Learn to scuba on Sicily’s eastern coast with a PADI Open Water Diver course launched from Taormina. Spend three days practicing confined skills and completing open-water dives around Isola Bella in clear Mediterranean water.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The sun warms the stone terraces of Taormina while the sea below pulls the eye — and the first breath underwater is where the place changes. Students meet on a family-friendly boat, sip coffee on the sundeck and then step into the Mediterranean where clear water and rocky coves make for ideal beginner dives. The sea here can be calm and glassy or playful with a gentle current that nudges you along submerged rock gardens.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3 days (approx.)
Fitness Level
Comfortable swimmer with basic cardiovascular fitness; ability to enter/exit boats and perform repeated short swims.
Wildlife
History
Taormina’s coastline has Greek and Roman heritage; volcanic activity from Mount Etna shaped local rock formations visible both above and below water.
Conservation
The area has important Posidonia oceanica meadows; divers should avoid contact with the seabed and follow local guidelines to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the PADI Open Water Diver Course today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Book morning slots
Early launches usually have calmer seas and better visibility for skill practice.
Know your medical status
Complete the PADI medical questionnaire in advance—some heart or respiratory conditions require doctor clearance.
Protect Posidonia meadows
Practice neutral buoyancy and avoid finning near the seabed to prevent damage to seagrass habitats.
Bring a reef-safe sunscreen
Use biodegradable sunscreen and a sun hat for surface intervals on the boat.
Mask, snorkel, fins
Personal fit improves comfort during repeated skills practice and surface time.
summer
Wetsuit (3/2mm or 5mm depending on season)
Thermal protection for cooler spring and autumn water temperatures.
spring
Surface signaling device (SMB/whistle)
Useful for surface support and required by some training agencies for open-water exercises.
Logbook or dive app
Record dives and skills progression for certification and future reference.