Diving in Liguria

Diving in Liguria is a unique experience that captures the essence of the Italian Riviera. This north-western region of Italy offers a stunning blend of underwater landscapes, from the vibrant reefs and dramatic walls of the Portofino Marine Park to the intriguing wrecks near Genoa. The gentle currents of Portofino create a rich marine environment teeming with a variety of marine life. Divers can encounter everything from small reef fish to larger pelagics darting through this underwater wonderland, making every dive an exciting adventure.

For those seeking technical challenges, the waters off Genoa and Arenzano present deeper dives with wrecks lying up to 115 meters below the surface. These sites are ideal for divers looking to hone their technical skills. Meanwhile, the western coast offers the stunning Bergeggi Marine Area, where rocky reefs and ravines play host to barracuda, sea bream, and colorful nudibranchs. With visibility reaching up to 30 meters, the diverse dive environments of Liguria promise unforgettable encounters for divers of all levels.

Beyond the underwater marvels, Liguria's coastline is a breathtaking sight, with its rugged cliffs plunging into the azure waters of the Ligurian Sea. The region's proximity to cultural treasures, like the UNESCO-listed Cinque Terre, adds to its allure as a dive destination. Whether exploring the vibrant marine life, ancient wrecks, or simply soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery, diving in Liguria offers a rich tapestry of experiences that make it a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.

Places to Explore

Genoa

3 Centers

Built during the Roman Empire, Genoa - also know as Genova - was a powerful port city by birth. Based in the north-western of Italy in the region of Liguria, Genoa borders the Ligurian Sea. Due to Genoa’s rich maritime history and the intense war activity that took place in World War II, many deep wrecks lie in wait of technical and recreational divers to explore their depths in the Gulf of Genoa. Dive centres in Genoa also visit the Portofino Marine Reserve which is a characterised by a rocky seascape. Caves, walls, and even the statue of Christ can be explored at Portofino’s countless sites.

Western Coast of Liguria

30 Divesites 6 Centers

On the quieter western coast of Liguria, you can find a much less crowded diving experience than you will in the major diving hub of Portofino.

Arenzano

2 Divesites

Arenzano is known to have great shipwrecks to explore and the surrounding seas have been a very active port for the city of Gerona for a very long time.

Portofino

25 Divesites 4 Centers

Portofino is a world-famous town known as the birthplace of Italian diving.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Capo Noli

Sand esplanade that descends to a depth of 40 m interspersed with rocks and boulders that descend towards the bottom where there is scattered debris. After an initial gradual slope, the esplanade descends steeply to the bottom, almost forming a wall of sand.

2,900
Logs
937
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
13.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca delle Stelle

A dive dedicated to beginners on a seabed that extends over a discreet extension between 14 and 24 meters where the best-known feature is a spectacular rock pyramid entirely covered in Parazoanthus.

1,168
Logs
609
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Franata

As you enter this site you will find a steep slope of rocks reaching a maximum depth of 30 meters. This site is full of burrows and holes, ideal habitat for countless species of marine animals. A dive that never disappoints.

1,355
Logs
568
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Nemo’s Garden

In the bay of Noli, in Liguria, at eight meters of seabed, vegetables and aromatic herbs are grown in five underwater greenhouses anchored to the sandy seabed.

1,719
Logs
646
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pifferaio

From here we enter the full protection zone of the Bergeggi MPA, a dive that develops to a maximum depth of 18 m with the wall on the left, we encounter a wall full of small burrows and a small inlet that often holds unexpected surprises.

3,823
Logs
1,483
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★☆☆ Secca Bibiz

A series of large rocks ranging from 40 to 52 meters allows for 20/30 minutes of truly unique diving. Dens and inlets are excellent refuges for all species of marine animals, even for unusual encounters. expert diving with an XR SSI certification or equivalent.

116
Logs
43
Divers
44.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Relitto Sarchiapone

Two very distinctive wrecks, silhouetted together and not far apart. Maximum depth 30 mt. They were port ships that served as locks in the port of Genoa.

26
Logs
21
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lamacrèxia

This dive site is located within Zone B of the Cinque Terre National Park. The site is perfect for beginners and divers with little experience.

773
Logs
334
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Relitto Colosso

A large wreck with maximum depth 39 mt. The wreck is in sailing trim and without nets. There are two nice passages that are very open and relatively easy. Nice part of the accommodation and kitchen.

59
Logs
51
Divers
37.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca delle Spugne

About 500 m. from the south side of the island of Bergeggi Marine Protected Area, we find 5 large rocks scattered on the seabed spaced by stretches of sand, the minimum depth is 42 m. and the maximum of 46 m. it is a dive in which the water is very often clean and sometimes we can find curren

142
Logs
53
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Corallo Nero

The dive takes place at a depth varying from 32 to 38 meters and is therefore reserved for DEEP Dive certified divers. The environment to be explored is full of colors and life.

218
Logs
109
Divers
36.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Altare

The subsoil of this popular bathing lake consists of gravel, which offers good visibility even during heavy bathing. On weekends there are usually plenty of divers on site. Those who can may prefer to dive during the week when it is less crowded.

4,127
Logs
1,930
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cristo degli Abissi

In the fabulous and unique San Fruttuoso Bay, a life-size statue has been placed in memory of Duilio Marcante. The statue lies at a depth of about 16 meters and, including its base, rises about 5 meters.

2,576
Logs
1,602
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Grotta dei Gamberi

Grotta dei Gamberi dive site, located on the east side of Punta Chiappa, begins at 18 meters at the base of the mooring buoy. Heading south and slightly to the west, the rocky seabed mixed with posidonia slowly slopes down to 22 meters, where a beautiful vertical sinking wall begins.

1,264
Logs
648
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ BR-20 Wreck

It is the wreck of the only example of the Cicogna bomber still existing at sea, sunk on the night of June 13, 1945 on a sandy bottom at a depth of 47 metres. The BR-20 was equipped with two twin star engines of 1000 hp, each which still have their 24 cylinders.

110
Logs
73
Divers
45.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Liguria

Liguria, nestled along Italy's northwest coast, offers divers an exciting array of underwater adventures. The region is renowned for its well-preserved wrecks, with the "Haven" being a standout. This massive oil tanker, resting at around 80 meters/262 feet, provides a dramatic dive site with its deep-water allure. Accessible for advanced divers, it promises an unforgettable exploration of sunken history. Liguria also boasts the "Mohawk Deer" wreck, a cargo ship that engages divers with its marine life-rich structures.

For those seeking shore dives, the renowned "Portofino Marine Protected Area" offers easy access to vibrant reefs teeming with fish. It’s perfect for both novice divers and those looking to enjoy an extended session without a boat trip. Night dives in Liguria reveal a different world, with nocturnal creatures like cuttlefish and octopuses displaying fascinating behaviors. While liveaboard options are limited, the balance of accessible shore dives and day-trip boat dives ensures divers can enjoy Liguria's underwater offerings to the fullest.

The best Months to Dive in Liguria

Liguria offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions across the seasons. Water temperatures range from 14°C/57°F in winter to around 25°C/77°F in summer, making wetsuits essential in colder months and a lighter suit or skin suitable during warm weather. Visibility is typically excellent, ranging from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, although it can reduce after heavy rain or during algal blooms.

While diving is possible throughout the year, the best conditions are found from May to October when the sea is warmer and calmer. Winter winds and stronger currents can affect diving conditions, making it less favorable for beginners. Nevertheless, advanced divers may enjoy the challenge of winter diving when popular sites are less crowded.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

DIVING GROUP PORTOFINO

VIA AMERIGO VESPUCCI 2, 16035 RAPALLO, GE - ITA

BUBBLE LOUNGE DIVING

Passeggiata Punta Sant’Anna 12, 16036 Recco, GE - ITA

UnderwaterTales

Viale Arata 6/11, 16043 Chiavari, GE - ITA

SPORTY A.P.S.

Localita Chiama, 19014 Framura, SP - ITA

LORENZO SUB DIVING CENTER

VIA DEL PILOTA 11, 19030 AMEGLIA FIUMARETTA, SP - ITA

SSI EMEA - Italia

Salita Bonsen 4, 16035 Rapallo, GE - ITA

Scuola Sub LNI Sez. Quinto

Via Giuseppe Majorana 6R, 16166 Genova, GE - ITA

Marina Diving Center

Via Madonna del Loreto nr. 2/3, 17025 Loano, SV - ITA

Diving Center Service Nereo Sub

VIA BERNINZONI 124, 17028 SPOTORNO, SV - ITA

La Tribu Diving Academy

via Meneghetti 24, 19032 Lerici, SP - ITA

A.S.D. N.S.A. CHIERI

sede legale c/o studio Caputo via Fiume, 9/4, 17100 SAVONA, SV - ITA

LERICI FREEDIVING

VIA CAVOUR 2-3-4, 19032 LERICI, SP - ITA

LE CAVALLETTE DIVING SNC

Via Cadorna 13, 17100 Savona, SV - ITA

LIBECCIO TEK DIVING

Piazzale Kennedy 1, 16129 Genova, GE - ITA

MASSUB DIVING CENTER - PORTOFINO

BOX 117 P.TO TURISTICO LAVAGNA, 16033 LAVAGNA, GE - ITA

Diving 5Terre Riomaggiore

Via San Giacomo snc, 19017 Riomaggiore, SP - ITA

MASSUB DIVING CENTER - LAVAGNA

BOX 117 P.TO TURISTICO LAVAGNA, 16033 LAVAGNA, GE - ITA

Style Diving

via san Michele 92/98, 16035 San Michele di Pagana - Rapall, GE - ITA

CALAFU-RIA

Via Libertà 55, 19025 Le Grazie di Portovenere, SP - ITA

Borgo Marina Diving a.s.d.

Piazza Sant’Antonio, 13, 18100 Imperia, IM - ITA