Diving with Nic

Located on the Costa del Sol, Diving with Nic provides access to some of the most diverse underwater landscapes in southern Spain. The region offers a unique intersection of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences, creating a habitat that supports everything from shallow reef flats to deep, current-swept walls and historic wreck sites.

Whether you are looking for the calm, sheltered waters of Marina del Este or the more challenging, nutrient-rich currents of Tarifa, the area provides a vast playground. The proximity to Gibraltar allows for specialised wreck diving that is difficult to find elsewhere in the country.

Founded in 2015, the centre was established to move away from the high-volume 'factory' model of diving, focusing instead on a client-centred approach. As a PADI 5 Star IDC Centre and a certified Eco Centre, the team integrates environmental responsibility into their daily operations through Green Fins principles and regular beach clean-ups.

The facilities are extensive, featuring two dedicated classrooms, a multimedia suite, and a heated swimming pool for training. The centre is also fully equipped to welcome divers with reduced mobility, ensuring inclusive access to the sport.

The training programme covers the entire PADI spectrum, beginning with Discover Scuba Diving and progressing through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to refine their skills, specialties such as Peak Performance Buoyancy, Deep Diver, and Underwater Navigator are available.

Professional divers can train here through the Divemaster and Instructor Development Course (IDC) programmes. The centre also offers specialised training in Dry Suit Diving, Enriched Air Nitrox, and Underwater Photography.

The centre is fully equipped with a fleet of three vehicles to manage logistics and transport to various dive sites. On-site, you will find a large equipment room and a well-stocked shop for your diving and snorkelling needs.

For those looking to extend their bottom time, Enriched Air Nitrox is available. The shore-based setup is designed to be professional and organised, providing a solid foundation for both recreational and professional training.

The marine life in this region is defined by the meeting of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. You will encounter large schools of fish, including amberjack, barracuda, and porgies, alongside groupers (Epinephelus) and various species of wrasses (Labridae).

Macro life is abundant across the reefs and wrecks. Divers can find a high density of nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), octopuses, and seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), as well as various species of crabs and anemones.

On the more open sites and walls, look out for larger residents such as rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. During the season from June to October, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is a significant attraction in the area.

Conditions vary significantly depending on the site. The local reefs near Marbella and San Pedro are generally calm with excellent visibility, making them suitable for various experience levels. In contrast, Tarifa is known for its powerful tidal currents and more exposed ocean conditions.

Gibraltar can also present challenging conditions, with some sites experiencing strong currents and variable visibility. These areas are best suited for Advanced Open Water divers or those comfortable with drift diving.