Where to Find the Best Diving Centres on Elba

Introduction

The island of Elba is one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved scuba‑diving destinations. Crystal‑clear waters, varied sea floors teeming with life and spectacular walls and wrecks make it perfect for divers of all levels . Diving centres are spread along the entire coast and offer everything from introductory courses to guided dives for the most experienced underwater explorers . This guide – compiled by the staff of Hotel Giardino – will help you choose the right diving centre by presenting the most renowned operators and the most scenic dive sites on the island .

The allure of diving on Elba

Elba’s underwater world is incredibly diverse: granite shoals, vertical walls covered in gorgonians, submerged caves and famous wrecks . Many sites are reached by boat, but a few can be explored from shore. Local centres organise PADI and SSI courses, night dives, snorkelling trips and excursions year‑round, guaranteeing safety and professionalism .

Hotel Giardino in Lacona: an ideal base for divers

Hotel Giardino is a two‑star, family‑run hotel located in the Lacona district of Capoliveri. Set in a 30 000 m² private park and just 100 m from the golden sands of Lacona beach, it offers a relaxing base after days spent underwater . The atmosphere is informal and welcoming; rooms have modern comforts (private bathroom, satellite TV, safe, air‑conditioning) and overlook the park . The kitchen serves homemade breakfasts and traditional dishes, and guests enjoy free Wi‑Fi, a secure bike/gear store, shaded parking and discounted ferry tickets . Several diving centres, such as Sottolonda, operate on Lacona beach itself, while the harbours of Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio are only 10‑15 minutes by car . This allows divers to explore a different side of the island each day without changing base.

What to see near the hotel

The Lacona area also offers plenty to see when you are not in the water:

Lacona beach and dunes – one of Elba’s most beautiful beaches, ideal for families. A protected dune area hosts rare plants; boardwalks and a nature trail help visitors respect the ecosystem .
Laconella – a smaller cove west of Lacona reached by a short footpath, with white sand and crystal‑clear water .
Capo di Stella – a headland that can be circled on a one‑hour hiking loop. The route through Mediterranean scrub leads to panoramic viewpoints over both the Lacona and Stella gulfs .
Capoliveri – a hilltop mining village around 15 minutes away, full of cobbled streets, craft shops and viewpoints. Nearby sights include the Spanish Forte Focardo and the Madonna delle Grazie sanctuary .
Porto Azzurro – an 11 km drive; enjoy an evening stroll along the waterfront, browse market stalls in the square and take a boat trip to the emerald‑green Terranera beach .
Portoferraio – the island’s main town lies about 15 minutes away; visit the Medici fortresses (Forte Stella and Forte Falcone), Napoleon’s Villa dei Mulini and the historic harbour .
Trails for trekking and MTB – numerous paths start from Lacona, including the ascent to Monte Tambone, offering spectacular coastal views .

The best diving centres on Elba

Elba boasts a network of qualified diving centres covering all sides of the island; most offer PADI and SSI courses for every level, guided dives to the best sites and equipment rental . Below is a selection of the most reputable centres, chosen for their professionalism, strategic positions and positive reviews.

Sottolonda Diving Center (Lacona, Capoliveri)

Location: Inside Camping Lacona, 100 m from Lacona beach .
Facilities: PADI 5 Star IDC and Eco‑Diving Centre; hot showers, lockers, secure gear room, classroom, free Wi‑Fi and on‑site air and Nitrox filling .
Courses: Full range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba to Divemaster and instructor training; specialities include night, wreck, Nitrox and technical diving .
Typical prices: Single dive ~€50; two dives ~€90; full equipment rental ~€30 per outing; Discover Scuba ~€90–100; Open Water course ~€450 .
Languages: Italian and English .
Season: April–October; daily dives in high season .
Other services: Guided snorkelling tours; Nitrox refills; free parking nearby .

Talas Diving Center (Lido di Capoliveri)

Location: Lido di Capoliveri, 100 m from the sandy Lido beach .
Facilities: PADI 5 Star centre with a large boat offering double dives and on‑board lunch; Nitrox filling on board; equipment storage on the boat; garden and relaxation area .
Courses: All PADI courses from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, including deep, wreck, night, Nitrox and other specialities .
Typical prices: Single guided dive €45; double dive (half‑day) €80–90; full‑day to Pianosa (two dives + lunch) ~€120; Open Water course €450–500 .
Languages: Italian and English .
Season: May–October; open daily in July and August .
Other services: On‑board Nitrox, equipment storage, accommodation packages in adjacent bungalows and free parking .

Diving in Elba (Portoferraio, Biodola & Procchio)

Location: Bases at San Giovanni (Portoferraio), Biodola (Hotel Hermitage) and Procchio .
Facilities: One of the island’s largest centres; three bases with boats, compressors and rental gear .
Courses: SSI and PADI courses for adults and children, from entry level to Divemaster and instructor; specialities such as Nitrox, wreck, deep and navigation .
Typical prices: Boat dive €50; package of two dives €90; equipment rental €30 per dive; Open Water course ~€450; full‑day at Pianosa ~€130 .
Languages: Italian, English, German and French .
Season: Late March/early April to late October .
Other services: Over 30 dive sites; full‑day trips to Pianosa and Capraia; free transfer from nearby accommodation; photo/video service .

Stefano Sub Diving Center (Porto Azzurro & Naregno, Capoliveri)

Location: Dive boat moored in Porto Azzurro and land base on Naregno beach .
Facilities: Combination of floating base (“Capo Horn” dive boat) and shore base with classroom and compressor; small, homogenous groups and detailed briefings .
Courses: PADI 5 Star and SNSI courses from beginners to Divemaster; specialities and technical courses on request .
Typical prices: Boat dive €50; five‑dive package €225; equipment rental €25 per dive; Open Water course ~€420 .
Languages: Italian and English .
Season: April–October .
Other services: Dive boat with on‑board tank filling; accommodation, restaurant and ferry discounts; free equipment transport between bases .

OmniSub Diving Center (Spiaggia di Barbarossa, Porto Azzurro)

Location: Barbarossa beach, 2 km from Porto Azzurro .
Facilities: Two dive boats plus a fast RIB; on‑board compressors; gear transport and storage included; emergency kits on board .
Courses: PADI, SSI and CMAS courses (including freediving) for all levels; children’s programmes .
Typical prices: Guided dive €50; six‑dive package €270; full equipment rental €25; Open Water SSI course ~€400; medical certificate required .
Languages: German, Italian and English .
Season: May–October .
Other services: SUP, kayak and boat rentals; snorkelling excursions and evening barbecues; sunset aperitifs and family‑friendly activities .

Biodivers Elba Sea Academy (Camping Reale, Porto Azzurro)

Location: Inside Camping Reale, near Reale beach (3 km from Porto Azzurro) .
Facilities: “Sea Academy” that offers workshops in marine biology, underwater photography and citizen‑science projects . Classroom, gear, air/Nitrox refills and tailored diving groups are available .
Courses: PADI and FIPSAS/Freediving courses, including marine biology workshops and scientific dives .
Typical prices: Guided dive €50; Discover Scuba €90; Open Water course ~€420; sunset “aperi‑sub” (snorkel & aperitif) €25 .
Languages: Italian, English and French .
Season: May–October, with off‑season activities by reservation .
Other services: Tailor‑made dive groups; Nitrox refills; activities for non‑divers (snorkelling, SUP, kayaking); accommodation partnerships; sunset aperitif after dives .

Aquanautic Elba (Morcone, Capoliveri)

Location: Morcone bay, south‑eastern coast (Via Morcone 33) .
Facilities: SSI centre offering scuba and technical courses plus freediving programmes, ecology workshops and “mermaiding” . Shorefront position allows quick access to sites; equipment storage, showers, rinsing area and relaxed snack bar .
Courses: SSI courses from Scuba Diver up to Dive Control Specialist; specialities (deep, Nitrox, night, navigation); freediving courses and ecology/mermaid programmes .
Typical prices: Guided dive €50 (with equipment €65); full‑day at Pianosa ~€130; SSI Open Water €399; guided freedive €30; six‑dive package €270 .
Languages: German, Italian and English .
Season: May–late October; advance booking required in August .
Other services: Daily scuba and night dives; freediving sessions; Nitrox/technical mix refills; secure gear storage; private snorkel tours for families .

Elba Diving Center (Marciana Marina)

Location: Viale Aldo Moro 42, Marciana Marina, on the north‑west coast .
Facilities: SSI centre with multiple boats, modern equipment, rinsing/storage areas, hot showers and Nitrox compressors .
Courses: SSI entry‑level to Extended Range technical courses; speciality courses (deep, Nitrox, wreck, photography) and freediving; PADI certifications on request .
Typical prices: Guided dive €45; 10‑dive “Elba Dive Card” ~€400; full‑day to Capraia (two dives + lunch) €130; SSI Open Water €420; gear rental €30 per dive .
Languages: Italian, English; French and German subject to instructor availability .
Season: April–October .
Other services: Package deals combining accommodation and dives; boats to Elba, Pianosa and Capraia; Nitrox refills; equipment storage and transfers .

Spiro Sub Diving Center (Marina di Campo)

Location: Via La Foce, Marina di Campo (near Camping La Foce), 150 m from the beach .
Facilities: Historic PADI centre founded in 1974; 12 m dive boat “Marianna” departing from Marina di Campo harbour, equipped with deck space and sun deck .
Courses: PADI courses from beginner to Divemaster; Nitrox and speciality courses (wrecks, deep, hover, etc.); children’s programmes (Bubble Maker, Junior Open Water) .
Typical prices: Guided dive €50; 10‑dive Elba Dive Card €400; Open Water course ~€430; Discover Scuba €90; babysitting service ~€30 .
Languages: Italian, German and English .
Season: May–October; Pianosa trips June–September .
Other services: Boat with toilets and sun deck; gear transport; equipment rental and refills; Elba Dive Card valid at multiple centres; babysitting service for children; accommodation deals .

Sub Now Diving Center (Marina di Campo)

Location: La Foce, Marina di Campo (adjacent to camping “Ville degli Ulivi”) .
Facilities: SSI Blue Oceans Centre with quiet atmosphere; small groups and slow‑diving philosophy; boat departures daily .
Courses: SSI courses (Open Water, Advanced, Stress & Rescue, Dive Guide); PADI courses on request; specialities (deep, navigation, night); marine‑ecology programmes and junior courses .
Typical prices: Guided dive €50; five‑dive package €225; Open Water course €390; Fly‑&‑Dive tandem skydive + dive ~€300; full gear rental €25 .
Languages: Italian and English; German guides available by arrangement .
Season: April–October .
Other services: Boat with gear rental and refills; ferry discounts; programmes for schools and youth camps; environmental initiatives and blue‑eco certification .

Bolle d’Azoto Diving Center (Cavo, Rio Marina)

Location: Via Alcide De Gasperi 16, Cavo (north‑east Elba) .
Facilities: Modern centre run by experienced instructors; specialises in personalised experiences; supports both open‑circuit and rebreather diving .
Courses: PADI and SSI courses up to Advanced; technical courses (decompression, Trimix) with qualified instructors; freediving workshops (AIDAS) .
Typical prices: Recreational dive €50; technical dive €80; night dive €60; Advanced Open Water course ~€350; full‑day with two dives and aperitif €120 .
Languages: Italian, English and French .
Season: April–November .
Other services: Tech and recreational dives with Nitrox and Trimix; small groups (max 4 per guide); gear rental (including scooters); packages with accommodation and ferry; dawn dives and sunset aperitifs .

Note: Prices and opening periods are approximate and may vary by season; contact the centres directly for up‑to‑date information .

Frequently asked questions about diving on Elba

When is the best time to dive on Elba?

The main diving season runs from May to October. The water warms from about 19 °C in May to 24–26 °C in August; June and September offer warm water with fewer divers . October can still provide pleasant dives with water around 21–22 °C . It is possible to dive all year if conditions are calm, but winter requires semi‑dry or dry suits and dives are by appointment only .

Which certifications can you obtain on Elba?

Almost all recreational diving certifications are available. Centres offer everything from Discover Scuba to Advanced and Rescue Diver, and many run Divemaster programmes . Both PADI and SSI courses are widely available, and some centres offer CMAS or FIPSAS certifications. Technical courses (decompression, Extended Range, Trimix) are available at centres like Bolle d’Azoto and Aquanautic Elba for experienced divers . Children from age 8 can try Bubble Maker or Scuba Ranger programmes, and juniors (10+) can earn Junior Open Water certificates .

Where are the most interesting wrecks?

Elviscot wreck, Pomonte (west coast) – a 60 m cargo ship sunk in 1972 next to the Ogliera rock. Lying at just 12 m, it is perfect for beginners and even snorkellers; the intact bridge, engine room and holds teem with fish .
WWII fighter plane, Capo Focardo – parts of a fighter plane rest at 16 m off Capo Focardo. The radial engine and wing remain visible, offering a fascinating dive into WWII history .
Cargo wreck, Capo Stella (Santa Rita) – a small cargo ship lying at about 50 m south of Capoliveri; suitable only for technical divers due to the depth .

Elba has other deeper wrecks and reliefs for technical divers. Contact the centres for details .

Conclusion

Elba is a paradise for divers: its coasts host a rich network of diving centres offering courses and excursions suited to every level. Staying at Hotel Giardino in Lacona provides a central, relaxed base with easy access to all sides of the island and nearby diving centres . Whether you are a seasoned diver seeking technical adventures or a beginner curious to explore the underwater world, the island’s clear waters, colourful reefs and fascinating wrecks promise unforgettable experiences.