Visit Date: May 2013

I arrived at Lipari via a Windsurf Cruise ship for 8 hrs.

The dive shop was easily visible from the boat tender and only 1 block away. I had arranged dives ahead of time and they were expecting me. I don't speak Italian and they only spoke limited English but they were expecting me.

I want to note that during the dives, I had no problem understanding his dive signals. Once the manager arrived, she spoke English well enough to explain the dives. We geared up and wheeled our tanks down to the RIB then off we went for an approx 10 minute boat ride. The dive instructor had me clip my BC to the boat and roll off. Normally, I like putting on my BC in the water but I had never done it with a 7 ml suit on so it was a bit of a challenge along with the fact I wasn't sure of the weight needed in saltwater. Once he helped me get everything settled, we were under. First dive was to 90 ft with viz around 60 ft. Water temp was 58-63F but with a 7 ml I was very comfortable. There wasn't an abundance of marine life but plenty of jellies and a few moray eels. The sea bottom wasn't so pretty but what was really cool and made the dive was he pointed out several broken pieces of pottery which I assumed were ancient.

The second dive wasn't too far from the first so it was similar. Upon arriving back at the shop after the second dive, they hung my gear up and watched my things so I could be a tourist for awhile. Upon leaving I was going to buy a dive shirt but they were out and she said she would send me one to the States when they arrived free of charge. That impressed me immensely. What the dive site lacked, they made up for in customer service and friendliness. I would definitely recommend this shop.

Visit Date: September 2010

La Gorgonia is located in the beautiful island/town of Lipari, the biggest of the Aeolian islands, out of the NE corner of Sicily. The diving centre is easy to find. Along the Marina Corta, halfway up towards the church.

Pino and Max, the two Dive Masters, are very helpful, friendly and safety concious. It is great to dive with people who feel so passionate about what they do and their location. They will take plenty of time to brief you and help you if you need to. Their style is far from rushed which makes the diving even more enjoyable.

The equipment is OK. Obviously used but nothing broke. They have a couple of rubber dinghies which are ideal for their locations, about 20 minutes away from the Marina.

The locations are nice, clear water, plenty of sea life and they have everything, from platforms to walls. Have a look at their site as it is very informative (http://www.lagorgoniadiving.it/index.html).

Highly recommended!