Scuba diving in Spiaggia del Riso: Breathe underwater at 5 meters

Breathe underwater without the years of training

Scuba diving in Spiaggia del Riso is a beginner dive in Sardinia's Marine Protected Area where you learn the equipment on land, then spend 30 minutes at 5 meters depth watching fish and sea plants with a guide. No Open Water certification required. The activity runs four hours from the diving center, with theory, a shallow basin practice, and open-water diving from an inflatable boat in the protected zone around Isola dei Cavoli.

The experience

Can you actually breathe underwater? Yes, through the SCBA (air breathing apparatus), you get about an hour of autonomy depending on your air consumption. The day starts with a short theory lesson at the diving center where your guide walks you through the cylinder, regulators and buoyancy jacket, plus the safety concepts you need. Then you move to the delimited basin at Spiaggia del Riso to practice before heading out.

The real dive happens from an inflatable boat in the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara. You descend to a maximum of 5 meters: shallow enough to stay comfortable, deep enough to see what lives there. The zone around Isola dei Cavoli is where the protected areas A and B sit, rich with marine life: grouper, barracuda, damselfish and the sea grass Posidonia Oceanica. Depending on the day's conditions, your guide may take you to the rock of S. Caterina instead. The dive itself lasts 30 minutes.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian and can work with children from age 8 onward. The whole experience runs four hours. You get the SCUBA equipment, snacks and soft drinks included. Soda or pop is on hand between the theory and the water.

What’s included

• Use of SCUBA equipment including cylinder, regulators and buoyancy jacket.
• snacks and soft drinks.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Mar 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 13 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Archeo Diving

Is this one for you?The dive starts at the center with theory and practice in a shallow basin, so you don't need diving experience or a certification to begin. You learn the equipment and safety before the water. If you're staying in Villasimius or nearby without a car, confirm the meeting point and travel to Spiaggia del Riso when you book.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (8 to 13 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I scuba dive if I've never done it before and don't have a certification?

Yes, this dive is specifically designed for people without an Open Water Diver license. Your guide teaches you the equipment and safety on land first, then you practice in the basin before the open-water dive at 5 meters depth.

What fish and sea life will I actually see at Capo Carbonara?

The Marine Protected Area around Isola dei Cavoli holds grouper, barracuda and damselfish, along with Posidonia Oceanica seagrass. The protected zones A and B are where marine life concentrates, though your guide may choose the rock of S. Caterina or Cava Usai if conditions favor it on the day.

How long do I actually spend underwater?

The dive itself lasts 30 minutes at a maximum depth of 5 meters. The full activity is four hours, which includes the theory lesson at the center, practice in the basin, travel to the boat, and the open-water dive.

What's included in the price?

The SCUBA equipment, all fees and taxes, snacks and soft drinks are included. An action camera or instructor video is not.