Emerald Coast

The north-eastern shores of Sardinia are known as the Emerald Coast. Blessed with secluded coves and beaches, a beautiful coastline, a pleasant climate and an azure blue sea, this exceptional region bears hallmarks of the Caribbean. It is also the ideal base to explore the best diving in Sardinia.  

DIVING IN SARDINIA 

Just off the north-eastern coast of Sardinia is the La Maddalena archipelago. This collection of 60 island jewels offers wonderful scuba diving amongst huge granite boulders featuring drop-offs, overhangs and swim-throughs. To the north towards Corsica, the Lavezzo marine reserve provides more exceptional diving.  

The area is rich in marine life, with opportunities to encounter moray eel, stonefish, barracuda, grouper, octopus, lobster and nudibranch. 

Wreck lovers will enjoy the wreck of the Angelika, a 102-metre cargo ship resting in 28 metres of water, while the remnants of a World War II bomber is another highlight to enjoy. 

In total, there are 40 dive sites to explore suitable for beginner and experienced divers alike. All dive sites are within 10 and 50-minutes boat journey. Water temperatures are between 19 and 25°C in summer and autumn, dropping to 15°C in early spring.  

PALAU

A charming small town and harbour, Palau Sardinia is the location of our partner dive centre. The town is characterised by narrow, well cared for streets adorned with plants and flowers, delightful restaurants, and friendly locals. Surrounding the town, picturesque olive groves provide a distinctly Mediterranean backdrop. 

Three beaches are within walking distance, while the area’s most famous landmark is the Capo D’Orso; a huge rock that has acted as a reference point for seafarers since antiquity. 

Located in the centre of the small town of Palau on the north coast, Nautilus Diving are Sardinia’s only PADI 5-star Gold Palm dive centre and also an accredited BSAC dive resort. 

Daily boat diving is offered to the 40 or so dive sites of this region from the dive centres two boats, a custom-built dive boat with dive platform and a smaller Zodiac. Departing at 8am each day, two morning dives are offered, with an option for a third dive in the afternoon.  

For those looking to learn to dive or further their education, a full range of diving courses are available from Open Water courses to PADI Tec diver training. 

The Nautilus diving team pride themselves on truly five-star service, catering for divers every need and ensuring you enjoy a truly relaxing diving holiday. 

Nitrox is available for certified divers, and the dive centre is well set up for eager underwater photographers. Both 12 and 15 litre tanks are available, along with a full range of well-maintained Aqua Lung and Seacsub diving equipment for hire. 

DIVE PACKS

We offer a 6 dive package from £275 and a 10 dive package from £365 which is available to pre-book for certified divers. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs. 

PADI courses can also be pre-booked for those learning to dive or furthering their education. 

Extras in resort

Prices listed below are an indication and subject to change.

• Afternoon boat dives 
• Nitrox: €6 / tank 
• Equipment hire: €25 per day for a full set. Individual items also available.  

GETTING AROUND

Palau is a 45 minute transfer from Olbia, which will be arranged for you with your holiday. The town itself can be explored on foot, with three beaches within walking distance of the dive centre and accommodation. To explore the wider region, car rental is recommended. Boat trips to explore the beaches and islands of the archipelago are also recommended for non-diving days. 

CLIMATE AND WATER TEMPERATURE

Sardinia is blessed with a wonderful climate and is known for its ‘six-month summer’. Land temperatures between May and October – the best months for diving – range from 23 to 30°C, often with over 10 hours of sunshine a day. Water temperatures in this period range from 19 to 25°C but can be slightly cooler below 12-15 metres. 

WATER VISIBILITY

This region is blessed with consistently favourable visibility, often reaching 30 metres and sometimes as much as 40 metres. Spring months, while having cooler temperatures, often bring the best visibility. 

TIME

GMT +1 hour 

CURRENCY

€ - Euros.  Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.  Credit cards widely accepted.  ATMs are widely available. 

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Direct flights are available from both London Gatwick and Manchester to Olbia in northern Sardinia. 

Flight duration: UK to Sardinia: 2 - 2½ hours 

Departure tax: N/A 

PASSPORTS & VISAS

For UK citizens your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay; you don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this. Visas are not required for UK citizens. 

VACCINATIONS 

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Sardinia, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio for anyone. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic. 

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider. 

La Vecchia Fonte Hotel