Jonio Pro-Dive Catania

Located in Catania, Jonio Pro-Dive Catania operates from a unique natural bay created by ancient lava flows. This sheltered position provides a calm starting point for exploring the rugged volcanic coastline of the Sicilian coast.

The centre is a PADI 5 Star IDC facility, meaning it is equipped to handle everything from introductory dives to professional instructor training. Its location within the Camping Jonio allows for easy access to local accommodation, while its authorisation to dive in the Cyclopes Islands marine protected area ensures access to well-preserved habitats.

The team consists of four highly qualified PADI instructors with extensive experience in both Mediterranean and tropical waters. They are able to conduct training and guided dives in Italian, English, French, and Spanish.

As an IDC centre, the staff is trained to a high professional standard, supporting divers through the full spectrum of PADI certifications. Whether you are working towards your Rescue Diver rating or pursuing professional Divemaster or instructor credentials, the instruction is delivered with a focus on technical precision.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses, starting with Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver for beginners. For those looking to expand their skills, they provide Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and various PADI Specialty courses.

Technical training is a core part of the curriculum, with courses including Tec 40, Tec 45, and Tec 50. The facility is also an IDC centre, providing the necessary training for those aiming for the Divemaster level or professional instructor qualifications.

For trips away from the sheltered bay, the centre operates a gommone (RIB) to reach more distant sites. This vessel allows for more flexible exploration of the coastline and deeper offshore locations.

The shore base is well-equipped for both training and recreational diving, featuring a Coltri MCH 16/ETS Super Silent EVO compressor for daily cylinder filling. They maintain a fleet of 40 cylinders, including single and twin-set configurations in volumes of 10, 12, 15, and 18 litres.

For those requiring rental kit, the centre provides Aqualung equipment, including BCDs, regulators, and various sizes of wetsuits. Full kit hire is available, alongside specific items such as torches for night dives, masks, fins, and even a Suex VR-T scooter for extended exploration.

The marine life is defined by the volcanic substrate, which provides endless crevices for various species. You will regularly encounter groupers, moray eels, octopus, and various species of sea urchins. The walls and rocky outcrops are home to a variety of sponges, sea fans, and crinoids.

Macro life is abundant for those with an eye for detail. Divers can find nudibranchs, sea slugs, and various species of shrimp and crabs tucked into the lava. Scorpionfish and various species of octopus are common residents of the rocky cracks.

In the deeper sections, the biodiversity increases with the presence of large gorgonian fans and various species of sea fan. During the months from September to January, squid are frequently seen as they come to deposit their eggs on the seabed.

Diving is conducted year-round in the natural bay and surrounding sites. The area is subject to typical Mediterranean conditions, with the protected status of the Cyclopes Islands providing many sheltered environments for diving.