Welcome to DWS Diving Centre

PADI 5 Star IDC - Instructor Training Centre

DWS is also the only BSAC Resort Dive Center in mainland Italy.

DWS Diving are very pleased to announce that we can now offer Freediving courses and experiences through our cooperation with FREEDIVE PORTOFINO (Please link to new tab).

DWS is located in the beautiful, historic town of Santa Margherita on the Ligurian coast, 3 km from Portofino, 30 minutes from Genoa, 90 minutes from Pisa and 2 hours from Milan and Nice.

DWS Diving Centre is a few steps from the port where our boats are moored and close to the hotels and restaurants that offer all our clients and their guests discounts.

DWS have a licence to dive with you in the protected Cape of Portofino Marine Park - there are 20 dive sites within 10/15 min navigation from the port where our boats are moored with great diving suitable for divers of all abilities.

The Marine Park is is home to a dazzling array of marine life some of which are not found elsewhere in the Mediterranean.

Expect to see vibrant red corals, moon fish, moray eels, large schools of barracuda, tuna, dentix, scorpion fish, groupers, violet and pink nudibranches and the most famous dive in the whole Mediterranean – the statue ‘Il Christo Degli Abissi’ submerged in memory of scuba diving pioneer Dario Gonzatti.This dive has now become a symbol to memorise all those who explore and love the ocean is a must for all divers to visit at least once. You will be uplifted by the sheer beauty of this unique marine park which is studied by biologists and enjoyed by divers from all over the world. Everyone at DWS promotes responsible diving and respect for the environment.

Luca Smecca who is a fluent English speaker and is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor heads up DWS and he and the rest of the crew look forward to diving with you. Established for over 15 years with a team who have between them more than 40 years of experience in the diving world and 10,000 dives in the marine park, DWS prides itself on its personal service, professionalism and warm, friendly atmosphere. Our philosophy is to share our passion for diving with you and always remember that you are on holiday and we want you to have fun with us and return often! Your safety, comfort and enjoyment is our priority. Our boats and Cressi equipment are constantly updated and well maintained.

We have 3 very comfortable 9m boats for 12 divers, so for large groups we can take out 36 divers together per exit. Nitrox is available for all certified divers. DWS can cater for everyone from individuals, couples, groups of friends, dive clubs and schools.

We have a brand new 200m2 diving centre with 6 warm showers, 80 private lockers, large wet area for cleaning equipment, a classroom, hairdryers, soft drinks and free wifi. All equipment is moved to and from with our APECAR.

The best time for diving here is from May through to the end of October – water temperatures range from 18 – 25 C. The Ligurian coast has a temperate, mild climate all year round with temperatures in the region of 20 C in May & October and 25 – 27C from June to end of September.

We look forward to diving with you soon.