Simply Diving

Simply Diving has been operating out of the Puerto Deportivo de Marbella since 1999. Managed by Gordon and Shona Stewart, this family-run centre is positioned perfectly for those looking to explore the Costa del Sol without the hassle of long transfers, as the dive boat is moored just a few metres from the centre.

The operation focuses on a small-group ethos, ensuring that no more than 10 divers are on the boat at any one time. This allows for close supervision and a more intimate experience, whether you are completing your first certification or heading out for a technical wreck dive.

The centre is a Scubapro Educational Association, meaning the kit is professionally maintained and regularly renewed to high standards. The team provides a professional and relaxed atmosphere, catering to a wide range of experience levels from absolute beginners to advanced divers.

Instruction is provided in English, and the centre follows PADI standards for all training programmes. The small group sizes are designed to maintain a personal pace, ensuring that every diver receives the attention required for safe and effective learning.

Simply Diving offers a comprehensive range of PADI courses. For those starting their journey, they provide Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, and Open Water Upgrade options, as well as the Open Water Referral for those continuing their training elsewhere.

The curriculum extends into advanced and professional levels, including PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster. Specialty training is also available, covering areas such as PADI Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox, Drift Diver, and Sidemount Diver.

For those interested in specific skills, the centre offers courses in Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigator, and Underwater Videographer & Photographer. They also provide training for DPV Diver, Boat Diver, and Search & Recovery Diver.

The primary vessel is the Beneteau Flyer 9 Spacedeck Premium, a 9.1m day boat powered by twin Suzuki 250HP engines. This boat is capable of carrying 10 divers and is well-equipped for the local conditions, offering a stable platform for both day trips and night dives.

On board, you will find a freshwater shower, toilet, and Bluetooth music system. The boat also provides water and non-alcoholic beverages, with fuel included for all standard itineraries. Most local dive sites are reached within 20 minutes of leaving the marina.

The centre provides full equipment hire, featuring high-quality Scubapro kit. This includes all the essentials required for a dive, from regulators to wetsuits, ensuring that divers arriving with only their personal items are fully catered for.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre is also equipped to handle various training requirements, including the provision of dive insurance on-site if required by Spanish regulations.

The local reefs are home to a diverse array of marine life. You will frequently encounter various species of reef fish, including wrasse, damselfish, and sea bream, alongside larger residents like groupers and moray eels.

Macro life is abundant among the sponges and corals. Divers can look for nudibranchs, octopus, and various species of scorpionfish hiding in the crevices, as well as spiders crabs and spiny lobster tucked into the reef structure.

On the more open reef sites, such as Roqueillos, you can find dense schools of pink Anthias. The rocky areas also host various species of conger eel and large crabs, providing plenty of interest for those with a keen eye for detail.

Diving in this region is influenced by the proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar. While some sites like Pimpollo offer very low currents, others such as Las Bovedas and the SS Menapier can be subject to strong currents.

Sea conditions can vary, with some sites being more exposed to the open ocean than others. Divers should be prepared for a range of environments, from sheltered reef tops to more demanding drift dives on the outer reefs.