Introduction
Elba is one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved diving destinations. Its crystal‑clear waters, varied and life‑rich seabeds and easily accessible wrecks and walls make the island ideal for divers of all levels . The island’s diving centres are strategically distributed along the coast so that experts, novices and snorkellers can find a base wherever they stay . In the south, Marina di Campo and Lacona host well‑equipped centres perfect for exploring sites such as Fetovaia, Capo Poro and Punta di Fetovaia, where groupers, barracuda and moray eels swim among colourful gorgonian walls . On the eastern coast, Porto Azzurro and Capoliveri organise excursions to Punta delle Cannelle, Secca di Capo Calvo and the shallow wreck of Pomonte . Even around Portoferraio the waters are prized thanks to the Scoglietto marine reserve, a protected area full of fish, corals and sponges . Many Elban dive centres offer PADI and SSI courses, guided dives, night dives and snorkelling trips with modern equipment and qualified instructors .
The Appeal of Diving on Elba
Elba’s underwater world features dozens of dive sites – from granitic shoals and gorgonian‑covered walls to submerged caves and famous wrecks – ensuring experiences for both beginners and advanced divers . Most sites are reached by boat, but a few can be accessed from shore . Water temperatures range from about 24‑26 °C in summer and stay pleasantly warm into autumn; winter diving is possible with semi‑dry or dry suits. The island lies within the Pelagos whale sanctuary and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, so encounters with large groupers, barracuda schools, lobsters, octopuses and colourful nudibranchs are common . Wreck enthusiasts can explore the Elviscot cargo ship, sunk in 1972 near Pomonte at 12 m, or the remains of a WWII aircraft and deeper cargo ships .
Why Choose Hotel Giardino as Your Base
Hotel Giardino, a family‑run 2‑star property in Lacona, sits in a 30 000 m² private park of pines and Mediterranean shrubs near Lacona beach. Its central location on the south coast means that Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio are only a 10–15‑minute drive away . Guests enjoy comfortable rooms with air conditioning, television, safe and en‑suite bathrooms; a hearty breakfast buffet and home‑cooked meals; shaded parking; free Wi‑Fi; and secure storage for bikes and dive gear . The hotel provides discounted ferry tickets and liaises with local diving centres, including Sottolonda Diving Center just a few hundred metres away, to help arrange courses, equipment and excursions . After a day underwater, visitors can relax in the hotel’s large garden or explore nearby beaches and villages .
Things to See Near the Hotel
Lacona itself offers a wide sandy beach backed by protected dunes and a network of wooden walkways, plus rental services for loungers and SUPs. A nature trail leads through pinewoods and gives excellent views of Lacona bay and Monte Capanne . Nearby coves include Laconella, a small white‑sand cove with crystalline water, and Capo di Stella, an easy circular hike offering 360° panoramas . A little further afield are Capoliveri and Porto Azzurro with their hilltop centres, shops and restaurants, and Portoferraio with its Medici forts and Napoleon’s residence . Trekking and MTB trails on Monte Tambone, Monte Orello and Capo Stella allow guests to combine land activities with diving .
Main Diving Centres on Elba
Elba hosts a remarkable number of professional diving centres. Below is a summary of the most significant ones, arranged by area. Prices are indicative and may vary with season and package; contact each centre for updated quotes. Courses generally follow PADI or SSI standards unless otherwise noted.
Sottolonda Diving Center – Lacona (Capoliveri)
- Location: Inside Camping Lacona, a short walk from Lacona beach.
- Highlights: PADI 5‑Star IDC and Eco‑diving centre with modern facilities including lockers, showers, classrooms, gear storage and free Wi‑Fi . Offers daily guided dives and snorkelling tours in the Gulf of Lacona and along the south coast. Courses range from Discover Scuba to Divemaster, including specialties, TecRec and programmes for divers with disabilities .
- Typical prices: Guided dive ~€50; double dive €90; full equipment rental €30; Discover Scuba €90–100; PADI Open Water course ~€450 .
- Languages & season: Italian and English; open April–October .
Talas Diving Center – Lido di Capoliveri
- Location: 100 m from Lido di Capoliveri beach; base with shaded garden and boat moored nearby .
- Highlights: PADI 5‑Star IDC centre established in 1993. Uses a comfortable boat equipped with Nitrox and lunch service to run two dives in a half day; offers full‑day trips to Pianosa . Courses include all PADI levels and specialties; accommodation is available in on‑site bungalows.
- Typical prices: Single dive ~€45; two dives (half day) €80–90; full‑day Pianosa with two dives and lunch €120 .
- Languages & season: Italian and English; open May–October .
Diving in Elba – Portoferraio, Biodola, Procchio
- Location: Three bases on the north coast: Portoferraio (San Giovanni), Biodola (Hotel Hermitage) and Procchio. From these points more than 30 dive sites around the island can be reached .
- Highlights: Offers both SSI and PADI courses, daily boat dives and full‑day trips to Pianosa and Capraia. Additional services include photo/video assistance and environmental clean‑up events .
- Typical prices: Boat dive ~€50; two dives €90; full equipment rental €30; full‑day trip €130; Open Water course €450 .
- Languages & season: Italian, English, German and French; open late March/early April to late October .
Stefano Sub – Porto Azzurro & Naregno
- Location: Two bases: a large dive boat moored in Porto Azzurro and a land‑based centre on Naregno beach .
- Highlights: Historical centre offering PADI and SNSI courses from beginner to Divemaster, with bilingual instructors and a “slow dive” philosophy. Popular sites include Capo Calvo, Punta delle Cannelle, the Santa Rita wreck and excursions to Pomonte and Scoglietto .
- Typical prices: Single dive €50; five‑dive package €225; equipment rental €25; PADI Open Water course ~€420 .
- Languages & season: Italian and English; open May–October (boat base) .
OmniSub – Barbarossa Beach, Porto Azzurro
- Location: Directly on Barbarossa beach with two dive boats and a fast RIB .
- Highlights: Emphasis on comfort – guests can leave their gear on board and the crew transports equipment. Dives focus on the south‑east coast (Capo Focardo, Capo Calvo, Scoglio della Triglia, Punta dei Ripalti) with weekly trips to Pianosa. The centre also offers courses (PADI/SSI/CMAS), freediving, SUP/canoe rentals and Italian language lessons .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €50; six‑dive package €270; gear rental €25; Open Water SSI course ~€400 .
- Languages & season: German, Italian and English; open May–October .
Biodivers Elba Sea Academy – Reale (Porto Azzurro)
- Location: At Camping Reale on Reale beach near Porto Azzurro .
- Highlights: Run by marine biologists Enrico Tenerini and Marta Laganà, the centre combines diving with marine biology workshops, underwater photography and citizen‑science experiences. Offers customised dives and FIPSAS apnea courses . After‑dive activities include sunset aperitifs at Palmaiola and family‑friendly snorkelling tours .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €50; introductory dive €90; Open Water course ~€420; sunset aperitif snorkelling €25 .
- Languages & season: Italian, English, French and Spanish; open May–October .
Aquanautic Elba – Morcone (Capoliveri)
- Location: On Morcone beach in Capoliveri .
- Highlights: Popular with German and Northern European divers. Offers SSI courses covering scuba, technical and freediving as well as ecology and mermaid programmes. Dive sites include Punta Morcone, the Gemini islets, Capo Stella, Pomonte and Fonza; full‑day trips to Pianosa and Giglio are also organised . Facilities include showers, rinsing area, secure storage and snack bar; Nitrox 32 % and technical mixes (Trimix) are available .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €50 (with gear €65); full‑day trip €130; SSI Open Water course €399; guided freediving €30; six‑dive package €270 .
- Languages & season: German, Italian and English; open May–October .
Elba Diving Center – Marciana Marina
- Location: On the seafront of Marciana Marina .
- Highlights: One of Elba’s oldest dive centres (1994) and affiliated with SSI. Offers courses from entry level to extended range, as well as weekly “blue week” packages including accommodation and dives. Sites include Secca di Sant’Andrea, Scoglio della Paolina and Secca di Punta della Madonna; full‑day trips to Capraia and Pianosa are also available .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €45; ten‑dive package €400; full‑day trip €130; SSI Open Water course €420 .
- Languages & season: Italian, English (occasional French/German); open April–October .
Spiro Sub – Marina di Campo
- Location: At Camping La Foce in Marina di Campo .
- Highlights: Historic PADI dive centre founded in 1974, now equipped with a 12 m boat “Marianna” for daily dives and trips to Pianosa. Offers the Elba Dive Card (ten‑dive pass usable across partner centres) and specialties like wreck and cave diving (e.g. the Elviscot and Grotta Azzurra) . A babysitting service allows divers with children to enjoy dives .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €50; ten‑dive card €400; PADI Open Water course ~€430; Discover Scuba €90; babysitting service ~€30 .
- Languages & season: Italian and English (some German/French); open May–October .
Sub Now – Marina di Campo
- Location: At La Foce near “Ville degli Ulivi” .
- Highlights: SSI Blue Oceans centre emphasising “slow diving”. Runs daily boat trips to sites on the south‑west coast such as Formiche della Zanca, Grotta di Mare and Sant’Andrea; also offers “Fly & Dive” experiences combining tandem skydiving with a dive. Engages in eco‑friendly initiatives and prohibits single‑use plastics; hosts educational camps for schools .
- Typical prices: Guided dive €50; five‑dive package €225; SSI Open Water course €390; Fly & Dive experience ~€300 .
- Languages & season: Italian, English and German; open April–October .
Bolle d’Azoto – Cavo (Rio Marina)
- Location: On the waterfront of Cavo (Via Alcide De Gasperi 16) in the north‑east corner of Elba .
- Highlights: A young yet established centre known for its tailor‑made diving experiences. The team, with two decades of experience, arranges personalised dives for each client and is strategically placed to explore the eastern sites such as Secca di Santa Lucia, Capo Vita, Capo Nescio and the Serrone rock . Instructors are qualified for advanced open‑circuit and rebreather dives, allowing technical dives with advanced Nitrox or Trimix to depths beyond 40 m (e.g. Secca del Semaforo at 55 m). Recreational divers can enjoy easier multilevel sites like Secca Cinnamon (10–45 m) and Franata del Frate (3–30 m) . Groups are kept small and flexible: divers with different certifications can do separate profiles simultaneously and meet at the safety stop . The centre also offers all‑inclusive packages with partnered accommodation, sunset aperitif trips to Palmaiola, and SUP/canoe activities for non‑divers . An eco‑friendly ethic forbids collecting souvenirs or fishing and encourages participation in conservation projects .
- Typical prices: Guided recreational dive €50; technical dive (over 40 m) €80; night dive €60; Advanced Open Water course ~€350; full‑day with two dives and sunset aperitif €120 .
- Languages & season: Italian, English and French; open April–November (closed December–March except for organised groups) .
Comparison Table of Diving Centres
| Diving centre | Location/area | Open season | Example prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sottolonda | Lacona (Gulf of Lacona) | Apr–Oct | Dive €50; two dives €90; Open Water ~€450 |
| Talas | Lido di Capoliveri | May–Oct | Dive €45; two dives €80–90; full‑day €120 |
| Diving in Elba | Portoferraio/Biodola/Procchio | Mar/Apr–Oct | Dive €50; two dives €90; full‑day €130 |
| Stefano Sub | Porto Azzurro & Naregno | May–Oct | Dive €50; 5 dives €225; Open Water ~€420 |
| OmniSub | Barbarossa beach (Porto Azzurro) | May–Oct | Dive €50; 6 dives €270; Open Water ~€400 |
| Biodivers Sea Academy | Reale (Porto Azzurro) | May–Oct | Dive €50; Intro €90; Open Water ~€420 |
| Aquanautic Elba | Morcone (Capoliveri) | May–Oct | Dive €50 (gear included €65); full‑day €130 |
| Elba Diving | Marciana Marina | Apr–Oct | Dive €45; 10 dives €400; full‑day €130 |
| Spiro Sub | Marina di Campo | May–Oct | Dive €50; 10‑dive card €400; Open Water ~€430 |
| Sub Now | Marina di Campo | Apr–Oct | Dive €50; 5 dives €225; Open Water €390 |
| Bolle d’Azoto | Cavo (Rio Marina) | Apr–Nov | Dive €50; technical dive €80; full‑day with aperitif €120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to dive on Elba? The main diving season runs from May to October, when sea conditions are favourable and most centres operate daily. Water temperatures range from ~19 °C in May to 24–26 °C in August. June and September are often considered ideal due to warm water and fewer divers, while October still offers 21–22 °C water and active marine life . Diving is possible year‑round: in winter (November–April) the water drops to 14–15 °C and centres operate only on request, but the low‑season calm offers encounters with less disturbed fish .
What certifications can I earn on Elba? Almost all recreational scuba certifications are available on the island. Most centres offer courses from beginner “Discover Scuba” programmes to Open Water, Advanced, Rescue Diver and Divemaster, following PADI or SSI standards . Some centres also provide CMAS/NAUI courses on request and speciality courses such as deep, night, wreck, underwater photography and enriched air (Nitrox) . Technical courses including Decompression Procedures, Extended Range and Trimix are offered by centres like Bolle d’Azoto and Aquanautic Elba for experienced divers . Children from 8 years can try Bubble Maker or Scuba Ranger experiences, and from 10 years they can earn Junior Open Water certifications .
Where are the most interesting wrecks? The Elviscot at Pomonte is the island’s most famous wreck – a 60 m cargo ship sunk in 1972 at a depth of just 12 m and accessible even by snorkellers . Other wrecks include a WWII fighter plane off Capo Focardo (16 m depth) , the German Junker 52 transport plane near Portoferraio (33 m) and the Santa Rita cargo ship at Capo Stella (48–50 m), which requires decompression and is for advanced divers .
Do I need a medical certificate? Italian law requires a medical certificate for non‑competitive diving activities. Most centres will ask you to provide a certificate of fitness for diving, valid for 12 months, along with your certification card and logbook . For “try dives” a certificate is often not mandatory but you will need to complete a health questionnaire; if you answer “yes” to any condition, a doctor’s approval is required .
What safety and environmental rules should I follow? Use a diving flag or surface marker and follow local regulations on boat traffic. Spearfishing with scuba gear is strictly prohibited and nothing should be removed from the seabed . Respect the Posidonia seagrass meadows by maintaining neutral buoyancy and never feeding fish. Always dive within your certification limits, make safety stops, and inform someone ashore of your dive plan if you go without a guide . Wear a full suit to avoid jellyfish stings and be mindful of protected areas like Scoglietto (Portoferraio) and Pianosa, which require diving through authorised centres .
Practical advice for first‑time divers on Elba: Choose a reliable centre (PADI 5‑Star or SSI Dive Center) with good reviews ; pace your dives and mix them with surface activities ; bring your own mask and, if you have one, a dive computer; rent other equipment locally and wear a 5 mm wetsuit in summer or thicker in spring/autumn ; don’t forget your certification card and medical certificate ; allow 18–24 hours between your last dive and flying ; book ferries in advance and ask centres for discounted tickets ; never dive alone and respect air management guidelines . A smile and curiosity will help you enjoy the local stories and legends shared by Elban guides .
Conclusion
Elba offers an extraordinary underwater world with dozens of dive sites, warm clear waters and professional centres distributed across the island. Whether you prefer shallow wrecks, colourful walls or deep technical dives, there is a centre suited to your level and interests. Hotel Giardino’s central location and partnership with local diving operators make it an excellent base for exploring these wonders. By respecting safety and environmental guidelines and choosing a reputable centre, you can discover Elba’s hidden marine treasures and create unforgettable memories.