H2o

Located in the Port Marina de Palamós, H2O Diving Center serves as a gateway to the diverse underwater topography of the Costa Brava. The centre is positioned just 100 kilometres from Barcelona and 30 minutes from Girona, making it a convenient base for divers exploring the Mediterranean coast.

The centre operates with a strong emphasis on marine biology and environmental awareness. As the official diving centre for the Philippe Cousteau Foundation 'Unión de los Océanos', the team integrates scientific understanding into their approach to the sea, focusing on both exploration and conservation.

The centre is directed by Mario Bofill Doutres, a professional diver and SSI instructor with a degree in biology. This scientific background informs the centre's approach to diving, particularly regarding the local marine ecosystems.

H2O is an SSI affiliated centre, providing a structured pathway for divers from their first breaths underwater through to professional-level certifications. The team is committed to environmental education, organising activities such as port clean-ups to foster respect for the marine environment.

H2O offers a comprehensive range of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with introductory dives or work towards their Open Water Diver certification.

For those looking to progress, the centre provides various SSI specialties and Advanced Open Water Diver training. They also cater to professional ambitions, offering full Professional courses for those aiming to join the industry.

For offshore excursions, the centre operates the MANSABA, a sturdy aluminium boat with a capacity for 30 people. The vessel allows for easy access to the deeper reefs and wrecks of the region.

Shore dives are also a core part of the operation, particularly from Cala del Morro del Vedell. The centre ensures that all necessary kit is available at the beach, removing the need to carry heavy cylinders or navigate long distances on foot.

The shore-based facilities at the Port Marina de Palamós are designed for efficiency and diver comfort. You will find changing rooms equipped with showers, a dedicated area for desalinating and drying kit, and a classroom for theoretical instruction.

A technical service area is available on-site to handle equipment maintenance and servicing. The centre's location within the marina also provides easy access to parking for those travelling by car.

The rocky walls and canyons of the Costa Brava are defined by their rich gorgonian forests. You will find various Sea fan (Gorgoniidae) species alongside vibrant red and yellow gorgonians clinging to the vertical faces.

In the seagrass meadows and sandy patches, the macro life is abundant. Divers can encounter many species of octopuses, Moray eel (Muraenidae), and various sea slugs, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani). Spiny lobster (Palinuridae) and Lobster (Homaridae) are also frequently spotted among the crevices.

The larger pelagic and reef fish include Great barracuda, groupers (Epinephelus), and various species of seabream and sargues. In the deeper sections, you may encounter large schools of mojarras and castañuelas.

Seasonality plays a role in what you might see; during the winter months, anglerfish and Saint-Pierre fish become more common, while squid are frequently observed during night dives.

The area offers a variety of diving profiles, from shallow coves for beginners to deep offshore mountains. While many sites are accessible to all levels, the deeper walls and canyons often require more experience.

Night diving is a regular part of the local programme, particularly in the coves, where the nocturnal activity of species like squid can be observed.