Explore Calabria

Calabria, the southernmost tip of Italy, offers a unique diving experience that sets it apart as a premier destination for underwater exploration. Nestled between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas, Calabria boasts a diverse range of dive sites teeming with vibrant marine life. The region is home to over 50 shipwrecks, providing thrilling opportunities for history enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The underwater caves of Calabria, with their ethereal light filtering through the water, create a magical atmosphere that captivates divers of all levels. In Calabria, divers can experience the beauty of steep rocky landscapes adorned with vividly colored fish, anemones, and soft corals. The strong currents in this region ensure a rich diversity of marine life, making it an ideal spot for drift diving. Shore dives are accessible right from the beaches of Reggio Calabria, offering the chance to encounter seahorses and trumpet fish just meters from the shore. With a host of dive centers spread along the coastline, whether you stay in Amendolara, Maierato, or Scalea, you're never far from the underwater marvels that make Calabria a diving hotspot.

Places to Explore

Scilla and Costa Viola

3 Divesites

Costa Viola is a stretch of coastline in Reggio Calabria where the waters lead to the Aeolian Islands.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ La Montagna di Scilla

At the foot of the Rock of Scylla, the bottom drops steeply down to 30-40 m, where a submerged cliff begins, among which an imposing pinnacle stands out for its shape and size, known to all as “La Montagna“, a spire with walls vertical, about twenty meters high, covered with huge fans of two-colored gorgonians.

143
Logs
53
Divers
37.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ La Franata del Castello

This die site sits amongst the rock cliffs around the fortress of the Ruffo Castle of Scilla and is characterized by crystal clear water, rich biodiversity, and numerous small canyons and inlets. Around the landslide, which from the surface reaches about 22/25 m deep, lies an expanse of white and luminous sand.

435
Logs
160
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lo Scoglio Bianco - Saline Joniche

At Saline Joniche, with access from a wide beach of pebbles and sand, there is a small cliff with vertical falls from 8m to 20m, with a sandy bottom and subsequent rock slide, covered with a variety of algae and sponges. At a shallow depth, under a small cave, there is a statue of Jesus, covered in sea life.

69
Logs
27
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Fossa dei Cavallucci

Access from the shore is easy for this simple but beautiful dive spot, boasting amazing biodiversity. The dive starts with a gravel landslide and sand afterwards, gradually descending to 12 meters, then dropping off rapidly, with an inclination of almost 45°, to over 400 meters deep.

853
Logs
181
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Parco Archeologico Sommerso di Kaulon

This is a submerged archaeological site of the Greek town of Kaulon. It sits on a bottom of sand and pebbles, between 5m and 7m deep. It is possible to admire over 200 Greek architectural elements and pieces of columns, dating from the 5th century B.C. The area, once emerged, is today under water due to coastal bradyseism.

24
Logs
24
Divers
9.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pasubio (Wreck)

The steamship Pasubio, located off the port of Roccella Jonica, is one of the most fascinating historical wrecks of the southern Calabrian Ionian sea. After a descent along the rope, you will meet its well preserved superstructure at 35m deep, with the sandy bottom sitting at 44m. The wreck is slightly skidded on the left side.

95
Logs
40
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Relitto Kingstown / Kingdom

The wreck of this Swedish cargo ship lies on the sandy bottom just off the coast of Guardavalle, where it sank on 05 January 1993 due to bad weather, while sailing from Turkey with a load of kaolin. It is now broken today in two sections.

97
Logs
74
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Torrazzo, Caminia

Dive on an overhanging cliff beautiful dive site for open water dives, max 12m. Dive along the rocks passage trough a canyon and ascent. Or go back down into the natural formations from 12m up to 0m.

125
Logs
51
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Archi - Prateria di Spirografi

Entering from the shore, you’ll find the bottom covered in fine white sand that slopes steeply towards the depths of the Strait of Messina, reaching 40 meters just a few steps from the beach. The sea bed, in crystal clear water, is animated by thousands of great spirographs, among which are often seahorses and trumpet fish.

31
Logs
27
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Relitto di Cannitello - Alvah

On a seabed between 30 and 55m, at the narrowest point of the Strait of Messina, lies the wreck of Cannitello, known as “U Vapuri“ and identified with the ship “Alvah“, sunk in the early 1900s. The hull is placed upside down on the seabed that degrades rapidly, divided into two sections, and is covered in life!

26
Logs
21
Divers
40.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Madonnina, Subamici

Diving from the shore, this is a dive that goes from the shore towards open water where you can meet the statue of Our Madonna at a depth of 7 m. For those who are very religious, a special dive with a prayer

149
Logs
23
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Copanello, Soverato

Beautiful dive for open water diving and training, the maximum depth is no more than 8 m. Boat dive along the cliffs and returns to the boat anchor. Usually a long dive because of the shallow depth.

30
Logs
11
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
Aqualung

★★★★★ Capitan Antonio, Santa Caterina

The wreck of Capitan Antonio lies on a 12m deep seabed divided into three sections: the bow lies to the south and reaches the surface, the middle section lies to the south and the stern is displaced about 30m to the south.

100
Logs
54
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Cosala, Badolato Marina

The Cosala ship was hit by a torpedo during World War II, sank and over time broke into three pieces. Due to its depth and the ship being broken into three pieces, this cannot be done in a single dive. The 3 parts are: bow in the south, stern in the north and command bridge in the west.

24
Logs
16
Divers
37.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Verdemare, Soverato

Entry and diving from shore, sand bottom ideal for testing equipment and beginner courses. Wide open space with all kind of depths. Also good to test photo equipment.

24
Logs
9
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Calabria

Calabria, nestled at the toe of Italy's "boot," offers a diverse range of dive sites that cater to both beginners and seasoned divers. The region boasts impressive wreck dives, such as the "Città di Reggio," a sunken ship teeming with marine life, which is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Popular shore dives include the scenic Scilla, famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems, perfect for those who enjoy easy access to breathtaking underwater scenery.

For those seeking unique experiences, Calabria offers thrilling night dives, where divers can witness the mesmerizing behavior of nocturnal creatures. Marine life in this region includes Mediterranean species like the elusive moray eel and colorful parrotfish. Travelers can enjoy a balance of shore and liveaboard diving options, ensuring flexibility and adventure for all. Whether diving from the coast or aboard a vessel, Calabria promises unforgettable underwater escapades.

The best Months to Dive in Calabria

Calabria offers year-round diving opportunities, with conditions varying by season. From May to October, water temperatures range from 20°C–26°C/68°F–79°F, providing comfortable conditions for divers. During this period, visibility is typically excellent, reaching up to 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for underwater exploration.

In the cooler months, from November to April, water temperatures drop to 14°C–18°C/57°F–64°F. While diving remains possible, visibility may decrease due to increased sediment caused by winter rains. Additionally, wind and currents can be stronger, especially in February and March, which might affect diving conditions. Despite these challenges, divers can still enjoy Calabria’s rich marine life and underwater landscapes throughout the year, although the warmer months are generally more favorable for diving.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

DIVING SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL

Contrada Calabro 10, 87021 Belvedere Marittimo, CS - ITA

MEGALE HELLAS DIVING CENTER

VIA C. COLOMBO II TRAV. 1/B, 89046 MARINA DI GIOIOSA JONICA, RC - ITA

A.S.D. SUBAMICI

VIA FRATELLI ROSSELLI, 24, 88068 SOVERATO, CZ - ITA