Different Scuba School, Dss

Located in La Herradura, a coastal area just minutes from Almuñécar and an hour from Grenade, Different Scuba School has been operating since 2010. The centre is positioned in a prime Mediterranean location, offering easy access to dive sites directly from the beach without the need for a boat for many entries.

This is a centre that balances recreational exploration with high-level technical training. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are progressing through advanced decompression procedures, the school's approach is built around individual success and professional standards rather than simply rushing through a timed programme.

The team is led by Javier, an experienced technical diver and instructor with specialisations in Trimix Normoxic IANTD and Rebreather X-ccr Iqsub IANTD. His involvement in technical diving projects and reef recovery initiatives brings a deep level of expertise to the school.

Alongside Javier, the instructor team includes Sandra, Martin, and Juanpe. The four instructors are all highly qualified, providing a range of expertise that covers everything from entry-level SSI courses to complex technical disciplines. The school's affiliation with SSI ensures a structured and recognised path for all training levels.

The course catalogue is extensive, beginning with the SSI Open Water Diver and progressing through Advanced Open Water Diver and Stress and Rescue Diver. For those looking to refine their skills, the school offers specialised training in buoyancy control, underwater orientation, and drysuit diving.

Technical training is a core pillar of the school. You can undertake advanced decompression procedures, including Nitrox Advanced, Accelerated Decompression, and Trimix 60 Normoxic. The centre also provides specialised Rebreather Air/Deco training for those moving into closed-circuit diving.

The centre provides a full range of rental equipment for divers who do not wish to carry their own kit. This includes regulators, wetsuits, and other essential items required for both recreational and technical diving.

For technical divers, the facility is equipped to support advanced profiles, with Nitrox and Trimix capabilities available on-site. The centre maintains a focus on safety, ensuring that all equipment is serviced and ready for use.

The waters around La Herradura are home to a diverse array of Mediterranean life. You will find large schools of sea bream, bogues, and sardines moving through the water, often accompanied by larger pelagic fauna and Amberjack (Seriola).

On the seabed and around the reef structures, the environment is rich with life. Look for Grouper (Epinephelus), dusky grouper, and various species of wrasse and damselfish. You can also encounter Salema porgy (Sarpa salpa), sea bream, and Bogue (Boops boops) navigating the terrain.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add significant interest to the dives. Keep an eye out for Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various species of scorpionfish and stonefish. The rocky areas and crevices often hide crabs (Brachyura), squat lobsters, and different types of sea urchins.

The seafloor is decorated with a variety of fixed life, including large anemones, sea fans (Gorgoniidae), soft corals, and sponges (Porifera). You will also see colourful displays from various species of starfish (Asteroidea), sea anemones (Actiniaria), and yellow encrusting anemones.

La Herradura is noted for its calm waters and a climate that allows for diving throughout the year. The area is generally accessible and provides a stable environment for both training and exploration.