FAQ

You need an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent. The Sidemount Experience requires nothing more. Neither does the full course — it’s designed for those starting from scratch in sidemount.

No. Sidemount grew out of exploring caverns and siphons, but today it’s used at every level. Many recreational divers adopt it for the comfort, the freedom of movement and the safety of redundancy.

Sidemount is often the answer for those who can no longer carry a twinset. Cylinders at the sides remove the weight from your back. You’ll of course need a medical certificate of fitness to dive.

For the Sidemount Experience and the course, the sidemount kit is included. You’ll need your own basic personal gear (wetsuit, mask, fins, computer). If you’re missing something, we can find a solution.

The Sidemount Experience lasts 1 day. The Sidemount Diver course takes 3–4 days. The advanced courses (Cavern, Intro to Tech) range from 3 to 5 days.

The Portofino Marine Reserve offers diving conditions from April to November. The best months are May to October. A drysuit can extend the season.

The base is in Rapallo, reachable by train (Rapallo station, on the Genoa–La Spezia line) or by car (Rapallo motorway exit). It’s about 40 minutes from Genoa.

Yes. Sidemount Experience + Sidemount Diver course, or Sidemount Diver + Intro to Tech. Let’s talk and build the path that suits you.