Scuba Diving in La Maddalena & Lavezzi Park for certified divers.

La Maddalena and Lavezzi offer some of Sardinia’s finest underwater scenery, from clear water and rocky formations to encounters with grouper, moray eels, barracuda, and octopus. Pollo Diving keeps the boat group to 10 people, which gives you more room on the 7.5-meter RIB and makes the morning feel less crowded.

I like the small-group format and the practical safety approach. Instructors assess your ability at the start, then keep an eye on you throughout the trip. I also like the range of staff, including Stefano, Jessie, Thomas, Davide, and Ignacio, along with the light snacks and bottled water waiting after you return.

The main drawback is that scuba equipment costs extra, and the basic fin setup may not include boots. Facilities at the beach base are simple, with no regular toilet or shower listed, though a water barrel may be available for rinsing if you ask.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 10 participants: The 7.5-meter RIB has a 200-horsepower engine and limits numbers for more space.
• Several possible underwater areas: The trip may visit La Maddalena, Lavezzi, or sites along the Sardinian coast.
• PADI-certified supervision: Staff assess your skills and provide assistance during the outing.
• Equipment is not included: You can hire what you need, but add that cost to the advertised price.
• Marine life is a major attraction: Grouper, moray eels, barracuda, and octopus have all been seen in the area.
• Simple beach-base facilities: There is parking, a bar, and space to relax after the boat returns.

A morning among La Maddalena and Lavezzi’s underwater sites

This trip is designed for certified scuba participants, not for a casual first-time swim. You meet at Pollo Diving ASD on Via Angolo Azzurro in Porto Pollo at 8 a.m., complete the practical arrangements, and head out by RIB toward the day’s selected site.

The exact route is not fixed in the information provided. That is useful in a way, since conditions and local planning can shape the day. Your instructor may choose a location around the La Maddalena archipelago, near Lavezzi, or along the Sardinian coast.

The outing lasts roughly three to five hours. That window includes the boat ride, preparation, time in the water, and the return to the same base. It is long enough to make the boat trip worthwhile without taking over your entire day.

You should not expect a rigid sightseeing circuit with a set list of stops. This is a more practical underwater outing, where the staff select suitable sites and keep an eye on safety and conditions. If you want a very specific wreck or reef, ask the center before booking rather than assuming it will be part of your morning.

Why the small RIB matters

The boat is a 7.5-meter inflatable craft powered by a 200-horsepower engine. That setup is built for moving around the archipelago efficiently, rather than offering a slow, leisurely cruise with extensive sightseeing commentary.

The operator limits the group to 10 people. I consider that one of the strongest features of the trip. A full boat can make equipment handling awkward, especially when you are carrying tanks and preparing to enter the water. Ten people still creates a group atmosphere, but leaves more personal space than a large charter.

The smaller group also gives the instructors a better chance to notice how you are managing. One participant described being assessed during the first outing, which helped establish confidence in the staff’s safety standards. That matters most if you have not been underwater recently or if you are visiting a new type of site.

The tradeoff is that a RIB has less room than a larger boat. There is no suggestion of a cabin, indoor seating, or extensive onboard facilities. If you are prone to seasickness, plan carefully. One person had a difficult time with motion sickness, though the issue was not blamed on the operator.

What you may see below the surface

The waters around northern Sardinia are known here for marine life as much as for clear visibility. Specific sightings include grouper, moray eels, barracuda, and octopus. The exact animals you see will depend on the site, season, visibility, and normal marine conditions.

The underwater scenery is described as one of the strongest reasons to book. Sites around Lavezzi and Perduto have been particularly memorable, and the wreck Angelicka is another named location associated with the area’s trips. These locations are not promised for every outing, so treat them as possible highlights rather than guaranteed stops.

If you enjoy photography, bring appropriate equipment if you have it. The clear water and active marine life can create good opportunities for pictures, but the operator does not list a photography package or camera rental.

August can be a busy time on the water. One past participant found that the number of boats in the area affected the setting, although the day still included plenty of time below the surface. If you want a quieter feel, ask about current conditions and boat traffic before choosing your date.

The staff and the safety approach

Pollo Diving is operated by PADI-certified instructors. Staff names connected with the center include Stefano, Jessie, Thomas, Davide, Ignacio, and Manu. Jessie received special praise for making an advanced course feel easier and more enjoyable, while Stefano has supervised family sessions and handled introductory participants with calm attention.

The trip is not presented as a hands-off boat transfer. Staff assess your skills and continue monitoring you during the outing. That approach is especially helpful if you are certified but have not used your skills for some time.

The staff also work with a range of ability levels through the wider center, including advanced training and first-time sessions. This particular booking is for certified participants, so do not assume that a beginner can simply join this trip. If you need a first session or a course, contact the center about a different product.

The emphasis on safety does not mean the trip is formal or stiff. Past outings have been described as relaxed, friendly, and professionally run. The staff are multilingual and international, which can make communication easier for mixed-language groups.

Equipment: budget for the extra cost

The advertised $120.02 price covers the main excursion, bottled water, and snacks. It does not include scuba equipment. You can hire the equipment through the operator, but the rental amount is not provided, so ask for the current price before committing.

That distinction changes the value calculation. If you already have a full personal setup, the listed rate is easier to assess. If you need a complete rental package, your final cost will be higher.

Equipment feedback has been generally positive, with one account describing the gear as current and well maintained. Another noted that the fins were basic and did not include boots. This is not necessarily a serious problem, but it is a useful detail if you prefer boot-style fins or have sensitive feet.

Ask what is included in the rental package, especially fins, boots, exposure protection, tanks, and weights. Those details are not specified in the supplied information. Confirming them in advance avoids a surprise at the beach base.

The beach base in Porto Pollo

Pollo Diving operates from a beach location with ample parking and a bar. That gives you somewhere to wait before the 8 a.m. departure and a place to unwind when the boat returns.

The base is better suited to practical preparation than to a polished resort experience. There is no regular toilet or shower listed at the facilities. A water barrel may be available for a rinse if you ask, but water use is limited to conserve Sardinia’s supply.

That means you should arrive prepared. Bring a towel, dry clothes, sun protection, and anything you need after a morning on the water. The bar and beach make it possible to relax with family after the excursion, even if only one person in your group is taking part.

Snacks and bottled water are included after the trip. They are simple provisions, not a full meal, so eat breakfast before arriving. Since the tour finishes back at the meeting point, you can leave your day open for lunch or another activity in the area.

Is $120.02 a fair price?

At $120.02 per person, the trip offers a focused half-day boat outing with professional supervision and access to several well-regarded underwater areas. For a certified participant who already owns equipment, that can be a reasonable price for a small-group trip in a popular part of Sardinia.

The price is less straightforward if you need to rent everything. Equipment is an extra expense, and the amount is not stated. Before booking, ask for the full cost so you can compare it with other local options on equal terms.

Value also depends on what you want from the boat. You are paying for access to sites around La Maddalena, Lavezzi, and the nearby coast, not for a long cruise with elaborate onboard comforts. The limit of 10 participants improves the experience, while the basic facilities keep it fairly no-frills.

The included snacks and water are welcome but do not drive the value. The real benefit is the combination of the boat, the location, and the staff’s attention to safety. If those matter more to you than showers, onboard comfort, or included gear, the price makes better sense.

Who should book this trip?

This outing suits certified participants who want a compact morning on Sardinia’s northern coast. You will likely appreciate it most if you enjoy natural sites, want a small group, and prefer instructors who stay involved rather than simply transporting you to the water.

It is also a good fit for people traveling with a mixed group. The center has a beach base, parking, and a bar, so family members who are not joining the boat can relax nearby once you return.

I would be more cautious if you need extensive facilities, dislike small fast boats, or want all equipment included in the headline cost. It may also be a poor match if you are looking for a guaranteed visit to one named wreck or reef.

The trip requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If conditions are poor or the minimum is not reached, the operator offers another date, another activity, or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Pollo Diving ASD, Via Angolo Azzurro 12, 07020 Porto Pollo SS, Italy. The activity starts at 8 a.m. and ends at the same location after approximately three to five hours.

Confirmation is normally issued when you book. If you reserve within 13 hours of departure, confirmation arrives as soon as possible, subject to availability.

Bring proof of your certification if requested, and ask about equipment rental before the morning of the trip. You should also tell the center about any recent gap in your underwater experience, since the staff assess ability at the start.

Because the route depends on conditions and local planning, keep an open mind about the exact site. The strongest parts of this excursion are the access to the archipelago, the small group, the marine life, and the personal attention from the instructors.

Should you book Pollo Diving?

Book it if you are certified, want a small-group trip, and care more about good sites and attentive staff than about luxury facilities. The combination of La Maddalena and Lavezzi access, a 10-person limit, and PADI-certified supervision gives this outing a strong practical appeal.

I would skip it only if you need a toilet and shower at the base, want equipment included, or require a guaranteed named site. Ask about rental prices and the planned area first. If those answers suit you, this is a sensible way to spend a Sardinian morning beneath the surface.

FAQ

Is this trip suitable for beginners?

No. This activity is for certified scuba participants. The center also offers beginner sessions and courses, but those are separate activities.

Where does the trip start?

It starts at Pollo Diving ASD, Via Angolo Azzurro 12, 07020 Porto Pollo SS, Italy.

What time does the activity begin?

The scheduled start time is 8 a.m.

How long does the excursion last?

The outing lasts approximately three to five hours.

Where does the activity finish?

It ends back at the same meeting point in Porto Pollo.

Which areas can the boat visit?

Possible areas include the La Maddalena archipelago, Lavezzi, and sites along the Sardinian coast.

Is scuba equipment included?

No. Equipment hire is available at an additional cost.

What is included in the price?

Bottled water and snacks are included.

How many people can join the boat?

The operator limits the group to 10 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a new date, another activity, or a full refund.