AMP, Portofino, Italy
Covo di Nord Est Built by a Genoese nobleman in 1934 on the cobalt blue sea of Tigullio, Covo di Nord Est is located in one of the most beautiful and exclusive areas of Santa Margherita Ligure Portofino. Nestled into a lush cliff, Covo di Nord Est is a fairy-tale castle beside the sea and also home to Il Grande Blu Scuba and Water Sports Centre. Along with an incredible setting above the water, scuba enthusiasts will find some of the best diving in Europe. Il Grande Blu is only minutes away from more than twenty dive sites found in the Portofino Marine Park, which boasts the highest biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea.
Portofino Marine Park A protected Marine Park, Portofino is renowned for offering the best diving in Italy for all levels of experience; reefs, walls and shipwrecks are surrounded by big snappers, damselfish, sea bass, sea bream and moray eels. In certain locations you will find lobster, tuna, sun fish, octopus, coral fans and rare black coral branches. Due to the abundance of marine life, it s not uncommon to see both whales and dolphins in the park. Another favourite site in Portofino Marine Park is Christ of the Abyss, the original of the famous sculpture which can be found in the small bay of San Fruttuoso. There are many wrecks, allowing for a multitude of diverse dives for all levels of experience. As either a recreational or technical diver, you will have an abundance of choice in Portofino Marine Park.
Il Grande Blu Amenities Guests at Il Grande Blu have access to: Gear storage area Gear washing area Nitrox or trimix gas refills Tank store with single or twin sets, steel or aluminum Private car parking area Boat mooring and private jetty Change rooms with hot showers Sun terrace and private beach with sun loungers
Training at Il Grande Blu Il Grande Blu Staff are exceptional trainers who are qualified to teach all levels of PADI, IANTD and AIDA courses. The classroom is equipped with air conditioning, a flat screen tv and wifi. Courses are taught in confined water and open water dives are completed in the Mediterranean Sea. There is ample opportunity to practice both shore dives and boat dives. Students also have access to an underwater playground to practice buoyancy control and emergency procedures. Wrecks in the area also provide an ideal training ground for tech students.
OCEANREEF INTERNATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE As the first International Training Centre for Ocean Reef in Europe, Il Grande Blu is at the forefront of dive technology. Staff are equipped with Neptune Space integrated masks and underwater communication systems. Divers can try the mask and take courses with qualified instructors. The full face mask allows divers to breathe naturally it s fun, easy and safe for divers who are learning.
Il Grande Blu Boats With access to two boats including the spacious La Belafonte, divers are able to access all of Portofino Marine Park in minutes. In spring and summer Il Grande Blu runs up to five charters every day to dive sites in Portofino Marine Park and all nearby wrecks. Access is by a private dock with a jetty for direct boarding and La Belafonte is equipped with a galley, large sundeck, head and ample storage for gear. The large deck is perfect for technical diving and full day trips.
Extra Activities Apnea (freediving) Discover Scuba Diving - underwater safari Biology lessons in the classroom (virtual diving) Biology lessons in the water with underwater communication systems Snorkelling Wake boarding Water skiing Jet skiing Reserved swimming line Sailing Kayak tours Boat trips
ACCOMODATIONS The Villa Degli Ulivi is a lovely house at Il Grande Blu that can accommodate up to six people. With a gorgeous view of the sea, the Villa is ideal for a couple or a group of friends. Amenities include parking, a lush garden, pool, BBQ and veranda. The Villa has two bedrooms (one double, one single) and one futon. There is one bathroom and one restroom. To book the Villa or for details on other accommodation in the area, please visit the Il Grande Blu website.
Join us for a magical night by the sea. Il Grande Blu s Churrascaria restaurant has something for everyone! To start, relax with a refreshing classic or tropical cocktail: passion fruit, mango, or papaya. Traditional Brazilian drinks include the delicious Caipirinha, Guaranà, or Caipiroska. After relaxing with a drink, dinner is an excellent all-you-can-eat buffet with expert Churrascheros who serve only the finest selection of meat. Churrascaria is an unforgettable experience in Portofino!