Baiarda Dive Boat Excursions

Located in Lacona, near the beach of Margidore, Baiarda Dive Boat Excursions serves as a dedicated hub for diving and boat excursions on the island of Elba. The centre is positioned strategically for easy access, situated just a short distance from Portoferraio and the Marina di Campo airport.

Operating from April to October, the centre focuses on authentic maritime experiences. Whether you are looking for guided snorkeling or technical diving, the emphasis remains on small groups and local expertise, ensuring a personalised approach to every excursion.

As a PADI Dive Resort, the centre is run by highly qualified professionals. The instructional team holds a wide range of certifications, including PADI Instructor, Deep 40 Instructor, and Nitrox Instructor, covering everything from basic Open Water training to advanced specialty instruction.

The team is deeply integrated into the local marine environment. They actively participate in several conservation and research projects, including monitoring the Mediterranean monk seal, MPA Engage, and Reef Check Italia. This commitment to marine science and projects like PADI AWARE and Dive Against Debris means you are diving with a team that understands the ecosystem they inhabit.

The centre offers a comprehensive PADI curriculum suitable for all stages of a diver's development. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course and progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver and Deep Diver certifications.

For those looking to specialise, a variety of PADI specialty courses are available, including Nitrox and various instructor-led programmes. The centre's expertise extends to professional training, with instructors capable of teaching courses up to the Instructor level, including Decompression Instructor and Divecon Instructor roles.

The centre operates a single vessel, a motobarca that has been completely adapted from a former 'Scialuppa di Salvataggio' (lifeboat) specifically for diving excursions. Powered by a 180cv Perkins 4.236 engine, the boat is designed to carry up to 12 passengers comfortably.

On board, you will find essential diving support including Nitrox for extended bottom times. The vessel is equipped with all mandatory navigation gear for operations within 12 nautical miles of the coast, providing a stable platform for your dives or snorkeling trips.

The shore-based facilities are well-equipped for serious divers. The centre maintains a significant cylinder bank, including 40 x 15-litre and 12 x 12-litre cylinders. For gas blending, they utilise MCH 16 ETS SUPER SILENT EVO and Bauer Mariner M3E compressors, capable of producing 315 l/min and 190 l/min respectively.

Safety is a priority, with medical oxygen, carbon monoxide and oxygen analysers, and first aid kits readily available. A full range of rental kit is also provided, and the centre features dedicated rinsing tanks and a relaxation area with Wi-Fi for between dives.

The marine life around Elba is diverse, characterised by vibrant rocky reefs and seagrass meadows. You can expect to encounter various groupers (Epinephelus), including the Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), often found near ledges and rocky structures.

Predators such as Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Amberjack (Seriola), and Common dentex (Dentex dentex) patrol the deeper waters. You may also spot Eagle ray (Aetobatus) cruising the seabed or swimming through the water column.

In the crevices and amongst the reef, look for Moray eel (Muraenidae), including giant moray eels, alongside Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and Conger eel (Congridae). Spiny lobster (Palinuridae) and other large lobsters (Homaridae) are also residents of the rocky habitats.

The seafloor is decorated with red gorgonians, Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), and various yellow sponges, providing a rich backdrop for spotting smaller inhabitants like spider crabs and other crustaceans.

The diving season runs from April to October. During these months, the local waters are suitable for a wide range of diving activities, from shallow reef exploration to deeper excursions.