Vellmarí Diving Center

Vellmarí Diving Center has operated from the port of La Savina since 1993 — the first dive centre to establish on Formentera and still the longest-running. The centre holds SSI Platinum Instructor Training Center accreditation, the highest level in the SSI system, meaning it can certify divers from first-time experiences through to instructor-level.

The La Savina marina base sits a few metres from Formentera's ferry terminal, the island's only entry point by boat. The facilities are extensive for an island centre: 30 or more lockers, two recently renewed dive boats moored at the doorstep, twin filling compressors with a Nitrox membrane, 40-plus full MARES equipment sets, a showroom with an interactive sea museum, a rooftop terrace, and the centre's own equipment servicing workshop.

The dive programme runs up to 8 departures daily and reaches 20-plus sites across Formentera and Ibiza — DiveCodex features 3 of these as linked dive sites — including La Plataforma artificial reef off Espardell, the Punta Pedrera wreck, and several sites around Es Vedrà. Two annual events stand out: an underwater photography week with a competition, masterclass, and gear testing; and a summer dive camp for youths aged 8 to 17 combining marine education with in-water activities. Free Nitrox is included for certified divers, and free pick-up from anywhere on Formentera is available by arrangement at booking.

Divers consistently give Vellmarí among the highest ratings of any centre on Formentera. Three themes appear consistently: the warmth and professionalism of the instructors, small group sizes, and equipment described as impeccable. The centre has an unusually strong repeat-customer pattern for a tourist-market operation — several reviewers are on their third or fourth consecutive summer and say so in their reviews. Staff receive particular praise for their attentiveness with nervous first-timers, with instructors making calm and safety a visible priority throughout. Course flexibility also comes up: add-on specialties like Nitrox can be arranged spontaneously during a dive trip, without the usual advance-booking friction.