Galway Sub Aqua Club
Exploring the Wonders of the Atlantic 🤿🦀
Founded in 1960, Galway Sub Aqua Club is one of Ireland’s oldest and most respected diving organizations. Affiliated with CFT (Comhairle Fo-Thuinn) and CMAS, the club is a non-profit community of ocean enthusiasts dedicated to safe diving, marine conservation, and underwater exploration.
Based in the heart of the “City of the Tribes,” the club offers a structured pathway for beginners to discover the breathtaking biodiversity of Galway Bay and the Atlantic coast. From the kelp forests of the Aran Islands to the dramatic underwater drop-offs of Connemara, members get exclusive access to some of the best temperate diving in the world. More than just a sports club, it is a social hub where divers of all experience levels share knowledge, maintain equipment, and protect our local marine heritage.
Training & Diving Activities
The club provides comprehensive training and organized boat dives throughout the year, utilizing their own fleet of specialized RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats).
| Activity / Service | Details | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Training | Oct – March | Pool sessions and theory leading to the One Star Diver (CMAS *) qualification. |
| Club Dives | Weekly (Seasonal) | Organized boat trips to locations like Black Head, Spiddal, and the Aran Islands. |
| Snorkelling | All Ages | A great entry point for those not ready for full SCUBA diving. |
| Search & Recovery | Community Service | A voluntary unit that assists emergency services when requested. |
Membership & Training Season
Training Kick-off: New trainee courses typically begin every October.
Pool Sessions: Often held at Leisureland, Salthill, on Wednesday nights during the winter.
Equipment: The club provides cylinders, regulators, and BCDs for trainees during their first year.
Note: Scuba diving is weather-dependent. The club uses a dedicated messaging system to alert members of dive times and locations based on swell and visibility forecasts.
FAQs about Galway Sub Aqua Club
Do I need my own gear to start?
No. For the first year of training, the club usually provides the heavy equipment (tank, BCD, and regulators). You will eventually need to purchase your own personal kit, such as a mask, fins, and a suitable 7mm wetsuit or drysuit for Irish waters.
What is the minimum age to join?
The club typically accepts members from age 14 for snorkelling and age 16-18 for SCUBA training, provided they meet the medical fitness requirements and have parental consent.
Can I join if I’m already a PADI qualified diver?
Yes! The club welcomes divers from all agencies (PADI, SSI, BSAC). They will help you cross-over your qualifications to the CMAS system so you can enjoy club boat dives and further training.
About the Scuba Diving Club
Galway Sub Aqua Club is based at 14, Cross St. Galway. The club meets every Friday night in the clubhouse at 10.00pm. Regular club dives take place every Sunday all year round, and every Wednesday from April to October. The club takes on, and trains new members, every year in October. Situated on the west coast of Ireland, we have many top class dive sites within close driving distance.
Tip: If you’re interested in joining, attend one of the club’s “Try-a-Dive” nights usually held in September or October. It’s a low-pressure way to experience breathing underwater in the safety of a pool before committing to a full course. Also, don’t forget to ask about their annual “Dive Weekends” away—they are legendary for their camaraderie and incredible marine sightings!
Contact & Location Information
Email: [email protected]
Address: Clubhouse based at Ocean Sports Club(H91 V25X), by the Docks in Galway
Location: The club’s social meetings are often held at the Commercial Boat Club in Woodquay. For boat launches, the club typically uses the slips at Rossaveal or Spiddal depending on the wind direction and target dive site.
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