Porto Santo Stefano: Scuba Diving Boat Trip with Lunch

Imagine spending a day cruising along Tuscany’s coast, slipping into the clear waters of the Mediterranean, and discovering a vibrant underwater world—all while enjoying a tasty meal and good company. That’s exactly what this scuba diving boat trip from Porto Santo Stefano promises. This experience is designed for those curious about diving and eager to explore the marine beauty of the Argentario archipelago, with the added comfort of an organized tour.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate: first, the professional guidance ensuring safety and learning for beginners, and second, the opportunity to see diverse underwater landscapes—from volcanic rocks to colorful coral reefs. A potential downside? The activity requires some physical comfort—non-swimmers, those with back problems, or seasick-prone travelers might want to reconsider. This tour suits travelers who enjoy marine environments, aren’t afraid of a little water, and want a manageable introduction to scuba diving without prior certification.

If you’re a traveler who loves discovering new outdoor experiences, enjoys being on the water, and appreciates local natural beauty, this tour offers a balanced mix of education, adventure, and relaxation. It’s perfect for those looking for an active day that’s not too physically demanding but still engaging and memorable.

Key Points

• Learn scuba techniques with a professional instructor in a safe, friendly environment.
• Explore underwater sites like Giglio Island’s white sand seabed, volcanic rocks at Giannutri, or the red corals of Argentario.
• Enjoy a full-day boat trip with plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and take in the coast’s scenic views.
• Relish a delicious onboard lunch, with pasta, fruit, wine, and soft drinks—ideal for fueling your underwater adventures.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for non-swimmers, but not for children under 10.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Stepping aboard the boat from Porto Santo Stefano, you immediately sense you’re in for a well-organized, engaging day. The departure point at Piazzale Candi 7 near the Diving Center Il Nostromo is convenient, and the crew is friendly and professional. This full-day trip lasts about 9 hours, giving plenty of time for both learning and relaxing, with the itinerary adapted to weather conditions on the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Itinerary

The experience begins with a brief safety and equipment briefing lasting around 15 minutes, ensuring that even newcomers feel confident. The focus on safety and proper gear use is reassuring, especially if you’re trying scuba for the first time. After that, you’ll head out with your instructor to a maximum depth of about 5 meters for your first dive.

The choice of dive sites depends on weather and sea conditions but generally includes three main locations: Giglio Island’s white sands and granite rocks, the volcanic landscapes of Giannutri, or the waters off Argentario with their famous red corals. Each destination offers a different underwater scenery: from the marine flora among volcanic rocks to the colorful coral gardens—truly a feast for the eyes.

Diving and Snorkeling Experience

The 20-minute dives are designed to be accessible, even for beginners, with the instructor guiding every step. The underwater scenery is quite striking: Giglio’s seabed of white sand and granite, the volcanic formations at Giannutri, and the coral-rich waters of Argentario. One reviewer praised the experience: “We loved the way the instructor explained everything, making us feel safe and confident. The underwater views were incredible.”

Snorkeling gear is provided, and between dives, you’re encouraged to explore further in the water, adding extra fun without requiring additional equipment or expertise. For those who prefer staying dry, the boat offers plenty of opportunities to relax, take in the scenery, or chat with fellow participants.

The Food and Drink

A highlight of the day is the onboard lunch—a generous meal featuring pasta, fresh fruit, wine, soft drinks, and coffee. Many reviewers mention how satisfying it was after a couple of dives, making the entire experience feel well-rounded. The wine, in particular, is noted as a nice touch, adding a relaxing Italian flavor to your day. The snack served earlier helps keep energy levels high for the underwater activity and exploration.

Practical Details and Value

Transport is by boat, and the tour is wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal. The group size tends to be moderate, fostering a friendly atmosphere but allowing for personalized attention. You’ll want to arrive prepared with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a change of clothes, since you’ll be in and out of the water frequently.

The cost covers scuba gear, instructor guidance, snorkeling kits, lunch, drinks, and boat transportation. When you consider the full-day experience, the variety of sites, and the chance to try scuba without certification, the value seems quite decent—especially for the chance to explore underwater landscapes most travelers miss.

More Great Tours Nearby

What Past Participants Say

Many reviews emphasize the professionalism of the instructors and the quality of the marine environment. One noted, “The underwater scenery was breathtaking; I couldn’t believe such beauty exists so close to land.” Others appreciated the safety measures and the relaxed pace, making it suitable even for first-timers. On the menu, the lunch was described as “simple but delicious,” and many found the combination of diving and sightseeing to be a perfect way to spend a Tuscan day.

This trip is an excellent choice if you’re curious about scuba diving but lack certification or prior experience. It’s perfect for non-swimmers or those uneasy with deep water, thanks to the shallow dives and safety briefings. The experience suits travelers who want to combine marine exploration with a scenic boat ride, enjoying the coast’s natural beauty.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, people with back problems, or those prone to seasickness. If you’re looking for a very physical activity or a full certification course, this tour isn’t the right fit—but for a taste of the underwater world, it hits the mark.

This Porto Santo Stefano scuba boat trip offers an immersive and accessible way to explore the Mediterranean’s marine life in a relaxed setting. It balances education, adventure, and leisure, with the added bonus of a hearty Italian lunch onboard. Whether you’re new to diving or simply want to see beneath the surface of the Tyrrhenian Sea, this experience provides a memorable glimpse into a vibrant underwater landscape.

The professionalism of the instructors and the variety of sites visited make it a good value for those seeking a safe, guided introduction to diving—without the need for prior certification. The scenery, marine life, and good company make it a worthwhile addition to your Tuscan itinerary.

If you love natural beauty, enjoy water-based activities, and are eager to learn, this tour is a great fit. For those seeking a gentle yet engaging adventure with some of the best sea views Tuscany has to offer, it’s a day well spent.

Is diving certification required? No, diving certification is not required. The activity is designed for beginners and non-certified participants.

How long is the total trip? The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel, diving, snorkeling, and meal times.

What should I bring? You should pack a hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, snacks, sunscreen, and water. It’s also wise to bring any personal items you might need.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs? Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the trip.

Can I snorkel if I don’t want to dive? Absolutely. Snorkeling kits are provided, and you can spend your time in the water observing marine life without diving.

What is the maximum depth of the dives? The dives are limited to about 5 meters, making them suitable for beginners.

How many people are on each trip? While the exact group size isn’t specified, the experience encourages a friendly, manageable group environment.

What is the food like? The onboard lunch is a simple, hearty meal with pasta, fruit, wine, and soft drinks—perfect after some underwater activity.

Will I see marine wildlife? While not guaranteed, the various sites—like Giglio, Giannutri, and Argentario—are known for their beautiful underwater scenery and marine flora.

How do I reserve my spot? You can book in advance, and the “Reserve now & pay later” option gives flexibility, with full cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before departure.

This tour balances adventure, learning, and scenic enjoyment, making it a memorable way to spend a day in Tuscany’s coastal waters. Whether you’re a novice or just curious about the underwater world, it’s worth considering for your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: