Nautico Dive Academy

Canary Islands, Spain

The team at Nautico Dive Academy are the kind of people you want to dive with. Situated right on the seafront in Arguineguín, they’ve got that laid-back, family-run feel we always look for, but with a serious professional edge. We’ve found they really excel at getting new divers comfortable, especially with PADI certifications. What makes them special? We love that they’re not just shuffling you through courses. They take the time, making sure you actually *get* it, rather than just ticking boxes. Our favourite thing is their direct access to the ocean; no long boat rides to start your day. You can practically roll out of bed and into the water. We’d suggest hitting an early morning dive with them; the light through the water around the volcanic reefs is spectacular, and you often see cuttlefish more actively hunting before the day heats up. They know the local sites intimately – you’re not just seeing the main attractions, but the quiet corners where the resident angel sharks like to hide. Plus, a post-dive barraquito (coffee with condensed milk and liqueur) in the village is always a good idea.