Diving in Ligurian Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Ligurian Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Ligurian Sea, sea. This region features 61 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Ligurian Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Ligurian Sea (1)
Popular Spots in Ligurian Sea (61)
Bettolina
Bettolina is a wreck dive located at a depth of approximately 30 meters on a flat sandy seabed. The wreck, which sank in 1943, is still in sailing condition. Divers can expect usually light currents and good visibility during the summer months. The site is home to various marine life, including pelagic species such as snapper. Within the wreck's ravines, divers may encounter lobsters, octopuses, and moray eels, with occasional sightings of groupers.
Biboz
Biboz is characterized by a prominent rock formation that rises from depths of 38 meters to 52 meters. Divers can expect to spend at least 20 minutes exploring this site, with the option to adjust their dive plan based on personal preferences. The dive involves navigating around the rock at varying depths, making it straightforward in execution. Marine life commonly encountered includes lobsters, moray eels, conger eels, and small shrimps, often seen alongside schools of anthias. Additionally, two large groupers inhabit specific dens during certain seasons, providing divers with notable wildlife interactions.
Bigo
Bigo is located near Portofino and features a sheltered bay that provides protection from prevailing winds, making it a reliable dive site during rough sea conditions. Divers typically anchor on a sandy seabed at a depth of 6 meters. From this point, the dive can progress along the right shoulder wall towards the Portofino lighthouse. The site is situated at the entrance of the Marine Park, which enhances the likelihood of encountering diverse marine life, including groupers, snappers, and potentially schools of barracuda.
BR-20 Wreck
The BR-20 Wreck is the remains of a Cicogna bomber, which sank on June 13, 1945, at a depth of 47 meters on a sandy seabed. This wreck is notable as it is believed to be the only surviving example of its kind in the ocean. The aircraft was powered by two twin star engines, each with a capacity of 1000 hp, and these engines still contain their original 24 cylinders. The surrounding environment is home to diverse and colorful marine life, highlighting the importance of preserving this historical site.
Canalone
Canalone features a vertical wall that descends from 20 to 30 meters, adorned with yellow sea daisies. As divers move westward, the terrain transitions to a gentle slope leading to a series of rocky formations that also descend with small ledges down to 30 meters. Marine life includes nudibranchs, ascidians, coelenterates, conger eels, moray eels, scorpion fish, and lobsters. Schools of Anthias, damselfish, and bream can be observed, along with hunting snappers. During certain seasons, anglerfish may also be spotted.
Canalone
Canalone is a notable dive site located along the shore of St. Stefano, characterized by a canyon formed between two steep rock walls. Divers navigate through this unique geological formation, which features walls adorned with red fan corals. The site offers an intriguing underwater landscape, making it a compelling choice for divers seeking to explore the natural rock structures and marine life in the area.
Canyon
Canyon is a notable dive site located at St. Stefano bank, characterized by a canyon formed within the rock formations. Divers navigate through this rift, where the walls are adorned with red sea fans. The site is recognized for its diverse marine life, making it a significant location for underwater exploration.
Capo Noli
Capo Noli features a sandy esplanade that gradually descends to a depth of 40 meters, interspersed with rocks and boulders. The slope becomes steep, resembling a sand wall as it approaches the bottom, where scattered debris can be found. The area is home to various sand-dwelling species, including monkfish during the winter months. Divers may also encounter octopuses, spirographs, ascidians, cerianthus, anemones, and seahorses throughout the dive.
Christ Of The Abyss
Christ Of The Abyss is a dive site located off San Fruttuoso near Portofino. The dive reaches a maximum depth of 15 meters and features a bronze statue, which stands 2.5 meters tall and weighs 260 kilograms. This site is suitable for all levels, with calm waters and protected conditions.
Ciappa del Lupo
Ciappa del Lupo is a dive site characterized by a mixed bottom of rock and sand, featuring posidonia. The seabed consists of various terraces ranging from depths of -3 meters to -12 meters. The site is located in front of a prominent flat rock, which contributes to its name. It is particularly noted for its nocturnal marine life, including burrowing fish and salps, making it an interesting location for night dives.
Controfrati
Controfrati offers a dive experience similar to the Friars, but with significantly fewer visitors. The site is characterized by numerous dens and crevices that serve as habitats for various marine life, including lobsters, octopuses, and moray eels. Divers may also frequently encounter shy sunfish in this area. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
Corallo Nero
Corallo Nero is a deep dive site that ranges from 32 to 38 meters in depth, making it suitable exclusively for divers with DEEP Dive certification. The dive features two prominent rocks that are separated by a narrow sandy strip, both adorned with vibrant red gorgonians. Marine life in this area includes anthias, lobsters, moray eels, and large red scorpion fish, contributing to a colorful underwater environment.
Cristo degli Abissi
Cristo degli Abissi is located in San Fruttuoso Bay, featuring a life-size statue dedicated to Duilio Marcante. The statue is submerged at a depth of approximately 16 meters, with its base extending about 5 meters above the seabed. Divers can observe various marine life in this area, including moray eels, bream, snapper, small groupers, red coral, and yellow gorgonians. The site is accessible from the shore.
Croce
Croce is a dive site featuring a memorial cross located on a sandy bottom at a depth of 32 meters. To the right, a rocky ridge rises to 24 meters and is adorned with red sea fans. This site is well-known for the commemorative iron cross, which has been in place for approximately ten years. Divers can observe various sea creatures inhabiting the area, particularly in their dens as the slope becomes gentler and forms a hollow.
Dragone
Dragone is a wall dive located at coordinates 44.311300, 9.175500, accessible from the shore. The dive site is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. In the initial section of the dive, divers can observe moray eels and nudibranchs. As you progress to the landslide area, you may encounter a variety of marine life including groupers, snappers, and croakers.
Franata
Franata features a steep rocky slope that descends to a maximum depth of 30 meters. The site is characterized by numerous burrows and holes, providing habitat for a variety of marine species. Commonly observed marine life includes groupers, snappers, and barracuda, along with moray eels and scorpionfish, particularly the notable all-yellow variety. Small nudibranchs and various crustaceans can also be found within the rock cavities.
Garage
Garage features a prominent rock formation that rises to 20 meters and extends to a depth of 30 meters in a southerly direction. To the north, there is another inverted cone-shaped rock that completes the dive area. This site is particularly suitable for divers interested in macro photography, as it hosts delicate bryozoan colonies and a variety of colorful sponges.
Gonzatti Shoal
Gonzatti Shoal is a wall dive located within Portofino Marine Park. The site features a large plateau connecting to a deep wall that reaches an average depth of 15 meters (50 feet). The southern section has a small terrace with Neptune grass (Posidonia oceanica) and is suitable for all divers due to the lack of current and generally good visibility.
Grotta del Tinetto
Grotta del Tinetto is located within the Porto Venere Regional Park and is accessible via a shore entry. This dive site features the smallest island in the Porto Venere archipelago, Tinetto Island. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including red gorgonian fans and Eunicella cavolinii, along with numerous common Mediterranean species such as gorgonians, nudibranchs, and both benthic and pelagic fish.
Grotte à Corail
Grotte à Corail, located near Nice, is a dive site characterized by its cave-like rock formations. The depth ranges from 15 to 30 meters, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. Inside the cave, divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including colorful corals, sponges, and species such as groupers and sars.
Isuela
Isuela is a dive site in the Portofino National Marine Reserve, featuring a large rock structure with various marine life. The top of the dive starts at 17 meters (55 feet) and descends to over 50 meters (165 feet), where you can see gorgonians, madrepores, barracudas, amberjacks, and moray eels.
KT Eros UJ-2216
The KT Eros UJ-2216 is a wreck dive accessible by boat. The wreck can be explored in approximately 20 minutes without entering the interior. Divers with the appropriate certifications can penetrate the wreck, which is generally free of nets. Marine life around the site includes various encrusting organisms, conger eels, and lobsters, with occasional sightings of groupers on the deck.
L'oursin
L'oursin offers a dive that begins at a depth of 14 meters, featuring a plateau and a drop-off that extends to 30 meters. At 23 meters, divers can observe a 2-meter diameter sea urchin, which shows signs of age and is covered with sponge and bryozoan. The site is also home to barracuda that hunt in schools of anchovies and castagnoles, along with groupers and various other fish species.
la source
La Source is located south of the well-known L’Oursin dive site, featuring a large dry area. The dive site has depths ranging from 25 to 35 meters. As divers move further south, visibility tends to decrease. A notable feature of this site is a freshwater spring, which can be found in the area. On the eastern side of the spring, there is a small cave that hosts various marine life, including Mostelle, prawns, and lobsters.
Lamacrèxia
Lamacrèxia is situated in Zone B of the Cinque Terre National Park, making it an ideal location for novice divers and those with limited experience. The site features a variety of marine life, particularly in late spring and early summer when lobsters are commonly observed. During the summer months, divers can also encounter groupers, musdee, snappers, and barracuda. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Marcella
Marcella is a notable wreck dive located at a depth of -43 meters, where the vessel is positioned vertically. Divers will encounter the bow adorned with red castanets and sardines, while the hull is heavily covered with oysters. It is common to find dogfish eggs along the sides of the wreck, adding to the site's unique marine life. The dive requires entry by boat.
MV Equa (Wreck)
The MV Equa wreck is located approximately two miles off the coast of Riomaggiore, accessible via a 25-minute boat ride. Divers can explore the wreck, which is home to large colonies of jewel anemones, lobsters, Mediterranean chromis, sponges, and oysters. The site offers a unique opportunity to observe various marine life associated with the wreck environment.
Nemo’s Garden
Nemo's Garden is located in the bay of Noli, Liguria, where divers can explore an underwater agricultural site at a depth of approximately 8 meters. This area features five underwater greenhouses that are securely anchored to a sandy seabed measuring 36 square meters. The site is notable for its calm conditions, as there are no waves in Noli bay. Divers may encounter seahorses among the greenhouses, adding to the unique marine life experience.
Pelagosa Wreck
The Pelagosa Wreck is located at a depth of 52 meters (170 feet) and is suitable only for technical divers. The wreckage of the steamship, which sank during World War I, lies upright and offers opportunities to explore its structure and marine life surrounding it.
Pifferaio
Pifferaio is located within the fully protected zone of the Bergeggi Marine Protected Area. The dive site features a wall on the left side, reaching a maximum depth of 18 meters. Divers can observe numerous small burrows along the wall and a small inlet that may reveal various marine life. Common sightings include schools of anthias, bream, groupers, moray eels, and octopus. Additionally, divers may occasionally encounter barracuda, snappers, and corvina, enhancing the diving experience.
Pinnacoli
Pinnacoli is located in the north-eastern section of the Canyon, featuring several rock pinnacles that extend from the seafloor to significant heights. The dive site is characterized by a maximum depth of 34 meters and is abundant with marine life, including clusters of groupers. The underwater landscape is adorned with yellow and violet sponges, contributing to the site's ecological richness.
Punta Chiappa
Punta Chiappa is characterized by its rocky outcrop extending into the sea, providing access to diverse seabeds on either side at a depth of approximately 25 meters. The underwater terrain consists of rocky and detrital surfaces, abundant with algae and various types of sponges, including both encrusting and massive forms. Marine life is plentiful, featuring species such as striped sea breams and red mullets, alongside a variety of polychaetes and echinoderms, particularly starfish. This site offers a rich exploration opportunity for divers.
Punta del Faro di Portofino
Punta del Faro di Portofino features a prominent wall dive that descends to depths of 80 meters near the buoy and towards Portofino. The most diverse marine life can be observed between 15 and 25 meters, where various fish species thrive. The site is known for its strong currents, which attract larger species such as barracuda, sizable groupers, octopus, lobsters, moray eels, snappers, tuna, sea bass, and conger eels.
Punta Falconara
Punta Falconara, located at the southwestern tip of the island, features a prominent structure known as 'turtle head.' The dive site includes walls and steps that lead to depths reaching approximately 36 meters. Marine life observed in this area includes barracuda, groupers, salps, octopus, bream, moray eels, nudibranchs, amberjack, snapper, lobster, shad, and damselfish.
Punta Persico
Punta Persico is located along the coast of Porto Venere and features a shallow dive that extends towards the open sea. The maximum depth at this site reaches 20 meters. It is accessible via a shore entry. This dive site is particularly recommended for night dives, where divers can observe pelagic fish and an abundance of gorgonian fans, specifically Leptogorgia sarmentosa.
Punta Sciusciau
Punta Sciusciau, known as Sciusciaù (the Blower), is located at the southeastern tip of the island. The site is characterized by the sound of wind rushing through the rock formations. It is recognized for its diverse marine life, including species such as groupers, moray eels, conger eels, lobsters, slipper lobsters, scorpionfish, barracuda, and tuna. This dive site offers significant biological and photographic opportunities, making it a notable location for divers. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Punta Vessinaro
Punta Vessinaro offers divers a unique experience with its notable underwater features, particularly the well-established red gorgonian specimens found at depths starting around 30 meters. This area is primarily suited for advanced divers, although less experienced divers can also explore shallower sections. The site is characterized by patches of seaweed and Posidonia oceanica, providing a habitat for various marine species including groupers, snappers, bream, and salps. The dive entry is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this rich marine environment.
Ratteghe
Ratteghe is characterized by a diverse coastal marine environment featuring alternating areas of posidonia grassland, sandy patches, and rocky reefs. The site includes a significant portion of the wreck of the Paris-London, which sank in 1800. The maximum depth at this location reaches 12 meters, and divers can expect a navigation time of approximately 5 to 10 minutes from the entry point.
Relitto Bolzaneto
Relitto Bolzaneto is the wreck of an Italian armed cargo steamer that was launched in 1918 by Ilva of Genoa. During World War II, in June 1943, it was struck and sunk by two torpedoes from a British submarine near Bonassola, resulting in the loss of ten crew members and the captain. The wreck is notable for its single-barrel cannon, which remains intact along with its winches and maneuvering gears, making it a significant site for wreck diving.
Relitto Colosso
Relitto Colosso is a significant wreck dive located at a maximum depth of 39 meters. The wreck is positioned in a sailing trim and is free of nets, providing two spacious passages that are relatively accessible. The site features areas that include parts of the accommodation and kitchen. Marine life is abundant, with notable schools of sardines and clouds of castanets, alongside various redfish and rockfish.
Relitto Concordia (Wreck)
The Relitto Concordia wreck is located approximately six miles offshore at a depth of 43 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The site is accessible by boat and takes about 25 minutes to reach. The wreck serves as a habitat for diverse marine life, including white gorgonian fans visible on the bow. During the ascent, divers can observe various pelagic fish in the surrounding waters.
Relitto Haven
Relitto Haven is the wreck of the supertanker Haven, which measures 334 meters in length and 26 meters in width. It sank on April 14, 1991, off the coast of Arenzano due to a significant fire that became uncontrollable. The site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for both recreational and technical divers, given its unique characteristics.
Relitto Sarchiapone
Relitto Sarchiapone features two notable wrecks located close to each other, with a maximum depth of 30 meters. These wrecks were previously port ships that operated in the port of Genoa. The site has transformed into a habitat rich in marine life, showcasing various nudibranchs, including flabellines and yellow and green dorids. Additionally, the wrecks are adorned with numerous white gorgonians, contributing to the biodiversity of the area.
Saint Nazaire
Saint Nazaire, also referred to as the Moneglia steamer, is a wreck dive located at depths ranging from 48 to 55 meters. The site can present challenges due to variable visibility, but when conditions are favorable, it reveals two notable Bighi structures. Marine life commonly observed includes redfish, conger eels, and lobsters, with occasional sightings of St. Peter's fish near the wreck's bridge. Access to this dive site is via boat.
San Guglielmo (Wreck)
The wreck of the San Guglielmo is a former 1st class passenger liner that was launched in 1911 and primarily operated on the Italy-America route. It was repurposed as a troop transport during World War I and was sunk by a German submarine on January 8, 1918. The wreck now rests on a sandy seabed at a depth of 29 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life in the area, including groupers, corvinas, moray eels, octopuses, conger eels, and numerous species of nudibranchs, such as sea sows and dorids.
Sant'Anna
Sant'Anna is a dive site characterized by a sandy bottom that gradually slopes from a depth of 3 meters to 10 meters. This gradual depth change contributes to good visibility, making it suitable for training courses and larger classes. Marine life is relatively sparse, but divers may encounter shoals of damselfish, salps, and bream. Additionally, the sandy substrate is home to various soles and shells.
Saraghi-Imperia-18mts
Saraghi-Imperia-18mts is a dive site featuring dry rocks amidst a garden of posidonia, set against a sandy bottom. The area is notable for its abundance of fake red Mediterranean coral. This site is accessible from the shore and is suitable for divers with limited experience. Additionally, it can be explored during night dives, providing a unique underwater experience.
Scoglio del sale
Scoglio del Sale is a shore dive site characterized by a mixed bottom of sand and rock, providing a sheltered area suitable for beginner divers. The site features a well-defined basin where divers can practice various exercises in a protected environment. The habitat supports diverse marine life, including octopuses, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and moray eels, making it an interesting location for underwater exploration.
Scoglio Ferale
Scoglio Ferale is located at the edge of the Cinque Terre National Park and is accessible via a 20-minute boat ride from San Terenzo. The dive site features a variety of marine life, with an abundance of fish present. On the open sea side of Ferale rock, divers can observe numerous Leptogorgia sarmentosa fans, which contribute to the site's ecological diversity.
Scoglio Grimaldo
Scoglio Grimaldo, also known as Grimaldo Rock, is situated near the protected area of Cinque Terre. This pinnacle rises just a few tens of meters from the shoreline and can be accessed via a shore entry. The dive site is characterized by a variety of marine life, including crinoids, encrusting sponges, spirographs, cerianthus, and nudibranchs. Divers may encounter species such as grouper, bream, barracuda, octopus, and snappers during their exploration.
Scoglio Nave
Scoglio Nave is located a few kilometers from Arenzano and features an easy shore dive with a maximum depth of 12 meters. The dive site encompasses an area of approximately 100 square meters, characterized by submerged rocks and boulders surrounding an outcrop. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including octopuses, peacock wrasses, and larger salpas. The site also hosts a diverse range of nudibranchs among the algae and sponges, making it suitable for beginner divers.
Secca Bibiz
Secca Bibiz features a series of large rocks that extend from depths of 40 to 52 meters, providing a dive duration of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. The site is characterized by numerous dens and inlets, which serve as habitats for a variety of marine species, including moray eels, grouse, and lobsters. Divers can also observe gorgonians and schools of anthias in the area. The visibility at this site is often exceptional, contributing to its unique underwater environment. This dive is recommended for those with an XR SSI certification or equivalent due to the depth and conditions.
Secca del Magazzino
Secca del Magazzino is a dive site that begins at a depth of 24 meters and extends to 30 meters. The area is characterized by large boulders that are closely positioned, creating various dens and inlets. The walls are adorned with sea daisies, providing a unique underwater landscape. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including moray eels, octopuses, groupers, conger eels, and spirographs. Small sandy patches may also reveal anemones in diverse shapes and colors. This site is suitable for advanced divers due to its depth and features.
Secca dell'Isuela
Secca dell'Isuela is a well-known dive site located at coordinates 44.321800, 9.145100, accessible from the shore. This dive site is notable for its diverse marine life, including encounters with giant ducts, groupers, moray eels, snappers, and various bream species. The underwater landscape features beautiful gorgonians, particularly on the side that faces the open sea. On clear days, divers can enjoy stunning views of the coastline stretching from Camogli to Genoa.
Secca delle Spugne
Secca delle Spugne is located approximately 500 meters from the southern shore of the Bergeggi Marine Protected Area. The dive site consists of five large rocks scattered across the seabed, interspersed with sandy areas. The depth ranges from 42 meters to 46 meters. Divers can expect generally clear water conditions, though currents may occasionally be present. Marine life includes sizable yellow and gray sponges, along with various fish species such as anthias, forkbeards, and groupers. Additionally, conger eels, moray eels, and lobsters can be observed, along with Donthian nudibranchs and star gorgona.
Secca delle Stelle
Secca delle Stelle is a dive site suitable for beginners, featuring a seabed that ranges from 14 to 24 meters in depth. A notable characteristic of this site is a prominent rock pyramid that is entirely covered in Parazoanthus. The area is rich in marine life, including sponges, bryozoans, and a variety of starfish, which contribute to the site's name. Divers can also expect to see octopuses, moray eels, and conger eels. Encounters with larger species such as sunfish and amberjacks are relatively common.
Secca dello Scalino
Secca dello Scalino is located off the coast of Savona, featuring a rocky crest that begins at a depth of 16 meters and extends down to 24 meters. The dive site spans approximately 120 to 150 meters and is characterized by jagged rock formations that create numerous dens, providing opportunities for unexpected marine encounters. The habitat is predominantly monochromatic, with seasonal variations in marine life. Divers may observe species such as sunfish, frogfish, St. Peter’s fish, lobsters, groupers, octopuses, and moray eels throughout the dive.
Secca di Marassi
Secca di Marassi is located near the port of Finale Ligure, featuring a depth range from 24 meters to 35 meters. The site is characterized by a prominent wall that rises approximately 10 meters high towards the southwest, while the northwest side has a gentler slope. The dive typically begins and concludes at a large, jagged cap. The wall is home to various marine life, including conger eels and moray eels. To the west of the wall, divers can explore recesses that often host lobsters and forkbeards, along with colorful sponges.
Tubo-Imperia
Tubo-Imperia is an ideal location for Open Water Divers looking to enhance their diving skills. The site is well-suited for training purposes, including Scuba Skills Update sessions. Divers can expect a variety of underwater experiences that support skill development in a controlled environment. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers of all levels.
Tyfliss Wreck
The Tyfliss Wreck is the remains of a French transport vessel located at a depth of 50 meters, with its deck positioned around 42 meters below the surface. The wreck is upright, displaying an intact stern and a bow that shows significant damage. Divers can navigate through the wreck due to two large open holds. Marine life commonly encountered includes octopuses, moray eels, and lobsters, along with schools of sardines and damselfish. Large pelagic species may also be spotted in the vicinity.
U-455
The U-455 is a German submarine that was launched in 1941 and is believed to have been sunk in 1944 by a mine southeast of Genoa. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 110 to 120 meters and measures 67 meters in length. This dive site is classified as extremely challenging due to the depth and conditions. The submarine's structure is heavily encrusted with a diverse array of marine life, including oysters, anemones, and various microorganisms, which cover the hull. Schools of colorful anthias can also be observed in the vicinity, adding to the underwater ecosystem surrounding the wreck.