Scuba, Guinness, and Irish Craic in Ireland!
Private Group Experience
Scuba diving in the Aran Islands offers a combination of natural beauty, marine biodiversity, underwater geological wonders, and cultural experiences that make it a captivating destination for divers seeking a unique and memorable underwater adventure. Here are some reasons why you might consider scuba diving in the Aran Islands:
Pristine Dive Sites
The Aran Islands are known for their clear waters and unspoiled dive sites, offering good visibility and the chance to explore a diverse range of marine environments, including reefs, walls, and caves.
Abundant Marine Life
The waters around the Aran Islands teem with marine life, including many types of fish, grey seals, lobsters, crayfish, catsharks (dogfish) and a variety of invertebrates.
Geological Wonders
The underwater topography of the Aran Islands is fascinating, with underwater caves and dramatic rock formations that make for a visually captivating dive. The islands' geological features, including drop-offs and canyons, add to the allure.
Varied Dive Sites
Whether you're a novice or an experienced diver, the Aran Islands have dive sites suitable for all skill levels. From shallow, sheltered bays to deeper, more challenging locations, there's something for everyone.
Authentic Island Experience
Diving in the Aran Islands allows you to experience the unique culture and way of life on these remote and charming islands. The local hospitality and picturesque landscapes above the water are just as compelling as the underwater adventures.
Personalised Experiences
Here at Dive Academy we offer personalized and private diving experiences, ensuring that you can enjoy the underwater world with your friends or family in an intimate setting.
Environmental Conservation
The Aran Islands are dedicated to preserving their natural resources and marine ecosystems, making them an ideal destination for responsible and eco-conscious divers.
The Weather
The weather can be funny in Ireland but The Aran Islands, located off the west coast of Ireland, typically experience more sunny days than the Ireland mainland due to their more westerly position in the North Atlantic.
This geographical location makes them less susceptible to the cloud cover and rain that often affects the mainland, resulting in a slightly sunnier climate.
If the weather isn't great, we always have an option to travel on the boat to the other side of the Island to find a sheltered location for diving.
How to get here
To Inishmore, you can come from Connemara (45 min. travel on the ferry), Doolin (45 min. travel time) or by plane. To learn more click here.
We will collect you from the Ferry terminal which is only 2 min. walking distance from the dive centre. After check-in and tour around you’ll receive a box for your dive gear and your space to get changed.
Dive Centre
Dive Academy is a two-floor building and includes downstairs: a rental gear area, a filling station, an office, and a photography maintenance station.
Upstairs: changing room, toilets, servicing room, compressor room, staff room, equipment storage area and a mini cantin.
Group Rates
At Dive Academy we offer a special Group Rate for dive groups from dive clubs, businesses, family reunions, and organisations.
The price always includes an experienced guide, weights, tank + air, boat, and full access to our dive centre.
Rental dive gear is available at the dive centre for you at extra cost.
Please note, that a minimum number of 5 divers is required to get a group rate and this rate doesn't apply to Wormhole Diving.
Where to stay
The Aran Islands Camping and Glamping site on Inishmore is pleased to welcome guests from Ireland and abroad who want to experience this unique part of Ireland over a few days. Glamping is located 10 minutes away from Dive Academy and Ferry Terminal is just half away.
To fully experience diving here and a unique lifestyle on the Island we highly recommend staying overnight!
If you're coming for a one-day trip, there is still a chance to do one afternoon dive.
Our Boat
Our boat is a 6.5m RIB equipped with a ladder for divers, twin Yamaha engines 85HP each, emergency oxygen, a VHF radio, paddles and a first aid kit.
We can accommodate a maximum of 5 divers plus our guide (6 divers altogether).
Air Tanks
At Dive Academy, we specialize in providing high-quality scuba tank filling services. We have the expertise and equipment to fill them safely and efficiently. Our compressor systems ensure that all tanks are filled with clean, dry, and breathable air, meeting all industry standards.
We use 12L (230Bar) steel cylinders short or tall and you can pick which you prefer. Our cylinders are single-valve DIN or Yoke.
If you bring your cylinder we can fill them up to 300 Bar as well.
We don't provide nitrox, trimix or any other gases other than breathing air.
Rental Gear
We provide a range of scuba diving equipment for rent ensuring divers have access to the best quality dive gear. Our rental gear incl. wetsuits 7 mm, gloves, boots, mask, snorkel, fins, BCD, regulator set, SMBs, and compass.
Most of our rental gear is from Scubapro and is one year old.
Dive Sites
Our most popular dive site "Puffing Holes" combines diving along the vertical wall, overhangs, caves, massive boulders and an unbelievable amount of an enemies full of colours covering the walls.
We provide two boat trips daily (an extra third dive trip is possible).
For example, you can bring a group of 5 divers and you can dive twice a day.
If you are happy to dive once a day we can accommodate up to 15 divers during one day. Simply, split them up into three groups (5 for each group) and go for one dive "Group 1" at 9:00, "Group 2" at 12:30 and "Group 3" at 15:00.
Rest of the day you can explore Inishmore or chill in the pub.
Example Itinerary
- DIVES & PREPARATION
Boat departs twice a day at 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from the pier at the front of the dive centre. Gear preparation, dive briefing, tea or coffee are always in the dive centre before we go.
If you're going to dive twice a day your gear will stay on the boat between dives so we don’t have to carry out heavy equipment. Just replace the air tank for the second dive and go.
- LUNCH
Lunch break is between diving at 11-11:45. You can prepare simple food in our mini cantin or pop into the local shop which is located 2 minutes away from the Dive Academy.
- AFTER DIVES
After the second dive, we will be back at the pier around 2.30 p.m.
The dive centre is open up to 6 pm so you can stay with us until then, share memories from your dives and adventures, and buy souvenirs in our dive shop drinking tea or coffee at the same time.
- AFTER CLOSING HOURS
Beyond diving, Inishmore itself is a beautiful island with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local Irish culture, explore ancient archaeological sites such as Dún Aonghasa and enjoy the rugged natural beauty of the island.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Don't miss the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable diving adventure in the captivating Aran Islands. Visit our dive trip page to learn more about our daily dive trips, browse our available packages, and book your spot today.
Dive Academy is your trusted partner in creating extraordinary underwater experiences in the Aran Islands, on the west cost of Ireland.
