freediving in sicily

[JUSTINS]

I'm going to Sicily and was wondering if anyone knew of any free dive clubs on the main island or offshore? I've had a look on the web but couldn't find anything. Any advice from people who've been there would be a great help.
Thanks

 

[subaquaticus]

I'm going to Sicily and was wondering if anyone knew of any free dive clubs on the main island or offshore? I've had a look on the web but couldn't find anything. Any advice from people who've been there would be a great help.
Thanks

I have been to Sicily two years ago close to Cephalu (supposed to be one of the most lovely places...)

I enjoyed Sicily from a cultural point of view but I hated my freediving :

the beach was very flat and I had to swim far away to find some depth... The boats are dangerous

the water was dirty...

there is obviously no policy of the shore as you have in France or in Spain....

I went for a trip to the Eolian islands and hoped to find a nice desert beach with crystal clear water... nothing ! Either the access was public and it was a real garbage can or there was barbed wire to forbid you access to the beaches...

Of course my experience is very local and there might be other places which are nicer...

Sicily is nevertheless a great destination for culture and monuments...

For freediving I feel that you'd better go to Sardegna (as Umberto Pelizzari did !)...

 

[pat fish]

I have been to Lipari 14 years ago... my first "variable ballast dives" as a 17 year old ... down to 15m with a rock in my hands

Lipari is a great volcanic island. of course there is no sand and palms to expect -but beautiful black volcanic rocks and bizarre underwater rock formations.. beautiful. The waters were very clear and I would call the Aeolian Islands ideal for freediving since there are deep spots near the shore. Oh I hope to get back one day for some more freediving...

yours pat

 

[m0ses]

My advice- go to Taormina!

Lovelly city has lot to offer even if you not diving.
Sunset seen from Theatro Grieco- must-to-see. Pasta at the hotel's restaurant where the scene from the Big Blue was shot- must-to-eat

There are at least 2 diving clubs (probably lots more) in the city and they can organise some freediving trips. Unfortunatelly I hadn't had time to check it.

There are 2 nice spots for freediving 5min from centrum. Best way is to get there by cable car. 1st is placed around small bay - Baia della Sirene this is also the national park. During the weekends beach is crowded- but for 3diver its not the problem
The 2nd one is around Isola Bella- rather difficult to reach from the shore. Lots of fishes and vulcanic rocks.

 

[JUSTINS]

Thanks subaquaticus- I reckon we'll head to Ustica and have a look there, maybe sardinia next year.

 

[JUSTINS]

Thanks for the advice Pat I'll see if I can find that rock of yours.

 

[JUSTINS]

Thanks Moses we'd planned a couple of days in Taormina and will have to check out the restaurant as well

 

[subaquaticus]

Thanks Moses we'd planned a couple of days in Taormina and will have to check out the restaurant as well

then you must see or re-see "The Big Blue" ....

I saw it for the second time two days ago ; it mainly takes place in Taormina...