A long, narrow strip of rocky land overlooking a crystal-clear sea. Steep mountains plunge into the waves, creating fascinating marine canyons. It’s no surprise that some of the best diving spots in the Mediterranean are right here in Liguria, a region whose 350-kilometer coastline is home to no fewer than six Marine Protected Areas. The reefs teeming with life, the vibrantly colored seabeds, the caves, the shipwrecks—but also the forests of gorgonians, the charming seahorses, the Posidonia meadows, not to mention the red coral found on the deepest walls: diving in Liguria offers new discoveries and thrilling experiences every time. We’ve put together a brief guide for anyone interested in trying out diving along the Ligurian coast, including sites just a short distance from our moorings in downtown Genoa.

Diving in Liguria: the Portofino Marine Protected Area

The stunning Portofino Marine Protected Area extends around the namesake promontory, between the municipalities of Camogli, Portofino, and Santa Margherita. Here, the diving possibilities are truly numerous. Among the three zones into which the Marine Protected Area is divided (A, B, and C), the most interesting for divers is certainly zone B. Here, it is possible to find more than 20 dive sites, each marked by a buoy. Moreover, it is not just a tool to indicate the dive point: as environmentally conscious divers know well, this is an excellent method to moor the support boat without risking damaging the seabed with the anchor. The seabeds of the area are among the richest in the Mediterranean, and given the high level of protection in recent decades, it is now common to encounter moray eels, surprisingly large groupers, schools of bream, lobsters, and so on during dives. Among the most famous dive sites in this area are certainly the renowned Christ of the Abyss and the beautiful Secca dell’Isuela. The former needs almost no introduction, being the quintessential dive site in Liguria: the bronze statue of the Christ of the Abyss is located at 17 meters deep, and is a must-see for divers of all levels. The Secca dell’Isuela is considered one of the most fascinating dive spots in the entire Mediterranean, with routes at 18 meters deep and others down to 40 meters, for divers of different levels. Another dive suitable for beginners in this area is the Castle of Paraggi: the maximum depth is 30 meters, but already between 6 and 10 meters, you are surrounded by solitary madrepores and gorgonians.

Diving in the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area

The Area Marina Protetta delle Cinque Terre includes the stretch of sea in front of the municipalities of Levanto, Monterosso, Vernazza, and Riomaggiore. If one were to identify the most famous dive site in the entire Marine Area, the choice would probably fall on the Secca delle aragoste, at a maximum depth of 32 meters: what attracts many divers every year is precisely the presence of magnificent lobster communities, moving among the beautiful white gorgonians. In this dive, reserved for experts only, it is also common to encounter schools of dentex, and sometimes even a barracuda. Remaining in zone A of the Cinque Terre, an interesting route suitable even for beginners is the Punta Montenero Wall, along a wall that offers refuge to covina and groupers, at a maximum depth of 20 meters. There is also a route for people with disabilities, with a line supported by stakes, perfect obviously also for beginners: fascinating for its Posidonia oceanica meadow, it is located in zone C of the Area, and reaches 18 meters deep.

Diving in Liguria: the Bergeggi Island Marine Protected Area

Completing the trio of the most beautiful diving spots in Liguria is, finally, the Bergeggi Island Marine Protected Area, the “youngest” of the three mentioned. Extending from the coastal strip of the Municipality of Bergeggi to the seabeds of the island, it offers various diving possibilities. There is no doubt: the most beloved dive site in this area is the Canalone, a wall that runs along the islet and offers thrills at every depth. The main point of interest is located between 20 and 30 meters deep, where the wall is covered with sea daisies. In this dive, it is common to encounter moray eels, scorpionfish, conger eels, groupers, and octopuses. Given its characteristics, this dive is practiced by both beginners and experts, offering great satisfaction especially to underwater photography enthusiasts.

Exploring the underwater wrecks in Liguria

Given Liguria’s historic maritime vocation, it is not surprising that these seas also feature a large number of shipwrecks, and thus many dive sites located outside the classic routes of the marine protected areas. In most cases, it should be noted, these are dives reserved for experienced divers only. Consider, for example, the famous “Portofino Steamer,” that is, the Genova steamboat located between 48 and 60 meters deep, resting on the muddy seabed of the Paraggi bay since 1917, due to an enemy attack. Or consider the KT of Sestri, a yacht that during World War II was requisitioned by the French navy and subsequently by the German navy, which transformed it into a submarine hunter with the name UJ2216. In September 1944, this over 60-meter ship settled on the bottom of the Eastern Ligurian Riviera, and is internationally appreciated for its integrity and the historical and naturalistic interest that characterizes it. Wreck enthusiasts can also find a worthy destination off the coast of Genoa: here it is indeed possible to dive to discover the Pelagosa, which is located at a maximum depth of 38 meters. Sunk in September 1943 by German cannon fire from the heights of the city, the wreck lies on the seabed broken into two sections, on a white sandy bottom.

Liguria, an endless tourist offer

From the seabeds to the panoramic terraces on the Ligurian heights, from the beaches to the historic centers, Liguria never ceases to intrigue and fascinate the visitor. Due to its strategic and privileged position, the Marina Porto Antico presents itself as a perfect base to discover this wonderful region.