Diving in Sardinia

[bob1577]

Just wondering does anybody have any information on cave diving in Sardinia off the cost of Italy. We are planning a trip there end of August. We talked to people at protec but they want $180 a day for 2 dives. we think this is quite expensive on top of the rental etc.

Just wondering is it possible to just rent tanks and dive ourselves. Where exactly are the caves, is it just boat diving or what. I dont have any info on the types of caves etc. We are all full cave trained with extended range and trimix and some are cave instructors.

Any info be much appreciated. like accomodation, car rental areas to stay etc.

thanks BOB

[mag3]

Just wondering does anybody have any information on cave diving in Sardinia off the cost of Italy. We are planning a trip there end of August. We talked to people at protec but they want $180 a day for 2 dives. we think this is quite expensive on top of the rental etc.

Just wondering is it possible to just rent tanks and dive ourselves. Where exactly are the caves, is it just boat diving or what. I dont have any info on the types of caves etc. We are all full cave trained with extended range and trimix and some are cave instructors.

Any info be much appreciated. like accomodation, car rental areas to stay etc.

thanks BOB

I believe Pro-Tec has a presence in Sardinia. You can ask a couple of people on here, namely "Paco" who has done some videos in Sardinia.

[bent]

We talked to people at protec but they want $180 a day for 2 dives. we think this is quite expensive on top of the rental etc.

I haven't been but looked into it before. I guess they only have a couple of people on the boat when they go out to the caves most of the time and therefore need to ask for more money.
In total it's probably cheaper to go to Florida or Mexico for diving, that's what I would do. You might be able to get a better price when showing up with a bunch of people though.

[nakatomi]

I haven't been but looked into it before. I guess they only have a couple of people on the boat when they go out to the caves most of the time and therefore need to ask for more money.
In total it's probably cheaper to go to Florida or Mexico for diving, that's what I would do. You might be able to get a better price when showing up with a bunch of people though.

Sadly I have to agree. These prices, especially considering additional costs for rentals and gas, are a turn-off for me as well.
Judging from the distance of other dive centers to the caves, that's another no-go even though land access is possible for some caves.

[bob1577]

Been to Mexico last jan for 10 Days and Florida is like my second home. As i teach for Dayoscuba now and then. It just seems very expensive for 6 days diving. A was holiday would be over €1500 for that I could go to Mexico and Florida for a month lol.

Was hoping to plan and do my own dives, what about renting a boat and doing our own dives. Can you get a map of the caves and where hey are etc.

[Nitrogenius]

Was hoping to plan and do my own dives, what about renting a boat and doing our own dives. Can you get a map of the caves and where hey are etc.

Well you certainly can rent a boat there..
You even get up to 40 HP (if I remember well) in Italy without a licence.
But those Rentals.. Hmm I don't know the Caves are quite a ride out from Cala Gonone.. Especially the really really nice ones like Euphoria, Del Fico etc..
I had been thinking about it, but unless you are a Group where you'd get 2 boats (in case of emergency) I would not feel safe enough in those nutshells.. You will stay by the shore, but there are very limited places where you can exit to civilisation (steep cliffs)
Then you will need to find the entrances..
I think I would remember roughly, but still would think it'll be quite a search (lost time) and if you have not been there.. honestly I do not see much Chance to find them. There is no markers or anything on the sea..
Rental Equipment: If you are on SM you probably would not get a Problem getting tanks from one of the local recreational dive Shops..
Scoring Doubles might be a challenge (I doubt somewhat that Toddy will rent you These if you are not diving with him)
Maps? Same Thing.. Only with Toddy (Protec) and I don't think he will give you those, but you can always ask..


After all: Yes diving there is not cheap, but the Caves are great (I did all my Training up to Full Cave there). There is no difference between guided and unguided diving. So if you are looking for unguided diving, yes it is sort of expensive..
Looking at it from the angle of guided diving (which essentially is already included in the Price, but you do not have to take it), the Price is ok IMHO.. Also you have the Option to do one Long dive, then the overall Price for guided diving is really not that high!


I also think that his Price list is a bit confusing in regards to tanks and fills..
The fills (air) are included in the rental Prices..
Most Caves are shallow, so deco gases should not Play much of a role..
So essentially you are looking at:
2 Dives (Long and nice dives as I know): 120 EUR + 30 EUR for 2 sets of doubles including fill = 150 EUR (not much different from Mexico)
1 Stage dive = 100 EUR + 30 Eur for tanks and fill = 130 EUR (even a bit cheaper than Mex)


Lastly I would like to mention: If you Need Training .. This is the place to go.. You get to see the nice Caves. Usually you do 2 dives a day and thus the Training in OC is only 30 EUR more per day (150 EUR instead of 120 + your tanks and fills) !


So it all depends on the Point of view

[Nitrogenius]

PS: I haven't been back since Training, but the issue for me was more that at the times when I could have planned a trip to Sardinia, Toddy had no space on the boats rather than the Price..

[bent]

I'd just asked them for a group deal without guide. Most shops would probably do that, if they have the capacity to do so. If you manage to organize an "independent" trip, I would really like to hear about that.

There is no difference between guided and unguided diving. So if you are looking for unguided diving, yes it is sort of expensive..
Looking at it from the angle of guided diving (which essentially is already included in the Price, but you do not have to take it), the Price is ok IMHO.. Also you have the Option to do one Long dive, then the overall Price for guided diving is really not that high!

So, I guess if you're diving with one of their guides, you would have to go "Toddy-Style". I doubt that you can find many people that would want to do that, unless they are disciples of Toddy that is.

[nakatomi]

So, I guess if you're diving with one of their guides, you would have to go "Toddy-Style". I doubt that you can find many people that would want to do that, unless they are disciples of Toddy that is.

You're talking about the special sidemount configuration with the two reg short hoses, the back plates (two or three even?) and the sandwiched wing, plus the funky "toddy-snap" metal to metal regulator boltsnap connection?
If so, I doubt that this would be required. You can show up in any rig you like, even for the classes, as long as you can perform in it.

[Nitrogenius]

If so, I doubt that this would be required. You can show up in any rig you like, even for the classes, as long as you can perform in it.

No it definatle ywould not be required. It is as Oliver says as Long as you can perform in it all is good. Toddy and his Team are actually very relaxed in regards to configuration. They give a lot of tips, but one can always choose to ignore them. During a class you might get the one or other entanglement (in OW Training) due to this or that specific advise you Chose not to take, but that's it.. Maybe after that you Change it anyways or not..
About the configuration of guests. It is completely up to yourself as long as you are not posing a sever threat whith wathever it is you want to use..
The Training there was recommended by some other cave divers so I went there. It was also definately not cheap, but afterwards definately worth it. (in between I had been very frustrated here and there).
Then I had no comparison. In the meanwhile I do have comparison and for that reason I say it is even more worth it.
As for Toddy Style SM.. sure it is controversial.. But so is Fl Style SM .. And Razor II vs. Stealth II etc. etc.. etc..
BTW the sidemount SF 2 was tested lenghthly by Toddy and a lot of modifications suggested by him went into it, where I had no other divers complain about such changes yet..