Explore Lago di Lugano

Lago di Lugano, straddling the border between southern Switzerland and northern Italy, presents a captivating dive destination nestled amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. With a surface area of 48.7 square kilometers/30 square miles and plunging to a maximum depth of 288 meters/945 feet, this lake offers a diverse underwater landscape for divers of all levels. From recreational shore dives to more challenging technical explorations, Lago di Lugano is a haven for those seeking the allure of freshwater diving in a unique European setting.

Divers can expect visibility up to 10 meters/33 feet, which enhances the experience of exploring the lake's clear waters. The surrounding mountains, such as Monte Brè and Monte Generoso, add to the lake's charm, providing stunning vistas both above and below the water. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Monte San Giorgio nearby offers additional cultural and natural exploration opportunities. Whether you're diving to uncover submerged secrets or simply to enjoy the tranquil beauty, Lago di Lugano's blend of accessible diving conditions and extraordinary surroundings makes it an unforgettable destination.

Courses and Events

Navigation

With this specialty program, you'll gain the advanced skills and knowledge needed to navigate underwater safely and confidently. You'll learn how to use a compass and natural navigation techniques, estimate distance, leave and find a designated point, as well as basic navigation patterns. You will also be taught how to combine navigation techniques to enhance your diving experience. All of this sharpens your underwater observation skills, improves your dive safety, and helps you get the most out of every dive. Once completed, you will earn your SSI Navigation Specialty certification.

20 February
EUR 218.76
CHF 200.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Lago di Lugano

Lago di Lugano offers a diverse range of dive sites for enthusiasts. Among its top attractions is "The Santa Maria," a remarkable wreck dive featuring a sunken 19th-century vessel at a depth of 45 meters/148 feet. This site provides an enthralling journey into history with its well-preserved structure.

For those preferring shore dives, the "Porto di Melide" offers easy access and fascinating underwater landscapes teeming with freshwater fish. Night dives here reveal mesmerizing bioluminescent displays, enhancing the underwater experience. While Lago di Lugano primarily supports shore diving, occasional liveaboard options are available, providing a balanced diving adventure.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Lago di Lugano

Lago di Lugano, a glacial lake situated between Switzerland and Italy, offers a unique diving experience with its diverse freshwater wildlife. Typical fish species include perch and pike, which are common inhabitants of the lake. Divers might also encounter the elusive catfish and even sturgeon, although these sightings are rarer. The lake serves as a breeding ground for various species, with seasonal spawning activities adding to the vibrant underwater life.

Visibility in Lago di Lugano can vary greatly depending on the time of year and weather conditions, influencing the ease of spotting marine life. During colder months, visibility tends to improve, providing clearer sights of the lake’s inhabitants. Diving can reach depths up to 288 meters/945 feet, but most wildlife encounters occur at shallower levels. Planning dives during spring and autumn can increase chances of witnessing spawning or encountering larger fish species, offering divers a truly enriching freshwater experience.

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: 3

iStock-jpa1999

Perch
344 Sightings
J
28
F
15
M
9
A
9
M
11
J
19
J
75
A
76
S
40
O
36
N
11
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

Shutterstock-dushkovladimir

Crayfish
187 Sightings
J
16
F
13
M
11
A
5
M
4
J
0
J
20
A
47
S
31
O
22
N
9
D
9
AdobeStock-mirecca

Burbot
50 Sightings
J
9
F
5
M
4
A
4
M
8
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
10
N
7
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 5

iStock-abadonian

Pike
45 Sightings
J
9
F
6
M
7
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
11
N
9
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

iStock-reptiles4all

Snake
26 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
11
A
15
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The best Months to dive in Lago di Lugano

In Lago di Lugano, freshwater diving conditions vary throughout the year. During spring (March to May), water temperatures range from 8°C–12°C/46°F–54°F, with visibility improving as algae growth decreases. Summer months (June to August) offer warmer waters at 20°C–24°C/68°F–75°F, yet visibility may be reduced due to increased recreational boating activity.

Autumn (September to November) presents optimal diving conditions, with temperatures around 15°C–18°C/59°F–64°F and clear waters. Winter (December to February) sees temperatures drop to 5°C–7°C/41°F–45°F, and ice cover is rare, allowing for consistent access. Best diving months are autumn, offering stable conditions and superior visibility. Limitations include potential for decreased underwater sightlines in summer and cooler conditions in winter, requiring appropriate gear.

Dive Centers

Gruppo Subacqueo Pesce Sole Sub

Sentiero di Gandria 6, 6976 Castagnola, CHE

Dive Sites

Gruppo Subacqueo Pesce Sole Sub, 6976 Castagnola

PSS Pesce Sole Sub (★4.0)

Just 10 minutes from the center of Lugano is the home of our club, called Pesce Sole Sub. Once you step inside, the water entry is just a few meters away, and the view of the Gulf of Lugano and Mount San Salvatore is breathtaking. The dive site is suitable for all levels.