Punta Campanella Diving Sorrento

Located in the historic Marina Grande harbour of Sorrento, Punta Campanella Diving serves as a gateway to some of the most diverse underwater landscapes in the Mediterranean. The centre is positioned perfectly to access the protected marine park of Punta Campanella, as well as the surrounding waters of the Sorrento, Amalfi, and Capri coasts.

You can expect a professional operation that prioritises safety and local expertise. The centre focuses on small-group dives, ensuring that whether you are exploring a shallow reef or a deep wall, you receive attentive guidance from experienced local professionals.

As a PADI 5 Star dive centre, the team is comprised of experienced local professionals who know the local currents, topography, and seasonal shifts of the marine reserve intimately. They operate with a maximum ratio of six divers per guide, ensuring a controlled and safe environment for both training and exploration.

The centre is also an IDC facility, meaning they are equipped to train the next generation of instructors. For those interested in more than just scuba, they also offer PADI Basic Freediving courses and guided tours led by marine biologists to deepen your understanding of the local ecosystem.

The centre provides a complete progression of PADI training, starting from Discover Scuba Diving for beginners through to Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to specialise, they offer the PADI Deep Diver Specialty and the Enriched Air Nitrox course.

Advanced training is a core part of their offering, including Rescue Diver and the Instructor Development Course (IDC). They also provide Emergency First Response training and the Emergency Oxygen Provider course to ensure all divers are prepared for any situation.

The centre operates excursions departing from the Marina Grande, carrying up to 12 people per trip. The morning departures typically head out for longer explorations, while the afternoon trips are suited for shorter excursions. Refreshments and water are provided on board to keep you hydrated between dives.

For non-divers, the boats offer a way to experience the coastline, with options for morning and afternoon tours. The centre also manages night dives, allowing you to see the marine reserve under the cover of darkness.

A full range of rental kit is available on-site, covering everything from regulators to wetsuits and fins. For those undertaking professional training, such as the IDC, the centre utilises Aqualung Apex equipment.

Nitrox is available for use, making it easier to extend bottom times on repetitive dives or deeper excursions. The centre is well-equipped to handle all the necessary teaching aids required for their wide range of PADI certifications.

The marine life in the Punta Campanella reserve is exceptionally diverse, supported by healthy Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows. You will find large shoals of fish, including tuna, sea bass, sea bream, and barracuda, patrolling the deeper waters and canyons.

The rocky walls and reefs are adorned with vibrant fixed life, including red corals, yellow gorgonians, and various sea fans. Sponges and various types of algae provide a rich backdrop for the many species that call these reefs home.

For those interested in macro life, the crevices and caves are home to octopus, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs. You can also find smaller creatures like damselfish, pipefish, and various molluscs living amongst the sponges and sea anemones.

In certain areas, you may encounter larger pelagics such as dolphins or turtles. The biodiversity is further enhanced by the presence of groupers, stingrays, and various species of bream moving through the submerged labyrinths.

The best time to dive in this region is from April to October. The area benefits from natural shelter in several locations, such as Cape Puolo, which offers calm waters due to its protection from the wind.

While the sites vary, the marine reserve offers a mix of environments, from shallow, current-free areas at Regina Giovanna suitable for beginners, to deeper walls and canyons that may require more advanced buoyancy control.