Explore La Maddalena

Protected Marine Area La Maddalena, nestled in Sardinia, Italy, offers a captivating diving experience that enchants divers with its stunning marine biodiversity and unique underwater landscapes. Established as a National Park since 1995, this archipelago consists of unspoiled islands and islets, housing over 30 spectacular dive sites. The diverse underwater environment features rocky bottoms teeming with vibrant marine life, providing a thrilling experience for divers of all levels. One of the highlights is Washington Rock, where divers can explore depths ranging from 20 to 27 meters/66 to 89 feet. This site is renowned for its dramatic topography and an impressive array of sea creatures, truly representative of the region's ecological richness.

Whether you prefer shore, boat, or liveaboard diving, La Maddalena offers something for every diving enthusiast. Seasonal variations bring unique encounters, from playful dolphins to colorful coral reefs, ensuring each dive is a new adventure. Beyond the exhilarating dives, La Maddalena's serene surroundings and clear waters enhance the overall experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquility in a pristine marine setting. With its blend of natural beauty and rich biodiversity, Protected Marine Area La Maddalena stands out as a premier dive destination, offering an unforgettable journey beneath the waves.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ I Picchi

One of the most fascinating diving spots on Caprera. It consists of two pinnacles reaching to the surface. The anchorage is on a 19 mt bottom. Sometimes there is a current but it offers plenty of ridges. A beautiful arch on 26 mt. There is also an outer shoal reaching 45 with gorgonians and many lobsters.

1,074
Logs
541
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Grotta San Francesco

20 min navigation from Cannigione, on the East side of Caprera Island, near I Pichi, you will dive from the boat on a nice landscape and at the end of the dive you can swim into a nice little cavern starting at 12M to 5M.

528
Logs
317
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta Battistoni

Punta Battistoni, near the seaside resort of Baia Sardinia, is a perfect diving spot for beginner divers or those who need a refresh dive after a long period of inactivity. The dive starts from the shore, and you have plenty of time to become familiar with the water. At 12m you can find a air bell :)

1,915
Logs
535
Divers
13.0 m
⌀ Depth
16.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Scoglio di Tahiti

The real name would be Cala Coticcio but it is now called Tahiti in honor of the beach of the same name nearby. The 10m buoy offers an easy descent and the shoal is very wide. It is bordered by the beautiful white sand that creates a beautiful contrast with the rock. You can also go deep up to 35m.

1,031
Logs
520
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Motore dei Monaci

The Motor is the dive north-east of the Islet of the Monks. The name derives from the presence of a large diesel engine located at 23m, at the foot of a small wall facing north. This small wreck offers hiding places to numerous life forms, first of all the conger eels and morays.

286
Logs
165
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cala Inglese

Cala Inglese. The name derives from the legend that says that Admiral Nelson had his fleet stationed in this cove. The dive has become famous not only for its undoubted beauty but also thanks to a photo by National Geographic Italy, which immortalizes a diver next to a huge rock that looks like a human face.

794
Logs
427
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Mortoriotto

The two islets of Mortoriotto are located north of the larger island of Mortorio.The diving spot is located around the outermost islet and, except for the presence of strong currents, total circumnavigation is possible.

332
Logs
157
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
32.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Faro dei Monaci

The Faro dei Monaci is a dive that takes place under the lighthouse on the island of the same name. It anchors in a cove well sheltered from the Grecale and Scirocco winds. The bottom is 5 meters, ideal for beginners. It then descends fairly quickly to 30/35 meters, where the gorgonians can be seen. There are cracks on the wall.

443
Logs
223
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca dei Monaci

The Secca dei Monaci is a very large reef with a 6 mt top and descends to 35-40 mt. A reef to the east of the Isola dei Monaci marked by a buoy. It offers many scenarios. There is often a current and it can be done in drift. Rich in fish. There are also some beautiful gorgonians.

338
Logs
192
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Fiordino

Fiordino is a Caprera dive with an anchorage in front of the beautiful Caprera Fjord. The bottom of the anchorage is 6 mt. Then the dive descends rapidly to 40 mt. The landscape is moonscape with cubic boulders everywhere that den many species.

317
Logs
193
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ I Giardini di Caprera

One of the numbers dive site on the east of Caprera. Starting from the anchor buoy, continue southwards, keeping the coast of Caprera on the left side. After a first stretch of landslide, the seabed drops rapidly down to a depth of about 30m.

271
Logs
180
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ Secca di Spargiottello

A very extensive shoal, often with current, but very beautiful. One of the most beautiful walls from 5 mt up to 22 entirely covered with life. On the west side many groupers and mason environment.

801
Logs
497
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Munichedda

A small reef with very clear water. Famous in the area for being particularly rich in fish, it will be one of the protected areas of the MPA Capo Testa Punta Falcone.Simple and relaxing dive, it is at its best at dusk. The twilight dive is really not to be missed.

1,204
Logs
367
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Secca di Washington

Shoal of Spargi (W. Rock). The Shoal of Spargi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful diving spots in the La Maddalena Archipelago. We are located in the Mistral of the Island of Spargi, in the immediate vicinity of the Strait of Bonifacio.

651
Logs
414
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Grottes de Beccu

The Becu Caves dive site is a fascinating underwater rock formation where divers can explore a veritable maze of passages and tunnels. This natural structure offers a unique experience, with narrow corridors, caverns and passages for divers.

104
Logs
79
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in La Maddalena

Located off the coast of Sardinia, the Protected Marine Area La Maddalena offers a variety of exceptional dive sites for enthusiasts. Among the top sites is the wreck of "Angelika," a fascinating shipwreck dive that intrigues with its history and marine life. For those preferring shore dives, the waters around Caprera Island are accessible and teeming with vibrant fish and unique rock formations. Night dives in this area reveal enchanting underwater experiences, showcasing nocturnal marine life behavior. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving options caters to diverse preferences, allowing divers to explore at their own pace. Whether you're seeking the thrill of exploring historic wrecks or the serenity of shore diving, La Maddalena promises unforgettable underwater adventures.

The best Months to dive in La Maddalena

The Protected Marine Area of La Maddalena offers year-round diving opportunities with varying conditions across seasons. Water temperatures range from 14°C–26°C/57°F–79°F, providing a generally comfortable experience. During summer months, visibility often exceeds 30 meters/98 feet, making it an ideal time for underwater exploration.

Winter diving is possible, though visibility may decrease due to seasonal currents and winds, particularly the Mistral. Spring and autumn present mild conditions but can have unpredictable winds affecting dive plans. Overall, summer remains the most favorable period for diving, while winter can pose challenges for less experienced divers.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

SCUBA REVOLUTION

VIA A.VESPUCCI 20, 07021 CANNIGIONE, SS - ITA

ASD FOCUS

via la marina, 07028 SANTA TERESA GALLURA, SS - ITA

ORCA DIVE CLUB SANTA TERESA GALLURA

Via del Porto 69, 07028 Santa Teresa Gallura, SS - ITA

Blue Zone S.R.L.

Via Le Saline 1, 07020 Palau, SS - ITA

BLU DIVE CENTER

Via Nazionale 73, 07028 Santa Teresa Gallura, SS - ITA

AREA11 DIVING CENTER

VIA PADULE, 100, 07024 LA MADDALENA, SS - ITA

ORSO DIVING CLUB

Loc. Poltu Quatu - Lato ovest porto, 07021 Arzachena, OT - ITA