Explore Lazio

Lazio is a region in west-central Italy bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, home to the capital city of Rome. With volcanic landscapes and rich maritime history, both wrecks and fascinating rock formations lay beneath the waves. On the island of Ponza, where Homer’s character Circe was said to be exiled to in the tale of ‘The Odyssey’, caves, tunnels and ravines fill the underwater landscape. Ponza and Ventotene, both belonging to the Pontine Islands group, are known for their Roman wrecks which lie beyond recreational limits.

As the remnant of a former volcano, the seascape lying below Ventotene features lava sands as well as several caverns where nursehound sharks can be found laying their eggs. Ventotene is reachable by ferry from Rome as well as being on the itinerary for several mainland dive centres. Novice dive courses are available on both Ventotene and Ponza, yet, if you don’t want to venture straight into the sea, Rome dive centres offer the confined portion of dive courses within heated swimming pools - especially useful during the winter!

Dive resorts are not common in the Lazio region yet, there are some located on the dramatic island of Ponza - which is the largest of the Pontine Islands group.

Places to Explore

Ventotene

3 Divesites 1 Center

Lying between Ischia and Ponza, Ventotene is a small island off the western coast of Italy and the remains of an ancient volcano. Reached by regularly scheduled ferries, Ventotene has a rural and cultured feel with a history that dates back to Greek rule. Since 1997, the Protected Marine Area of the Islands of Ventotene and Santo Stefano conserves the surrounding waters, whose dive sites are characterised by caves, tunnels and arches.

Ponza

19 Divesites 2 Centers

Ponza is steeped in mystical mythology, which legend tells was Homer’s inspiration for the sorceress Circe’s island in his brilliant tale, ‘The Odyssey’. Bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, situated in the province of Lazio in Italy, Ponza diving features pinnacles rising from the ocean’s depths, caves, as well as several wrecks.

Rome

12 Divesites 21 Centers

Rome is the capital city of Italy and the Lazio region, renowned as one of the most romantic and charismatic cities. Located in the city centre, there are many dive centres that offer dive courses for all levels, as well as weekend and day trips to the wrecks and rocky reefs of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Discover the statue of Christ while diving at Circeo or head to the island of Ventotene and dive among Roman artefacts while weaving in and out of caves, arches and tunnels.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Canaloni

One of the most varied dives that can be carried out in the vicinity of the tourist port of Riva di Traiano, with a minimum depth of 10 meters and a maximum of about 27 meters, characterized by flat sand and rocks and rock tongues (canaloni) that are colonized by yellow gorgonians and red coral.

771
Logs
323
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Asia (Wreck)

Immersion for educational, specialty or naturalistic purposes. Wreck reclaimed scrupulously in places accessible according to safety standards and can be visited by advanced certificates, on average expert in pairs independently or advanced certificates with guide. Variable visibility dependent on weather and curr

2,046
Logs
517
Divers
34.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Murata di Sant'Agostino

One of the most famous sites of the Lazio coast. This is a splendid shoal 1.5 miles off Sant’Agostino that rises from 38 meters to 24 meters. The area is completely colonized by red coral, paramuricee, and all the other inhabitants.

61
Logs
28
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Parete del Corallo

Almost 2 miles south of Riva di Traiano, at the beginning of Capo Linaro, you will find this splendid “panettone“ about 100 meters long. It is very interesting in on the open seaside, as it is completely covered with red coral and full of ravines where conger eels and lobsters are found.

91
Logs
60
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Madonnina

This shoal is highly appreciated by students and tourists for its proximity to the port of Riva di Traiano and for the possibility of significant sightings despite the simplicity of the dive. This site has a wall that goes down from 8 m to 18 m.

2,445
Logs
822
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Liburna, wreck

Diving for advanced or higher certificates, low level of difficulty, recreational tourist diving, biological, technical, teaching specialties. Maximum depth 42 m, minimum 28 m. Safety provision with fixed anchoring to the boat. Square dive profile. Distance 15 minutes of navigation

163
Logs
78
Divers
39.0 m
⌀ Depth
7.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ BOA (Secche di Tor Paterno

Buoy 1 , usual dive depth between 18-24 meters. Descent along the chain where the buoy is anchored on the bottom. The site is 4.5 kilometers from the coast, reachable onyl by boat.

4,042
Logs
647
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Parete Pierucci

Great site for open courses, specialties, and for tourists thanks to the very rich backdrop of various biological forms, characterized by a vertical wall about 300 meters long which divides a platform on 8/10 meters from the bottom at about 20 meters.

2,223
Logs
757
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Formiche

They are located near the southeastern part of the island of Ponza and are one of the most interesting points for diving: there are gullies at a depth of 30 meters, which overlook a ledge that slopes down to over 50 meters, and from a siphon a small cave is accessed from the access to 18m.

799
Logs
358
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Faraglioni di Punta della Madonna

As soon as you leave the port of Ponza, after having passed the Grotte di Pilato, you will find the Faraglioni di Punta della Madonna which offer both wall and cave diving starting from a depth of 4 meters and suitable for everyone. The site is easily accessible by dinghy.

323
Logs
195
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca dei mattoni

Located between Ponza and Palmarola, the Secca dei Mattoni is an important site in terms of archeology since an ancient Roman ship sank right here. Even today there are amphorae, finds from the Roman era and a Bourbon anchor. The site can be reached in a short time with a dinghy.

60
Logs
50
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Relitto LST 349 - Prua

This place is located in the western part of Ponza, it offers a wall full of life at the base of it lies the bow of the shipwreck from the Second World War, lying in navigation trim at a depth of 30 meters, divided into two parts and partly penetrable . Reachable by dinghy.

268
Logs
181
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lago di Trevignano Romano

Lake Bracciano, is far from less than an hour from Rome, is a hub for Roman diving. It’s the perfect place for introductory dives for all levels.

2,792
Logs
372
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
6.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Grotta della Maga Circe & Grotta di Capo Bianco

To the west of the island, among the white limestone cliffs, are the caves of Maga Circe and Capobianco, where with only mask and fins and accompanied by ODISSEY DIVING's dinghy, one can observe stupendous plays of light and crystal clear water.

20
Logs
14
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Relitto Kastell Luanda

Located in Cala dell'Acqua, on the west face of the island, the wreck lies at a depth of 6m. It is not buoyant and cannot be penetrated but both the propeller and rudder can be seen. Perfect site for Try scuba and snorkeling, conveniently reached by ODISSEY DIVING dinghy.

13
Logs
11
Divers
11.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Lazio

Lazio, while not traditionally known for its diving, offers intriguing underwater experiences. Off the coast of Lazio, divers can explore the wreck of "Santa Lucia," a prominent site near the Pontine Islands. This wreck dive provides an exciting adventure with its fascinating history and vibrant marine life. Shore diving is also popular, with the crystal-clear waters around the beaches of Sperlonga offering easy access to diverse underwater habitats.

For those seeking unique experiences, night dives reveal the captivating nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures, making for unforgettable adventures. While liveaboard options are limited in Lazio, the region's shore dives provide a convenient and rewarding alternative, catering to both beginner and experienced divers. Lazio's dive sites offer a harmonious balance between accessibility and adventure, appealing to dive travelers eager to explore the underwater wonders of this Italian region.

The best Months to Dive in Lazio

Lazio, located along Italy's western coastline, offers diving opportunities year-round, though conditions vary. During the warmer months, from June to September, water temperatures range from 23°C to 28°C, providing comfortable diving conditions. Visibility is typically between 10 to 20 meters, although it may decrease during peak summer due to increased water activity.

In the cooler months, from October to May, water temperatures drop to 13°C to 20°C. Visibility can remain good, but winter storms and winds, especially the Tramontana, may impact diving conditions by causing rough seas and strong currents. While diving is possible throughout the year, the spring and fall offer a balance of mild weather and favorable diving conditions, making them ideal for planning a trip to Lazio.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

Odissey Diving Ponza

Via Sindaco de Luca SNC, 04027 Ponza, LT - ITA

DIVING LINE

VIA ALESSANDRO MANZONI 19/B (C/O Studio Legale Ludovici), 67100 L Aquila, AQ - ITA

MACOSUB TITANI

Via dei Girasoli 5, 00172 Roma, RM - ITA

SUB INSIDE ASD

VIALE DELL UMANESIMO, 38, 00144 ROMA, RM - ITA

DIVE MODE

Via del Boschetto, 51, 00046 Grottaferrata, RM - ITA

A.S.D. BLUE & BLUE DIVER CLUB VITERBO

Viale IV Novembre 14, 01100 Viterbo, VT - ITA

Gruppo Solaris A.S.D.

Via Ardeatina 1239A, 00134 Roma, RM - ITA

ROMA SUB

VIA CORNELIA 495 C/O CIRCOLO FORUM, 00166 ROMA, RM - ITA

FREEWATERH2O

Via dei Cestari 13, 00186 Roma, RM - ITA

DIVING WORLD VENTOTENE

Via Porto Romano 7, 04031 Ventotene, LT - ITA

Ponza Diving Center

Via Banchina di Fazio SNC, 04027 Isola di Ponza, LT - ITA

DIVE BLU ASD

VIA DI BRAVETTA 347, 00164 ROMA, RM - ITA

Marenostrum Diving Team

c/o Loto Servizi, 00152 Roma, RM - ITA

TOR PATERNO DIVING

C/O Univelica, 00071 Pomezia, RM - ITA

GORGONIA DIVING ASD

Via dei Quattro Venti 57, 00152 Roma, RM - ITA

DIVE SECURESUB

Via Ernesto Boezi 173, 00124 Roma, RM - ITA

Scuola Sub Roma Dive

Via Siculiana 75, 00133 Roma, RM - ITA

INTO THE SEA ASD

VIA RONCIGLIANO 65A, 00041 ALBANO LAZIALE, RM - ITA

PELLICANO MARE

Via delle Medaglie d'Oro 160 ABC, 00136 Roma, RM - ITA

ABYSS DIVERS TORRE FLAVIA DIVING

Porto Odescalchi, 00058 Santa Marinella, RM - ITA