Explore Santa Margherita Ligure
Set on the Gulf of Tigullio between Rapallo and Portofino, the fishing town of Santa Margherita Ligure has an antique charm. Situated in the region of Liguria in Italy, Santa Margherita Ligure has access to the multitude of wrecks found close to the port city of Genoa. Technical divers can descend beyond recreational limits while many of the dive centres offer dive courses to those who want to have their first underwater experience.
A short boat ride from Santa Margherita Ligure, few places in the Mediterranean can boast such a spectacular concentration of marine life as the Portofino Marine Park. Among rocky substrate, explore caves, walls and reefs among a myriad of small fish and pelagics. Santa Margherita Ligure diving is accessible from several dive centres in the quaint town.
Top Santa Margherita Ligure Dive Sites
1. Christ of the Abyss
This iconic dive site features a bronze statue submerged in homage to diving pioneer Dario Gonzatti. Located in the Portofino Marine Park, it offers a serene experience with schools of fish and vibrant marine flora. It is suitable for both scuba and freediving, with an easy adventure level for beginners.
2. Carega
Situated within the Portofino Marine Park, Carega is a rocky reef teeming with marine life, including barracuda. The area offers easy access for beginner divers in shallow waters and challenges for advanced divers deeper at 40 meters. Scuba diving is the main activity here, with the reef providing an engaging exploration.
3. Isuela
Isuela is renowned for its incredible abundance of marine life, with guaranteed sightings of barracuda. Suitable for scuba diving, this site offers both easy and advanced diving opportunities due to its varying depths. The rich ecosystems make it a popular spot for divers seeking diverse marine encounters.
4. Mohawk Deer Wreck
This wreck, located in the Portofino Marine Park, is accessible to both recreational and technical divers. Featuring boilers and an engine room for exploration, it provides a technical adventure level. Scuba diving is required to fully experience the historical and structural intrigue of this underwater vessel.
5. Haven Wreck (Arenzano)
Though outside Santa Margherita Ligure, in Arenzano, the Haven wreck is noteworthy. With six decks and a propeller cabin, it's suited for technical divers. Scuba diving is essential to navigate this extensive site, which offers a complex and thrilling exploration of the ship's remains.
