Scilla and Costa Viola
Costa Viola is a stretch of coastline in Reggio Calabria where the waters lead to the Aeolian Islands.
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
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
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.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Calabria
Calabria, located at the tip of Italy's "boot," offers a diverse marine life experience for divers. The Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas that border this region host a variety of reef fish such as the vibrant damselfish and groupers, common sights in the rocky reef areas. These fish are abundant year-round, providing consistent viewing opportunities for marine enthusiasts.
Seasonal highlights include the occasional sighting of loggerhead turtles, particularly during the summer months when these majestic creatures may be seen near nesting areas. Divers might also encounter rays, which are more commonly spotted in the warmer months. While shark encounters are rare, those diving in deeper waters off the coast might glimpse species such as the blue shark during certain times of the year. Overall, Calabria’s waters promise a rich marine experience, with varying encounters depending on the season and diving location.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
101 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
1
A
3
M
1
J
6
J
30
A
35
S
19
O
2
N
0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
84 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
5
J
5
J
25
A
41
S
2
O
3
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
18 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
1
M
0
J
3
J
4
A
0
S
4
O
2
N
2
D
0
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse
210 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
0
A
2
M
2
J
0
J
50
A
118
S
20
O
6
N
0
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
91 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
0
M
2
J
3
J
19
A
45
S
14
O
2
N
1
D
3
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
48 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
0
J
2
J
5
A
27
S
10
O
2
N
0
D
1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
41 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
0
A
4
M
2
J
2
J
2
A
15
S
6
O
2
N
0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
36 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
2
J
2
J
11
A
13
S
6
O
1
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
32 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
0
J
8
A
22
S
1
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
29 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
1
A
1
M
1
J
0
J
7
A
16
S
1
O
1
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
25 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
1
M
1
J
1
J
7
A
1
S
11
O
2
N
0
D
0
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.
