Where to Go Scuba Diving in Italy

Do you enjoy being in the water? Are you passionate about marine flora and fauna? Do you like to learn about what lies beneath the surface of the sea? Then scuba diving is an activity made for you! Unless you're a fan of free diving, modern equipment allows you to extend your time underwater by using self-contained breathing apparatus and tanks: it is always advisable to practice this sport with an experienced partner, respecting security guidelines and being aware of the physical and scientific laws underlying the phenomenon of diving. So if you want to experience the thrill of scuba diving, find an experienced guide who can explain all the proper techniques and safety measures. In the meantime, here are the ideal places for scuba diving in Italy.

In Palinuro, you can dive to depths of over 40 meters. One of the most renowned attractions is the Blue Grotto, nearly 33 meters deep, 85 meters long, and 90 meters wide, suitable for any skill level: the right side is a true biological laboratory, where you can observe yellow gorgonians, bryozoans, madrepores, sponges, seahorses, and other forms of life.
SEE ALSO: THE 20 DEEPEST CAVES IN THE WORLD

Located between Procida and Ischia, this coral reef is of immense biological interest due to its biodiversity. A particularly striking feature is a natural underwater arch, through which sunlight penetrates, creating fantastic light displays.

Here, through scuba diving, you can admire the famous Wreck of Capua, an armed ship located just a few meters from the coast at a depth of about 40 meters, which sank during World War II. The wreck is well preserved and attracts thousands of diving enthusiasts and curious visitors each year.

Diving to about 18 meters deep, along the cliff near Uzzo Beach, you'll find the entrance to this spectacular cave: over 20 meters wide and 50 meters long, it reaches a spacious chamber of about 80 square meters above sea level, where you can breathe fresh air. The cave is great for underwater photography and is recommended for those with a certain level of diving experience.

Diving in this area allows you to see lobsters, octopuses, red corals, eels, and Pinna Nobilis, the largest species of clam in the world.
SEE ALSO: THE BEST VILLAGES AND RESORTS IN SARDINIA
"Stazzu" is the name of a hut occupied by a shepherd and located on the shore, near the dive area.

Gulf featuring a cove characterized by sandy beaches and shallow waters, making it suitable for amateur diving. Just steps from Elba Island, the Gulf of Baratti boasts a spectacular sea and has diving facilities offering courses and outings even in winter.

About 300 meters off the coast, you will find this fantastic submerged reef populated by a wide variety of animal and plant species. The depth of the Banco di Santa Croce ranges from 9 meters to 45 meters: here you can discover a beautiful natural cave where you can admire Paramuricea Clavata, a Mediterranean gorgonian.

To dive in the Niedda cave, it's advisable to have some experience and it is essential to bring a flashlight: this cave is rich in tunnels and canyons. During the dive, you might encounter lobsters and octopuses.

A renowned location for underwater activities, the Portofino Marine Reserve is divided into zones, allowing for either free diving or diving reserved for dive centers. In some areas, diving is prohibited.
SEE ALSO: THE 10 MOST SUGGESTIVE ABANDONED PLACES IN THE WORLD
In particular, Altare is one of the diving zones with high naturalistic interest: only one boat is allowed to moor at a time, and the depth reaches up to 50 meters.

The Tremiti Islands are rich in dive sites: in particular, we mention the Secca di Punta Secca (Caprara), the Scoglio del Corvo (Caprara), and Punta Secca (Caprara). Here you can find a multitude of Mediterranean flora and fauna species: gorgonians, black coral, lobsters, mullets, grouper, and snapper.

Caprera Island offers numerous dive spots, sheltered from the dominant northwest wind. Among the various dives possible is the anchor, a rich coral reef, the Grotta di San Francesco, an easily explored cave at a depth of 12 meters, and the Motore dei Monaci, a wreck home to large morays, eels, and scorpionfish.

Belonging to the province of Latina, Ponza has rugged and rocky beaches composed of kaolin and tuff. The seabed is rich in marine caves, which attract thousands of diving enthusiasts every year.

Ventotene offers various types of dives: for example, Pertuso, a reef resting on sandy seabed that rises up to 18 meters at the surface, or the Helicopter, a unique wreck lying at a depth of 34 meters: this is the British military helicopter Gazelle, which sank in 1993 due to a violent storm.
SEE ALSO: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF VENTOTENE

Marettimo is a true dream for nature lovers: this island, part of the Egadi archipelago, has 10 kilometers of coastline and a crystal clear and fish-filled sea, perfect for scuba diving. With a nice boat trip, you can reach the area of the caves: there are over 400 underwater and above water.

Ustica Island is truly the jewel for scuba diving enthusiasts: dubbed the paradise for divers, thanks to its protected marine area, Ustica offers underwater sceneries that are now hard to find in the Mediterranean.
SEE ALSO: THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD FOR SNORKELING

Among the animal species, you may see barracudas, amberjacks, and brown groupers; among the best-known dive sites are Scoglio del Medico, Secca della Colombara, and Punta Galera.