Sécurité · Guide de destination
Two protected archipelagos, one granite-and-gorgonian diving road trip
The core risks are wind, current, boat traffic, remote-island evacuation, and protected-area rule violations. Use a currently authorized local operator, provide an honest experience history, and accept conservative site selection. Carry dedicated dive-accident and evacuation insurance, not only general travel insurance.
Both park systems protect fragile seagrass and coralligenous habitat. Excellent buoyancy, legal mooring use, no collecting, no wildlife pursuit, and compliance with closed beaches are central trip behaviors. In an emergency call 112 for police, fire, or urgent medical help; call 1530 for maritime rescue; and contact DAN Europe for diving-medicine coordination.
Follow agency and computer guidance for flying and altitude exposure. Many travelers leave at least 24 hours after repetitive or decompression diving before flying. Hydrate, avoid heavy alcohol, and report unusual fatigue, rash, joint pain, breathing difficulty, weakness, numbness, confusion, or balance problems immediately.
Call 112 first for a life-threatening condition and place the diver on the highest available oxygen concentration while following trained first-aid procedures. Then contact DAN Europe at +39 06 4211 5685 for diving-medicine advice and facility coordination. Do not delay because symptoms seem mild, do not put the diver back in the water, and do not self-direct a long transfer to a chamber.
Paolo Merlo Hospital on La Maddalena has emergency services, but regional health guidance makes clear that hyperbaric cases are coordinated through the wider Sardinian care network and may require transfer to the appropriate facility. Availability, staffing, weather, ferries, and clinical need can change. The nearest building is not necessarily the correct definitive-care destination, which is why emergency services and DAN should direct the route.
Mistral and Rapid Route Changes
Northwesterly wind can make the Strait of Bonifacio and exposed departures rough. Accept site swaps, carry a wind layer, and never pressure a skipper to run a named shoal.
Current on Offshore Shoals
Secca del Papa, Washington, Secche del Fico, and other elevated structures can accelerate water. Stay with the guide, deploy an SMB when instructed, and keep gas for a blue-water exit.
Boat Traffic
Ferries, excursion boats, ribs, and private yachts crowd the main season. Use a visible flag, remain inside designated swim areas, and surface close to the planned pickup point.
Remote-Island Diving Emergency
Some sites are separated from definitive care by a boat and ferry or road transfer. Oxygen, communication, evacuation planning, conservative profiles, and dedicated dive insurance matter.
Diving, boating, and other marine activities require prior authorization. Respect current zoning, ranger instructions, and authorized-center rules. Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli is protected from landing and access to the water directly in front of it. Cala Coticcio and Cala Brigantina land access can be regulated through tickets, bookings, and authorized guides.
Zone A is integral reserve; the current official visitor guidance does not offer public recreational scuba there because visitor dive sites are not equipped. Zone B diving uses designated buoys, operator authorization, and group controls. Published guidance limits each qualified guide to six divers and requires the group to follow the shallowest certification limit. Standing rules restrict private Zone B access to Punta Arresto and Relitto Omega during authority-defined hours, while annual instruments can revise operational details. Underwater fishing, jet skis, and towed water sports are prohibited; anchoring is constrained by zone and seabed.
À ne pas faire
Évitez de vous mettre à l'eau quand mistral and rapid route changes. Confirmez les briefings locaux avant de vous engager.
| Contact | Rôle | Téléphone | Disponibilité |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single European Emergency Number | Police, fire, ambulance, and urgent medical response | 112 | 24/7 |
| Italian Coast Guard Sea Rescue | Maritime distress and sea rescue | 1530 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Diving Emergency Hotline | Diving-medicine consultation and emergency coordination | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7; first response in English with multilingual medical support subject to availability |
| La Maddalena National Park | Park authorization and visitor-rule information | +39 0789 790211 | Office hours; not an emergency number |
| Tavolara MPA Management Authority | Zoning, rules, permits, and protected-area clarification | +39 0789 203013 | Office hours; not an emergency number |