Sécurité · Guide de destination
Roman mosaics, volcanic walls, and island-blue water in one ferry-linked gulf
The Bay of Naples is safe to dive when the itinerary respects its two controlled-access systems, local weather decisions, depth changes, and heavy vessel traffic. Use authorized guides, carry appropriate insurance, leave conservative no-fly time, and make every island transfer replaceable. Conservation is inseparable from safety: neutral buoyancy protects Baia's archaeology, MPA zoning protects habitat, and a guide keeps divers away from prohibited areas and active navigation routes.
Call 112 for a life-threatening emergency, 1530 for maritime rescue in Italy, and DAN Europe for diving-specific medical coordination. Do not attempt to diagnose decompression illness from the island or arrange an uncoordinated private transfer. Give first aid oxygen if trained and available, hydrate only if the patient is fully alert and able to swallow, preserve the dive computer and profile, and follow emergency instructions. Naples' AORN Antonio Cardarelli has a hyperbaric-therapy unit, but chamber availability and suitability must be confirmed through emergency professionals. Island evacuation can involve ambulance, ferry, or other transport, so evacuation and repatriation insurance are important.
Fast boat traffic and hydrofoil wake
The gulf is a working transport corridor. Use the operator's boat, a surface marker buoy, and a visible freedive or snorkel float; stay out of harbor approaches and never assume a quiet cove is outside a navigation lane.
Walls exceed recreational depth quickly
Punta Pizzaco and Punta Sant'Angelo continue far below common recreational limits. Agree maximum depth, gas reserve, ascent route, decompression status, and lost-buddy procedure before entering the water.
Thermoclines and cooler water at depth
A warm surface reading can mask much cooler layers. The Sorrento operator guidance notes summer surface water near 26°C while depth can be closer to 20°C, so exposure protection must match the profile.
Rocky entries, stairs, and slippery stone
Punta Caruso, Sorgeto, beach coves, castle paths, and island stairways can be awkward when wet. Use booties or secure shoes, keep hands free, and reject an entry that the local operator considers marginal.
The ruins are protected cultural heritage. Maintain neutral buoyancy, keep fins and cameras off mosaics and masonry, do not remove sediment or artifacts, and stay with the guide. Route limits, group sizes, and temporary closures exist to protect both visitors and the site.
The MPA includes integral-reserve zones where entry is prohibited, dedicated sport-diving sectors, and other zones where activities vary by status and authorization. Guided scuba is conducted by authorized centers. Spearfishing is prohibited throughout the MPA. Do not collect organisms, feed wildlife, chase turtles or cetaceans, or anchor on Posidonia. Private vessels must obtain any required authorization and wait for the issued permit rather than treating proof of payment as permission.
Use moorings or operator instructions, secure gauges and cameras, photograph without touching, avoid standing on seagrass or rock life, and carry all waste ashore. Choose mineral sun protection and clothing over heavy product use immediately before entering confined coves.
À ne pas faire
Évitez de vous mettre à l'eau quand fast boat traffic and hydrofoil wake. Confirmez les briefings locaux avant de vous engager.
| Contact | Rôle | Téléphone | Disponibilité |
|---|---|---|---|
| European emergency number | Police, ambulance, and fire emergency dispatch | 112 | 24/7 |
| Italian Coast Guard maritime emergency | Marine rescue and urgent maritime assistance | 1530 | 24/7 in Italy |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving medical emergency advice and coordination | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7; English first response with multilingual support |
| AORN Antonio Cardarelli Hospital | Naples hospital with hyperbaric-therapy capability; coordinate through 112 or DAN | +39 081 747 1111 | Hospital switchboard; emergency capability must be confirmed |
| Pozzuoli Coast Guard | Local maritime authority for the Baia and Pozzuoli area | +39 081 526 1160 | Office and local coordination; use 1530 for urgent marine rescue |
| Baia local maritime office | Local maritime office | +39 081 868 7059 | Office contact; use 1530 for emergencies |
| Area Marina Protetta Regno di Nettuno | MPA rules, authorizations, and environmental reporting | +39 338 407 7563 | Office contact; not a substitute for 112 or 1530 |