Acquasport

Portofino & Liguria, Italy

Acquasport has a serious legacy in Italian diving, and you feel it the moment you step into their Portofino shop. Emilio Rota, the founder, was PADI’s first instructor in Italy, and that pioneering spirit still runs through the team. They’re PADI 5 Star CDC, which means their training is top-tier, whether you’re just starting out or looking to go pro. We love their focus on skill and safety – these folks aren’t cutting corners. Dive Liguria with Acquasport and you’re plugging into real local knowledge. The dives here are a mix of history and nature. Think Roman amphorae scattered amongst red gorgonian fans, or schools of damselfish flitting around WWII wrecks. Our favourite is the Christ of the Abyss, not just for the iconic statue itself, but for the way the light filters down through the water onto it on a clear afternoon. It’s shallower, around 15 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to really soak it in. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the boat traffic and get that glassy calm surface. Current can pick up a bit around the headlands, especially later in the day, but Acquasport’s guides know how to read the water and position the boat for the best drift. It’s a proper Italian dive experience, full of passion and good humour, and you’ll leave feeling like part of the family.