Where to go snorkeling in Liguria? Along the coast facing the Ligurian Sea, there are certainly no shortage of spots worth bringing a mask and snorkel to discover the seabed while swimming on the surface. The beauty of snorkeling is that it takes very little to ensure intense emotions and to get lost among incredible colors, unlike what happens with real diving. The more equipped complete the set by adding a pair of fins to the mask and snorkel to move faster. Beyond the equipment, what really matters is choosing the right place, where the waters are crystal clear, and where the seabeds offer flora and fauna in abundance. Starting from the boat mooring at Marina Porto Antico in Genoa, you can discover all the best locations for snorkeling in Liguria: here we have highlighted the 4 most famous areas for this wonderful activity.

Snorkeling in Liguria: the Porto Venere area

Our list of perfect places for snorkeling in Liguria begins from the east, namely from the peninsula of Porto Venere, between the eastern Ligurian Riviera and the Gulf of La Spezia. Here, for tourists, there is certainly no shortage of attractions, starting from the small Portovenere to the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto, which were included along with the Cinque Terre among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites until 1997. But here we are interested in the seabeds of the Marine Protected Area of the Porto Venere Regional Natural Park.

The snorkeling enthusiast will find a sea characterized by diverse environments. There are indeed rocky walls plunging into the sea, typical of our region, as well as caves and shoals. Among inlets and small coves, between submerged and emerging canyons, the nature excursion at the water’s edge here cannot disappoint the seawatching enthusiast .

Slowly wandering with a snorkel, you can encounter a wide range of organisms, from fish to crustaceans, from jellyfish to nudibranchs, and of course sponges, bivalves, anthozoans, and so on.

Snorkeling in the Ligurian Sea: Cinque Terre

There is no one who has not been captivated by looking at some photographs of the villages of the Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso overlook the sea, creating a unique and unrepeatable landscape, the result of a long work capable of transforming an otherwise inaccessible territory. A rocky coast rich in beaches and bays separates the Ligurian Sea from a chain of mountains running parallel to the coastline, and the resulting cliffs are a strong temptation for those wishing to snorkel in Liguria.

It should also be noted that here, in the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area, snorkeling is taken very seriously, to the point that the Environmental Education Center of the Cinque Terre Park organizes every summer scientific snorkeling events, with ad hoc courses for children, teenagers, and adults. Snorkeling thus meets marine biology, fun meets science, to teach how to fully experience the sea and, at the same time, protect its immense and wonderful heritage.

Mask and snorkel in the Portofino area

We are getting closer and closer to our marina: countless boaters from our berths in the center of Genoa cast off to head east, towards Portofino. Starting from the municipality of Camogli, reaching Portofino and Santa Margherita, extends the beautiful Portofino Marine Protected Area, which embraces the namesake promontory. Here, thanks to the cliffs that descend deeply just a few meters from the coast, there are plenty of microhabitats to discover for those seeking diving in Liguria. But there is certainly plenty for snorkeling enthusiasts, who can find ideal locations to wear a snorkel and mask on all sides of the small peninsula.

To the east, a location not to be missed is Baia di Paraggi, rich in flora and fauna, and characterized – like much of the marine protected area – by vast posidonia meadows. Moving west, beyond Portofino, another area not to be missed for snorkeling in the Ligurian Sea is the bay of San Fruttuoso, where, for example, the playful anchovies are never missing. It should also be noted that in this bay is the Christ of the Abyss, a destination par excellence for divers in Liguria, but also, for example, for those wishing to snorkel from a boat: thanks to the clear water of this area, the statue (located at 17 meters) is visible even from the surface.

And again, continuing west, you reach Punta Chiappa, which locals simply call “La Punta,” representing a leap into the open sea due to its formation.

Snorkeling in Liguria: the island of Bergeggi

Finally, let’s look west of our marina in Genoa: our attention turns to Bergeggi, whose island – which rises about 250 meters from the coast – is the heart and symbol of the namesake marine protected area. Here too, there are several spots for snorkeling, from the coast or from a boat. Certainly, the best locations are those near the rocky cliffs, such as Punta Predani, Punta del Maiolo, and of course Punta Grotte, with the same rocky formation providing a spectacle for those moving here and there armed with fins. But the real gem is the Marine Cave, the most famous cave in all of Liguria. This karst cavity has been visited by humans since ancient times and offers those who venture there a truly exciting experience. In this location, you can find seahorses, starfish, and much more. In short, for those wishing to snorkel in Liguria, this is certainly a destination to note!

Here ends our list of spots for snorkeling in Liguria. It is worth remembering that this activity, while light and fun, must always be carried out in full safety, and with full respect for the surrounding nature. Let’s always remember: when we dive into the water, we are always guests, and we must behave as such!