Orso Diving Club

Who they are

The Orso Diving Club is a diving centre based at Poltu Quatu, a small natural harbour between Baja Sardinia and Porto Cervo, on the Costa Smeralda. It has worked since 1987. From its quay, the island of Caprera is about two miles away, and its boats also reach the marine parks of La Maddalena, of the Lavezzi islands, on the other side of the Strait of Bonifacio, and of Tavolara.

What it organises

Boat snorkelling for those who do not dive: four half-day outings, in the morning or afternoon, towards Caprera, the Monaci lighthouse or out to sea to see dolphins, from €55 to €80 per adult and half price for under-8s, with mask, snorkel, fins and shorty wetsuit included.

Scuba dives for certified divers, at nearby sites such as Caprera or the Monaci island and, with a supplement, in the Strait of Bonifacio. One dive costs €80; from the second the price per dive drops, to €40 from the fifteenth. There are no prepaid vouchers: you pay for the ones you do. It includes cylinder, weights, one guide for every five or six divers, water, a snack and equipment storage. Among the wrecks in the area they cite the Nautilus, a Messerschmitt 323 and the Clan Ogilvie.

SSI courses for children from 8, beginners from 10, advanced and technical, and freediving courses.

How they work

Outings depend on the weather and on a minimum number of participants. You book online from the website or by phone. For those staying between Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia there is a transfer from the hotel for €10. They hire full equipment for €30 a day. According to the centre, the water is 18–19 °C in May and 24–26 °C in August.