dgportofino.com · Operator
MPA rules, zoning, moorings, and marine life context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Gonzatti Shoal
Boat-access Portofino shoal with a statue, shallow top, and rich reef life.
Local operator required
Boat access, moorings, and MPA rules make a local operator the normal setup for Gonzatti Shoal.
A guided boat dive in the Portofino MPA with a shallow shoal, deeper wall, and easy access from the Ligurian coast.
About Gonzatti Shoal
Gonzatti Shoal is a boat-dived shoal in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, best known for its shallow top, gorgonian walls, and the Christ of the Abyss statue. The site suits calm charter diving, with easy access from the Ligurian coast, a clear route around the shoal, and regular life from barracuda, groupers, snapper, moray eels, and octopus. It is a classic Portofino MPA dive rather than a high-exposure offshore passage, so the main planning factors are authorization, calm sea state, and staying with the mooring and guide plan.
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Research Estimate At Gonzatti Shoal
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 18m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentNo current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Gonzatti Shoal?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Gonzatti Shoal Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
15m - 40m
Depth Note
Shallow shoal top with a deeper wall on the outside.
Best Season
April through October is the most reliable window, with summer giving the clearest water.
Typical Conditions
Good visibility, little or no current, and a sheltered shoal profile that suits many experience levels.
Safety & Access At Gonzatti Shoal
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Restricted access
Safety Notes
Use the MPA briefing, keep to moorings, and respect the local protection rules.
Access Restrictions
Diving is allowed in the MPA with authorization, and anchoring is prohibited to protect the seabed.
Legal Notes
Follow MPA rules, mooring procedures, and the local guide's briefing.
Local Intel For Gonzatti Shoal
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Classic Portofino MPA boat dive with a shallow top and a deeper wall for more experienced divers.
Freediving
Freediving can work on the shallow top, but the site is mainly known as a scuba boat dive.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is limited to very calm conditions near the shallow top; scuba gets the better part of the reef.
Wildlife at Gonzatti Shoal
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Gonzatti Shoal
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Gonzatti Shoal
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility18m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
