A.S. Taras Sub Diving Center

Located in the Taranto region, Taras Sub Diving Center has been a fixture of the local diving community since 2001. Founded by three passionate divers, this non-profit association has spent over two decades promoting underwater sports and marine awareness through its official SSI and PADI affiliations.

The centre operates across several locations to suit the seasons, with summer bases at Sun Bay and Campomarino di Maruggio, and a dedicated winter site in Taranto. This allows for consistent access to the local seabed throughout the year, ensuring that the community remains active regardless of the month.

As an official training school, the centre provides a structured environment for both recreational and professional development. Their curriculum spans the full spectrum of underwater activities, from initial certifications to instructor training levels.

A distinctive feature of the team is the inclusion of marine biologist Luigi Esposito, who leads bio-immersions. These sessions allow you to move beyond simple sightseeing, offering a deeper scientific understanding of the Mediterranean flora and fauna you encounter during your dives.

The centre is also deeply committed to environmental stewardship. They work alongside local institutions to organise seabed clean-ups and coastal protection initiatives, making them a choice for divers who want to contribute to the preservation of the local marine habitat.

The training programme is comprehensive, covering PADI and SSI certifications. Beginners can start with the Open Water Diver course, while more experienced divers can progress through Advanced Open Water, Deep Diver, and Rescue Diver training.

For those looking toward a professional career, the centre offers Divemaster and IDC Staff programmes. Beyond scuba, they also provide specialised training in freediving (PADI Apnea), mermaiding, and the use of monofins, catering to a wide variety of underwater interests.

The centre operates two RIBs (gommoni) to transport divers to the local sites. The first boat, Taras 1, has a capacity of 14 divers, while the larger Taras 2 can accommodate up to 18. For larger group events, the centre can manage up to 25 divers.

During excursions, such as those following the SailGP events, the boats provide snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board. The fleet is used for a variety of dive types, including night dives and dolphin observation trips.

The centre provides a complete range of equipment for hire, allowing you to dive without bringing your own full kit. They specialise in Mares equipment, meaning you have access to the latest models for your rental needs, including regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits.

In addition to full kit hire, the shop offers servicing and advice on selecting the right equipment for your specific diving style and level. This ensures that whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, your gear is fit for purpose.

The local marine life is characterised by healthy seagrass meadows, particularly Posidonia oceanica, which provide a vital habitat for a diverse range of species. You will regularly encounter various crustaceans, including the running crab, flat crab, and hermit crab, alongside sea cucumbers and various species of starfish.

The rocky and sandy areas are home to a variety of molluscs and gastropods, such as the large snail, Monodonta turbinata, and the truncated murice. You may also spot the European seabass and various species of sea urchins and sponges, including the horn sponge.

Macro life is abundant for those who look closely, with various species of sea tomato, sea potato, and sea pepper providing colour against the seabed. The presence of diverse algae, such as green ball algae and various Caulerpa species, creates a lush backdrop for the smaller organisms inhabiting the reef.

The centre offers night diving opportunities, allowing you to experience the transition of marine life as the sun sets. The availability of summer and winter sites ensures that the centre can adapt to the changing seasonal conditions of the Ionian Sea.