When you think of diving vacations, you probably first think of an idyllic bungalow by a blue lagoon or a comfortable boat for a diving safari. But there is an interesting alternative to this classic diving vacation – a combination of camping and diving. It is becoming increasingly popular among PADI divers, as you can combine two wonderful nature experiences at the same time.
Of course, this combination also has some practical advantages for divers. Campsites are often in wonderful locations right by the sea or other bodies of water. In other words, exactly where there are a large number of first-class diving spots.
A combination of camping and diving is particularly practical for family vacations, of course, if some family members do not have a diving license but still enjoy various outdoor activities on vacation. What’s more, a camping vacation is often much cheaper than a diving safari or a classic trip to a diving hotel.
Campsites for Divers: The 5 Best Regions for Camping and Diving in Europe
A combination of a diving trip and camping vacation is, of course, particularly easy to organize if you already have your own motorhome, caravan or tent camping equipment. But even if this is not the case, you can rent a suitable vehicle from numerous motorhome rental companies. This way, you can simply try out this combination of diving and camping, even if you have no previous camping experience. By avoiding a long flight to a popular diving destination, you are also relatively environmentally friendly when traveling by motorhome or car. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the five best destinations in Europe with wonderful campsites. You can reach them with your own vehicle, and they are ideal for divers who are looking for a comfortable combination of camping and diving.
Andalusia, Spain
The Spanish coastal regions have always been very popular with campers of all ages. Especially in Andalusia, Spain’s deep south around Malaga, Marbella and Almería, divers can explore a fascinating underwater world with good visibility, coral reefs and wrecks, while the areas around Cabo de Gata, La Herradura and Almuñecar offer excellent diving conditions.
A large selection of PADI Dive Centers and campsites along Spain’s southern coast have pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. They also offer various amenities, such as swimming pools and restaurants. With consistently mild temperatures all year round, Andalusia is therefore a first-class choice for a camping vacation for divers and nature lovers.
Carinthia, Austria
Experienced divers will appreciate Austria’s lake district, as it not only offers a wide variety of diving spots with excellent visibility, but also wonderful campsites right by the water.
Carinthia in the south of Austria, in particular, is perfect for beginners and advanced divers. With Lake Weissensee, Lake Wörthersee, Lake Klopeiner See, Lake Ossiacher See and Lake Millstätter See, it offers a variety of different diving areas with the best camping options.
The majority of campsites in Carinthia are excellently equipped. This means that they have different pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as modern sanitary facilities. At many Austrian lakes, there is even a dive center in the immediate vicinity of the campsites or directly on the site, ensuring short distances during your diving vacation.
Baltic Coast, Germany
Just like in Austria, there are numerous lakes in Germany where camping and diving can be perfectly combined. However, there are numerous diving schools and popular diving spots along the Baltic Sea coast in Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in particular.
The northern region is also one of the sunniest areas in the whole of Germany and is therefore particularly popular with campers. So it’s no wonder that there are also a large number of campsites in the immediate vicinity of wonderful diving spots.
Popular diving areas on the Baltic Sea include the islands of Rügen, Fehmarn and Usedom, which also offer many first-class campsites.
Wreck fans, in particular, get their money’s worth on the German Baltic Coast in every respect. From small cutters, ferries and freighters to the remains of aircraft and navy boats from the Second World War, there is an endless amount of “scrap metal” for divers to discover.
Côte d’Azur, France
France has always been a popular destination for divers and also offers a wide range of different camping options. The region on the French Riviera, in particular, is not only known for its picturesque coastline and mild Mediterranean climate, but also for its excellent diving sites and particularly diverse underwater world.
The Port-Cros National Park and the Bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer are home to numerous dive sites. Both beginners and experienced divers alike will enjoy diving here. Typical dive sites include steep rock faces, grottos and small caves. You will also encounter interesting sea creatures such as octopods, seahorses, lobsters and moray eels.
There are numerous campsites along the southern French coast that are located directly by the sea. From simple pitches in the middle of nature to luxurious camping resorts with pools, restaurants and wellness facilities, there really is something for everyone. Ideal for an all-around successful mix of diving vacation and camping for the whole family.
Sardinia, Italy
When you think of an island like Sardinia, you don’t immediately think of camping with your own camper van or vehicle. However, getting there by ferry from Livorno or Genoa is very easy thanks to daily ferry connections from the mainland.
There are many beautiful campsites with dive centers in the immediate vicinity, especially in the northern part of the island, an ideal starting point to combine fascinating diving and camping by the sea in Sardinia.
For divers, Sardinia is an absolute paradise in the Mediterranean. Good visibility, impressive wrecks from the Second World War, colorfully overgrown cliffs and numerous caves and rock crevices – what more could you want? Large groupers or entire schools of Mediterranean barracudas can often be discovered even at beginner-friendly dive sites.
