Dna Divers

DNA Divers Catania by Apogon is situated in Aci Castello, a traditional fishing village in the province of Catania. The centre is positioned at the heart of the Area Marina Protetta Isole Ciclopi, an area defined by its unique volcanic seabed and rich biodiversity.

Established in the late 1990s, the centre has spent decades developing a deep connection to the local marine environment. They operate throughout the Gulf of Catania and the protected marine area, focusing on a respectful and conscious approach to the underwater world.

The centre is run by a team of certified instructors and experienced guides who possess an intimate knowledge of the local seabed. They work with small groups to ensure personalised attention, whether you are completing your first certification or training for technical specialties.

As an SSI-affiliated association, they maintain high standards of safety and professionalism. The team is also actively involved in marine conservation and cultural projects, including the AKIS underwater archaeology project.

Their teaching is inclusive, offering programmes designed to be accessible to divers of all ages, including those with disabilities. The centre functions as an Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica, meaning activities are organised for members.

DNA Divers offers a comprehensive range of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with introductory dives or work towards their Open Water Diver certification, while those looking to progress can enrol in Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, or Stress & Rescue courses.

For more specialised skills, the centre provides instruction in Sidemount diving and Apnea. They also offer React Right training to ensure divers are prepared for various underwater scenarios.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks, all of which are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety.

For night dives or exploration of darker crevices, torches are available for hire. The facility is designed to support both training and excursion-based diving with well-maintained equipment ready for use.

The volcanic reefs and rocky walls are home to a vibrant community of fish. You will regularly see white seabream, parrotfish, and groupers patrolling the structures, alongside colourful swarms of salps and damselfish.

In the rocky crevices and around the basalt formations, you can find various molluscs, sea urchins, and crabs. The biodiversity is further enriched by the presence of starfish and various species of sea urchin tucked into the reef.

Macro life is plentiful throughout the protected area. Divers can observe various species of dotti and other small crustaceans amongst the sponges and rocky outcrops.