Darkside Explorer

Located in Alicante, Darkside Explorer serves as a dedicated hub for divers looking to push beyond recreational boundaries. The centre focuses heavily on technical diving, cave exploration, and the use of closed-circuit rebreathers (CCR), making it a primary destination for those seeking advanced skills in the Mediterranean.

The surrounding waters offer a diverse range of environments, from the protected habitats of the Tabarca marine reserve to deep, historic wrecks. This combination allows for a progression from calm, reef-based exploration to demanding technical dives on significant maritime remains.

The team is composed of three professional instructors, all certified through TDI/SDI. Their expertise is specifically geared towards technical disciplines, including sidemount, trimix, and rebreather configurations.

Instruction is provided in Spanish, catering to the local diving community and those looking to train in the native language of the region. The centre's focus on technical proficiency ensures that divers are prepared for the rigours of more complex environments.

Darkside Explorer offers an extensive catalogue of technical training through TDI/SDI. Beginners can start with foundational courses, while advanced divers can progress through Helitrox, Sidemount, and various rebreather programmes, including both Backmount and Sidemount CCR configurations.

The technical curriculum is deep, covering Trimix, Trimix 75m, and Advanced Trimix. For those interested in overhead environments, the centre provides dedicated training for Cave and Full Cave diving. Instructor training is also available for those looking to join the professional ranks.

The centre is well-equipped for technical divers, offering a comprehensive rental selection that includes rebreathers, scooters, and sidemount cylinders. For those preferring traditional setups, a full range of kit is available, including wetsuits, computers, and lighting for night or low-light dives.

On-site facilities include oxygen safety equipment and support for various gas blends. The centre is prepared for the specific needs of the technical community, ensuring that specialized equipment is accessible for both training and exploration.

The marine life within the Tabarca marine reserve is diverse, supported by the protected status of the area. You will encounter a variety of species that thrive among the reef structures and the artificial habitats provided by the wrecks.

The seabed and reef flats are home to a range of Mediterranean flora and fauna, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The presence of the reserve helps maintain a healthy ecosystem for both resident fish and the surrounding marine vegetation.

Macro life and smaller organisms are present throughout the reserve, providing interest for divers with an eye for detail. The combination of rocky outcrops and seagrass meadows offers numerous niches for various crustaceans and smaller reef dwellers.

Technical dive sorties are available throughout the year. For those interested in wreck diving, specific outings to the deeper sites are organised on Sundays during the summer months.