Dive Sicily

Divesicily has been a fixture of the Sicilian east coast since 1984, founded by Alex Lentini and his wife Yukiko. Located right on the shoreline in Giardini Naxos, the centre serves as a gateway to the marine protected park of Taormina and Naxos.

With nearly 40 years of experience, the resort operates with a focus on high-quality instruction and reliable boat-based diving. Whether you are looking for archaeological dives or exploring deep walls, the centre's proximity to the coast and established reputation make it a central hub for local diving.

The centre is affiliated with both PADI and NAUI, offering a dual-pathway approach to certification and training. This allows divers to choose the curriculum that best suits their personal or professional goals.

A multilingual team is available to assist divers, with instruction and communication provided in Italian, French, German, English, Russian, Swedish, Japanese, and Dutch. This wide range of languages ensures that international divers can follow technical briefings and safety protocols without any communication barriers.

The training programme covers the entire spectrum of scuba diving, from introductory experiences to professional levels. You can complete PADI or NAUI Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, and Advanced Open Water Diver courses, or progress through Rescue Diver and Divemaster certifications.

Specialty courses are extensive, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Night Diver, and Sidemount Diver. For those interested in specific disciplines, the centre offers Underwater Archaeology, Underwater Naturalist, Digital Underwater Photographer, and even technical diving pathways. They also provide EFR and Emergency Oxygen Provider training.

The fleet includes two dedicated vessels. The Sirius is the flagship, an 18-metre boat designed for comfort and capacity, capable of carrying up to 25 passengers. It is powered by twin 145 HP Iveco Aifo turbo diesel engines and features a kitchen, pantry, fridge, toilets, and freshwater showers. For shorter trips or specific access, the centre also operates an 8-metre semi-rigid powered by a 225hp engine.

Both boats are equipped for serious diving, with Nitrox available on board. The Sirius is particularly suited for longer excursions, offering two cabins with beds for those requiring more amenities during their time at sea.

The shore-based facilities are built around a professional filling station equipped with three Bauer Verticus 7,5 k 14 compressors, providing a flow of 530 lt/min. A dedicated Nitrox blending panel is available, allowing for oxygen mixes up to 40%.

Divers can access a full range of rental kit, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fins. The centre also features a dedicated repair workshop, a dry storage area for equipment, and rinsing pools. For safety, the site is equipped with 100% oxygen cylinders and a VHF radio.

The marine life at the local sites is defined by the dramatic topography of the walls and canyons. On the deeper sections of the reef, such as Elephant Reef, you will find gorgonians covering the rock faces and dark ravines. These structures provide a habitat for various crustaceans, including blue shrimp found near underwater chimneys.

In the shallower reef areas and seagrass meadows, the biodiversity is high. You can expect to encounter large schools of black Anthias along the drop-offs. The protected marine reserve of Isola Bella offers a different environment, focused on the vibrant life of the reef flat.

Macro life is present throughout the area, particularly within the crevices of the canyons and the structures of the wrecks. Divers should keep a keen eye out for smaller inhabitants tucked into the coral and sponge formations.

The dive sites in this region are generally well-protected from heavy swell and strong currents, making for manageable conditions. However, divers should be aware that Elephant Reef can experience moderate currents, and in certain conditions, a downcurrent may form along the wall.

While diving is possible year-round, the period from May to October is particularly noted for marine excursions. The local topography provides many sheltered spots, but always check the specific site conditions for the day, especially when planning drift dives or wall descents.