Capo Murro Diving Center

Capo Murro Diving Center is situated in the characteristic port of Ognina, Syracuse, positioned directly within the heart of the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area. This location provides immediate access to some of the most diverse underwater ecosystems in Sicily, ranging from deep canyons to complex cave systems.

The centre operates as a PADI Dive Resort and is also affiliated with CMAS, offering a wide breadth of certification paths. Whether you are looking for basic open water training or advanced technical courses, the facility is set up to support divers across the entire spectrum of experience.

The team consists of four professional instructors capable of guiding you through a vast array of programmes. They manage everything from introductory dives to highly specialised technical training, ensuring a professional environment for all skill levels.

The centre is deeply committed to marine conservation and sustainable tourism. They actively participate in the Blu Plemmirio project and collaborate with Sea Shepherd Italy to help monitor and protect the local ecosystem, which is a significant advantage for divers who value environmental stewardship.

The training catalogue is exceptionally broad, covering PADI, GUE, and FIPSAS-CMAS certifications. Beginners can start with Discover Diving or Open Water Diver courses, while those looking to advance can pursue specialties such as Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck, Night Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy.

For technical divers, the centre offers a rigorous progression including Tec 40, Tec 45, Tec 50, Tec Diver Level One, and Tec Rec Trimix Diver. They also provide specialised instruction in Sidemount, DPV (including advanced courses), and cave diving. Apnea and underwater naturalist programmes are also available for those interested in non-scuba disciplines or marine biology.

The fleet comprises three semi-rigid boats designed for efficient transit to the local dive sites. One 10-metre vessel is powered by twin 250 hp outboards and has a capacity for 30 people, while a 9.9-metre boat carries a single 350 hp motor with a 30-person capacity. A third, 9.3-metre boat is equipped with a 225 hp motor and can accommodate up to 34 divers.

All boats are fully equipped with first aid kits and oxygen sets for safety. For those looking to extend their range or technical capabilities, the vessels are prepared for various dive profiles, including night dives.

The shore base is well-equipped for both recreational and technical divers, featuring a dedicated recharge station for air, Nitrox, and Trimix. For technical divers, the centre provides an extensive cylinder selection, including 8.5, 10, 12, 15, and 18-litre steel cylinders in both mono-valve and bi-valve INT/DIN configurations. They also stock 20 bi-cylinder sets ranging from 7+7 to 18+18 litres, as well as JJ CCR frames.

Full equipment hire is available on-site for those not travelling with their own kit. The facilities include hot showers, a large veranda, a storage warehouse, and a private pontoon located just 10 metres from the embarkation point, making the transition from land to boat seamless.

The marine life around the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is diverse and abundant. On the walls and around the caves, you will encounter various species such as groupers, sea bream, salema porgy, and dusky grouper. The rocky crevices and canyons are often home to large specimens of dusky grouper and various species of sea bream.

The reef is beautifully decorated with a variety of fixed life, including many types of sponges, bryozoans, and sea daisies. You can also observe various crustaceans such as slipper lobsters and sea crayfish, which add significant detail to the underwater scenery.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are plentiful, with sightings of sea anemones and various species of cérianthe. If you look closely at the reef surfaces, you will find a variety of colourful organisms that thrive in the protected environment of the park.

Divers should be aware that a moderate current can be present at several sites, particularly around the Capo Murro and the Grotte del Formaggio, which can make navigation more challenging.

The sites offer a range of profiles, from shallow cave explorations at 5 metres to deeper wall and wreck dives reaching 30 to 35 metres. The presence of caves and canyons means that monitoring depth and checking for any local surge is always a sensible part of the dive plan.