UnderwaterTales / Chiavari Nuoto

Located near Chiavari, UnderwaterTales is the professional project of Stefano Sibona, an instructor who has been active in the diving industry since 1997. While operating as a platform for sharing expertise, the centre is deeply integrated into the Italian diving community, collaborating with various specialised centres across the country.

The area offers a profound variety of underwater environments, ranging from shallow reef flats to significant deep-water wrecks. Whether you are looking to complete your initial certifications or are moving into the complexities of technical diving, the expertise on offer is rooted in decades of practical experience in the Mediterranean.

The centre is led by Stefano Sibona, an SSI Instructor Trainer and 3-star Instructor. His background includes extensive experience as a dive centre manager and a deep involvement in technical diving expeditions, specifically XR SSI wreck tours.

Beyond standard instruction, Stefano is an Eco Diver committed to marine conservation through Reef Check monitoring. This environmental focus ensures that the diving activities are conducted with a strong awareness of the local coastal ecosystem.

For those pursuing advanced skills, the team provides guidance in technical disciplines, including rebreather diving using equipment such as the Mares Horizon and rEvo. The teaching approach emphasises safety, continuous training, and the technical precision required for deep or complex environments.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of diver progression through SSI. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while those looking to expand their recreational limits can progress through various levels.

For technical divers, the centre offers specialised training including Extended Range (XR) courses. The presence of an Instructor Trainer means high-level instruction is available for those aiming to reach professional standards or master complex technical configurations.

The centre supports advanced diving profiles with access to rebreather technology, including Mares Horizon and rEvo systems. This makes it a suitable base for divers looking to move beyond open-circuit diving.

Technical divers will find the expertise in XR (Extended Range) diving a significant asset when planning deep wreck penetrations or long-duration bottom times.

The marine life in this region is diverse, with rocky reefs and wrecks providing ample habitat. You will regularly encounter groupers, moray eels, scorpionfishes, and various species of damselfish. The sandy bottoms and reef structures are also home to common dentex, forkbeard, and various species of shrimp.

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty to observe, including various species of shrimp, moray eels, and scorpionfish. You may also find small inhabitants like various species of damselfish tucked into the crevices of the wrecks.

Fixed life is abundant across the different sites. Gorgonians and black coral colonise the vertical walls of the wrecks, while yellow sponges and various species of sea fans cover the structures. You can also find starfish and various species of anemones throughout the Mediterranean habitats.

Conditions vary significantly depending on the specific site. Some wreck sites, such as the Junkers JU52 or the Fort Missanabie, can experience strong currents that make descent and ascent demanding. In contrast, sites like the Caterina Madre or the Valsavoia are known for having little to no current.

In certain areas, such as the Otrante Channel, divers should be prepared for insidious and strong currents that can make navigation challenging. The best time to visit is often during the autumn or winter months to take advantage of milder weather and fewer crowds.