Costa del Sud Diving Service

Located in the heart of Santa Caterina di Nardò, Costa del Sud Diving Service has been a fixture of the Salento diving scene since 1996. The centre is positioned perfectly to access the diverse marine environments of the Ionian coast, stretching between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo.

The area is defined by its dramatic underwater topography, ranging from shallow coastal walls and cave systems to deep-water wrecks and rocky seccas. Whether you are looking for a relaxed reef dive or a technical expedition to a deep wreck, the centre's proximity to the Porto Cesareo marine protected area ensures a high standard of biodiversity.

The centre is led by Andrea Costantini, whose extensive experience and deep knowledge of the Salento seabed underpin the operation. The professional team is dedicated to maintaining high safety standards while guiding divers through the region's complex underwater landscapes.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they provide a structured learning environment for everyone from absolute beginners to highly experienced technical divers. Their commitment to the local environment is recognised through a national environmental quality label, reflecting their responsible approach to managing the local marine resources.

Costa del Sud offers a complete spectrum of SSI training. Beginners can start with Try Scuba, Scuba Diver, or Open Water Diver courses, progressing through Advanced Adventure and beyond. The centre also provides specialised skills training such as Perfect Buoyancy, Navigation, and Scuba Skills Review.

For those looking to advance into technical diving, the curriculum is extensive. They offer Deep Air, Decompression Diving, Extended Range, Extended Range Nitrox, and Hypoxic Trimix. The centre also provides professional development for those aiming for career paths, including Dive Guide, Assistant Instructor, and Open Water Instructor levels, alongside specialised training like Gas Blender and Science of Diving.

The centre operates the Master775, a RIB equipped with a 250hp Yamaha engine. This vessel is used for multiple daily trips, including night dives, ensuring efficient transit to the various sites across the coast.

For technical divers, the boat is equipped to handle deeper excursions, and Nitrox is available on board for those using enriched air profiles.

The shore-based facilities support a wide range of diving disciplines. For technical divers, the centre provides gas blending services, supporting Nitrox and Trimix requirements.

Training is supported by a comprehensive range of SSI courses, and the centre is equipped to handle rebreather diving, specifically utilising Mares Horizon units.

The marine life in this part of Puglia is defined by its incredible colour and density. On the deep walls and rocky seccas, you will find vibrant gorgonians, red coral, and various species of sponges that coat the coralligenous structures. Large groupers, moray eels, and various species of seabream are common residents of the crevices and overhangs.

Macro life is abundant throughout the area. Divers can expect to find a wide variety of nudibranchs, octopuses, and crustaceans such as lobsters and crayfish. Scorpionfish and various species of anemones add to the diversity of the smaller inhabitants found along the reefs and wrecks.

Pelagic encounters are also possible, with amberjack, barracuda, and dentex appearing in the blue. In the shallower, more sheltered areas, you might encounter porpoises or find various species of starfish and sea urchins on the seabed.

The diving area offers a variety of environments, from shallow coastal walls to deep-water wrecks. While many sites are easily accessible, the deeper technical sites require specific certifications and gas management.

Divers should be prepared for different types of terrain, including sandy bottoms with rocky outcrops, vertical walls, and cave systems. The availability of night diving allows for a different perspective on the local fauna and the illuminated wreck sites.