capo Caccia and Isola Piana Marine Protected Area. The local topography is characterised by dramatic cliffs and extensive cave systems, which can influence local water movement during your dive.