The Diving Center

THE DIVING CENTER ARGONAUTA operates on the east coast of Sardinia at Cala Gonone, an enchanting, unspoilt coastal village which provides a perfect base from which to explore the scenic treasures around. Cala Gonone looks out onto the Gulf of Orosei, a Marine oasis inside the Gennargentu National Park, known world-wide for its limestone cliffs which stretch for 40 kilometres, furrowed by deep gorges and codule (dried-out riverbeds). Cala Gonone is famous for the endless array of caves, tunnels and mysterious enclosures found near the surface of the sea. Many of these cavities have an above-ground portion that continues underwater.

ACTIVITIES OFFERED : Argonauta, the Padi Gold Palm Resort 5 star S-9538, organizes: · daytime and night-time snorkeling excursions (with wet-suit, fins, masks and snorkel); · the Discover Scuba Diving program for beginners; · Padi Diving courses from Level One to the Dive Master Certificate; · specialty courses such as Underwater Naturalist, Fish Identification, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night Diver, Wreck Diver, Cavern; · diving for licensed divers, guaranteeing a guide for every 4-5 divers.

TRIPS OUT TO SEA : Our trained staff organize single immersions, multiple immersions (2 immersions in one morning), afternoon immersions, night and also long-distance excursions which include 2 special immersions in the same morning, going to the south of the beautiful Golf .

IMMERSIONS : There are 30 dive spots to choose from including cliff faces, shallows (sand banks), antique fossil beaches now underwater, caves and two wrecks from the Second World War - the famous German armed cargo ship KT 12, and the Italian merchant ship Nasello.

BOATS : We sail in the "Mizar", a 13 m yacht fitted with two Perkins engines, 3 cabins, a diving operations area at the stern and an ample prow for relaxation and post-immersion. In addition, we have a 6.70 m rubber boat with a 135 Hp engine, enabling a total of 20 divers each excursion.

EQUIPMENT : A super-silenced Bauer compressor of the Verticus series, plus 50 single 12 and 10 lt. air tanks with fittings (DIN and int), underwater torches, as well as 25 complete sets of equipment (wet suits, buoyancy jackets, regulators, masks and fins).

SERVICES : A classroom for lessons with computers, diving video and slide projector; a small library focusing on marine biology; a wide area for rinsing off the equipment and baskets for storage, showers and bathrooms.

ON-SHORE EXCURSIONS : We also offer canyoning trips: descents down spectacular canyons, for those who love great excitement and want to enjoy the unforgettable scenery of the Supramonte. LANGUAGES SPOKEN : Italian, English, French, Spanish and German.

HOW TO REACH CALA GONONE : Olbia/Costa Smeralda is the closest airport; Olbia and Golfo Aranci are the nearest harbours. From Olbia transfers are possible by local bus service, direction to Dorgali and afterwards to Cala Gonone. By car from Olbia take the road 131 Carlo Felice 4 lines direction to Nuoro, than take the direction to Dorgali until Cala Gonone.

ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation in Cala Gonone is available in holiday homes, farm stays (agritourism), a 4-star camp site, a club resort or in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels. Phone for a recommendation.

OPEN PERIOD : from April to October.