In Summary 

The clear, azure waters that surround the Mediterranean island of Sardinia remain unspoiled and the area is becoming increasing popular with divers. The waters off the Cala Gonone coast offer a choice of caves, corals, crustaceans, shallow sand banks and wrecks.  With annual water temperatures ranging from 12 to 25^oC, it is possible to dive all year round in Sardinia and the variety of diving offers an array of fabulous dives that will inspire beginners and challenge and excite more seasoned divers.  Whether it’s the famous German armed cargo ship, the KT12, you’re looking for or natural swim-throughs and tunnels to explore along the exquisite antique coral banks, Cala Gonone has something for everyone's preference and ability.

Having enjoyed the views from below sea level, grab yourself a cocktail as the sun goes down over one of Sardinia's most stunning coast lines.  In fact, treat yourself and indulge in some well-priced local cuisine - everything from classic Italian pizzas to freshly caught seafood!

The accommodation

Located right on the Cala Gonone Marina in the beautiful Gulf of Orosei, this well respected 3-star hotel boasts fantastic rooms with panoramic views of bold mountains and Mediterranean bays, unparalleled anywhere on the island. Originally designed by Mario Spanu, this fully renovated hotel has a lovely restaurant with an extensive menu and generous terraces overlooking the harbour. The 16 rooms are air conditioned, have balconies with sea views and modern comforts that include hairdryer, TV, stereo, telephone, minibar, safety deposit and free wi-fi in public areas.  There’s also a bar and snack bar, bicycle rental and an on-site ATM.

From your doorstep, you can hire a motor boat, visit the night market or stroll down the beach in front of the town.  Our dive school is a ten minute walk away and you have the option to stroll your own way or we’ll come and pick you up and drop you home each day.

Other accommodation options available that include self-catering and modern private cabin-style lodgings
Please ask us for more information

Weather & Temperature

Sardinian climate is subtropical with long, dry summers and mild, damp winters with snow in the higher regions.  Average temperatures lie between 14° C and 20° C, and rise in summer months, particularly in coastal regions to approximately 30° C, with highs of over 40° C on the plateau and inland. Winter averages around 8° C and can reach zero in the mountains. Spring and autumn temperatures lie between 13° C and 16° C.

Dive sites

Cala Gonone has a good variety of guided dives and for every level of diver there’s an abundance of wrecks, caves and caverns to explore.  Just to wet your appetite, we've listed some of our favourites here ...

		Wreck of KT12 An armoured German cargo ship which sank in 1943, the Wreck of KT12 rests on the sandy sea-bottom at a depth of between 23 and 34m.  In sailing trim and well preserved, it’s considered by many to be one of the finest wrecks in the Mediterranean.
		The Basalts Canyon of basalt rock with wide accessible clefts and hollows with deposits of very white sand and bright green sea grass at 14m. This colourful dive is animated by invertebrates and sometimes shoals of barracuda and anchovies can be seen weaving their way through the sea grass.
		OSALLA BANK Running along a long bank of coated basalt rocks at the top of a dense seagrass area, this dive is rich with passages, dens, burrows and ravines. Particularly interesting due to its typical pre-coral and coral environment.
		The Owl's Eyes Typical Mediterranean environment characterised by large rocks on a seabed at 17m, alternated with seagrass, sand and coral. In July, shoals of barracuda are a common addition.
		Nasello Wreck Italian steam merchant ship cannoned by the English submarine "Safari" and sunk in front of Cala Luna in 1943. Resting on the sandy sea-bottom, at a depth of between 30 and 34m, the wreck is intact except for the mid-section.
		THE TUNNEL At 9m, there is a submerged tunnel with light on both sides. Beneath a wall can be found the entrance to a cave which ends with rooms of stalactites with a fossil beach at 10m.
		Oyster Cave Very pretty dive site, owing to the rare presence of live oysters and fossils. There are lots of prawns and mussels too and submerged columns and stalactites can be seen at the top of the cave.
		The Porticciolo At 12 to 20m, there lies a degrading seabed  of sandstone broken up into large strange shaped and cracked blocks where shoals of sea ravens and solitary groupers can be seen.
		Brooklin Bridge From an inlet in the sandstone which is very cracked and rich with bentonic organisms, appears a south-facing wall at 24m where a mass of cyclopean rocks creates a passage of ravines and dens with beautiful light effects.
		Acituan Cave From the deepest rocks at about 22m and along a wall, the cave entrances are located. The four entry points create a beautiful play of light, with two of them separated by a pretty bridge of rock.
		The Organ Cave Cave which leads to a room with a large organ-pipe concretion. Inside, shoals of elegant sea ravens and apogon are often seen amongst a pretty play of colours and light effects.
		The Levantino The wreck of a merchant ship which sank in the 1950's during a storm from which it tried to shelter in a "fjord", The Levantino now lies between 12 and 15m from sea level. It is great fun trying to recognise the various mechanical parts which are now home to a large quantity of sea flora and fauna.