Centro de buceo Scorpora

Located in Alfaz del Pi, Scorpora has been a fixture of the Valencian diving community since 1995. The centre is positioned perfectly to access the rich marine biodiversity of the Serra Gelada Natural Park, offering a gateway to some of the most interesting Mediterranean underwater landscapes.

Having served over 70,000 divers throughout its history, the centre has moved away from the 'express diving' model. Instead, they focus on a personalised approach that ensures you have the time to actually experience the environment rather than just checking a box.

The team operates with a focus on safety and individual attention, maintaining a ratio of one guide for every two divers. This ensures that whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, the instruction and guidance remain precise and attentive.

The centre is an SSI affiliated facility, providing a structured pathway for progression through their various certification levels. Instruction is available in both Spanish and English, making it easy to follow technical briefings and training procedures.

Beyond standard scuba diving, the instructors are equipped to lead a variety of disciplines, including freediving, snorkeling, and specialised SSI courses. This breadth of expertise allows for a versatile programme that caters to different styles of underwater exploration.

Scorpora offers a comprehensive curriculum of SSI courses, beginning with Try Scuba Diver and Scuba Diver for those new to the water. For those looking to build a formal qualification, the full range of Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses is available.

Advanced divers can specialise through various SSI Specialist programmes, including Nitrox, Deep Sea Diving, and Drysuit Diving. The centre also provides training in technical skills such as Team Techniques, Orientation, and Diving from Boats, alongside Freediving and Snorkel Diver certifications.

The centre operates an 11-metre dive boat designed to carry up to 11 passengers. The vessel is equipped with a rear platform for easy access to the water and a sunshade to provide cover while at sea.

On board, you will find a rack for 20 oxygen cylinders, a sound system, and a refrigerator for refreshments. For navigation and safety, the boat is fitted with a VHF radio, a depth sounder, and a plotter, ensuring the crew can monitor conditions and location accurately.

The shore-based facilities are designed for convenience and efficiency, featuring a dedicated drying room and showers. The centre provides a full range of rental kit, including wetsuits in all sizes, BCDs, regulators, fins, boots, and torches for low-light environments.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or dive more safely, Nitrox is available. The centre is also equipped with hyperbaric oxygen equipment on board the vessel to ensure a high standard of safety during all excursions.

The Mediterranean habitats around Altea are rich with life, from the rocky walls of El Morro de Toix to the caves of the Elephant Caves. You will find a diverse array of fish including dentex, bar, grouper, and various species of sea bream and snapper.

In the crevices and under the ledges, look for larger predators such as Mediterranean barracuda and dusky grouper. You can also encounter moray eels and various types of octopus inhabiting the rocky structures.

For those interested in macro life, the area is home to a wide variety of invertebrates, including many species of crustaceans, mollusks, and sponges. Keep an eye out for shrimp, crabs, and various polychaete worms among the rocks and corals.

The best time to plan double dive outings is between June and October. The centre operates out of the port of Altea, providing easy access to the protected waters of the Serra Gelada Natural Park.