La Tribu Diving Academy

Situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the Golfe des Poètes in Liguria, La Tribù Diving Academy occupies a unique position in Lerici. The centre's facilities are built directly into the rock, housed within former military bunkers beneath the San Terenzo Monumental Castle. This setting provides a striking atmosphere for your pre-dive preparations.

The academy's location is chosen for its logistical advantages. You are just a few steps away from the quayside where the dive boats depart, making the transition from the centre to the water seamless. For those accompanying divers, the village of San Terenzo is within easy walking distance, offering various bars, restaurants, and glaciers.

The team is comprised of experienced, SSI-certified instructors. Ilaria Gonelli brings a specialist background in both scuba and freediving, alongside award-winning underwater photography skills. Alessandro Maggiani serves as an SSI Assistant Instructor Trainer and a Level 3 Freediving instructor, also teaching spearfishing.

Beyond standard diving, the academy focuses heavily on the biological side of the Mediterranean. They offer a structured range of ecological training, designed to help you identify and understand the local marine environment through a scientific lens.

The training programme is broad, catering to everyone from those looking for their first experience in the water to advanced enthusiasts. For beginners, the academy offers Try Scuba and the Open Water Diver course. For those looking to progress, they provide a full suite of SSI certifications.

What distinguishes the academy is its specialised ecological curriculum. You can enrol in specific courses such as Nudibranch Ecology, Coral Identification, Fish Identification, Marine Mammal Ecology, Manta & Ray Ecology, Marine Invertebrate Ecology, Sea Turtle Ecology, and Shark Ecology. They also offer Perfect Buoyancy training to refine your control underwater.

The centre operates two powerful semi-rigid boats to reach the best dive sites in the area. The 'Big Manta' is a 7.30m Lomac equipped with a 200hp engine, while the 'Paikea' is a 7.50m BSC powered by a 250hp engine.

These vessels are well-suited for navigating the Ligurian waters, providing a stable platform for your dives. The high horsepower allows for efficient transit times, ensuring more time spent on the bottom and less time commuting between the quay and the dive sites.

The academy is fully equipped for divers who prefer to travel light. A complete range of rental equipment is available on-site, covering everything from regulators to exposure suits. The facility includes a dedicated cylinder park, a classroom for theory work, and a large changing area with toilets and showers.

Practicality is built into the layout, with specific installations provided for rinsing and storing your kit after a session. The centre also handles cylinder refills and provides a dedicated space for gear maintenance and preparation.