Explore Tuscany

Embarking on a diving adventure in Tuscany reveals a lesser-known facet of this Italian gem, famed for its art and cuisine. The Tuscan Archipelago, a picturesque assembly of islands nestled between the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas, offers a unique underwater tapestry. From the vibrant reefs of Elba to the deep pinnacles around Capraia, the diving experiences here are as diverse as they are enchanting. Elba’s sites, sculpted by centuries of gentle erosion, host an intriguing array of marine life, including the elusive oceanic sunfish. This makes each dive an encounter with nature's unpredictability, wrapped in the tranquility of the Mediterranean.

Divers can explore from both shore and boat, with access to some sites available from the delightful mainland towns of Porto Ercole and Livorno. For those seeking a mix of challenge and serenity, Giglio Island boasts shallow shoals perfect for beginners, while its deep wrecks present an inviting allure for technical divers. Additionally, the protected waters of Giglio and Giannutri ensure a peaceful exploration, free from the hum of motorized vehicles. Dive centers across the islands and mainland provide a full range of courses, making Tuscany not only a destination for experienced divers but also a nurturing ground for new enthusiasts, all against the backdrop of Italy's captivating coastal charm.

Places to Explore

Livorno

2 Centers

The Livorno coast in the Tuscany region of Italy is rich in colour and renowned for the presence of vibrant red corals. Scuba diving in Livorno is characterised by overhanging walls ranging from 12-42 metres in depth - ideal for divers of all level, from novice divers to technical. Beneath the water’s surface discover ancient anchors, caves crowded with conger eels and sites teeming with scorpionfish, octopus and groupers await.

Capraia

Located in the Tuscan Archipelago, the island of Capraia looks out over the Tyrrhenian and the Ligurian Sea. Capraia diving consists of steep walls and deep pinnacles extending beyond 50 metres deep, often in strong currents that are demanding for even dive professionals. As well as current-swept sites, protected sites are available for novice divers.

Pianosa Island

Pianosa Island is a very unique area for divers to explore.

Isola d'Elba

1 Divesite 14 Centers

Isola d’Elba is a great tourist destination with lots of shops and restaurants and 150 beaches to explore.

Giglio and Giannutri Islands

2 Centers

Giglio and Giannutri Islands offer a glimpse of undisturbed biodiversity as scuba diving is the only permitted activity in this location.

Argentario coast

3 Centers

the Argentario coast itself has many great diving options to offer in its own right.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Relitto di Pomonte

The Elviscot wreck is one of the most famous wrecks in the Mediterranean because it is located on a 12-meter deep seabed and reaches only a few meters from the surface.

1,595
Logs
1,182
Divers
12.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Pianosa Boa 5

This dive is located just south of the Pianosa rock. The peculiarity is certainly a large cave that cuts through the entire shoal. Pelagic fish are plentiful.

1,203
Logs
811
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Scoglietto - Franata delle Cernie

This site is one of the best dives on the island of Elba, the only area of the marine park where the presence of fish is incredibly abundant. This dive is suitable for all levels of diver.

6,559
Logs
2,344
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pianosa Boa 3

Probably the best dive site on the island of Pianosa, a shoal rich in life with a pinnacle reaching 3 meters from the surface.

1,044
Logs
675
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Gli Archetti

Archetti in Giannutri offer a captivating dive among natural arches and tunnels with stunning light effects, on seabeds from 5 to 30 m. Among rocks and Posidonia live wrasses, sea bream, moray eels, groupers, lobsters, and sometimes dentex and barracuda, in an environment suitable for all divers.

692
Logs
493
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pianosa Boa 2

In front of the historic harbor of Pianosa Island is Buoy 2, which indicates the mooring point for visiting these submerged rocks that stand out amidst the posidonia giving breathtaking scenery.

525
Logs
423
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta della Madonna

Not far from the port of Marciana Marina we find this point that stands out in the open sea offering a long submerged wall that rapidly sinks to over 40 meters.

2,483
Logs
1,168
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta del Nasuto

This dive site is located west of Marciana Marina, just outside the harbor. It is characterized by a beautiful wall that juts out into the open sea from the headland.

1,791
Logs
752
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta San Francesco

The dive takes place a short distance from the fully protected area of ​​the Giannutri marine protected area which guarantees the possibility of spectacular encounters at any depth. The site is marked by two mooring buoys anchored at a depth of approximately 12/14 m on a rocky bottom.

659
Logs
328
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta Pennello

Punta Pennello, at Giannutri’s western tip, offers a deep and challenging dive (45–50 m) along a wall rich in gorgonians, sponges, and crevices. Frequent currents and abundant marine life—lobsters, scorpionfish, amberjacks, dentex, and John Dory—make it both technical and fascinating.

97
Logs
53
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca di Fetovaia

Fetovaia is one of the most famous beaches on Elba and the shoal is located right in front of the gulf, rising from 50m up to about 10m from the surface.

146
Logs
102
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Le Coralline

In front of Marina di Campo we find this very beautiful shoal, characterised by the presence of red coral at little depth, which is absolutely rare in Elba!

1,871
Logs
872
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Formiche della Zanca

After Punta di Sant’Andrea we find semi-outcropping rocks that constitute the Zanca Ants. This site offers various more or less deep diving routes.

1,446
Logs
721
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Secca del Careno

After the tip of St. Andrew there are 2 mooring buoys dedicated to diving, we are on the Careno shoal, which really offers many dive profiles.

353
Logs
166
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Lo Scoglione

One of the best-known dives in Capraia, this is an emerged rock from which a wall to the open sea starts, forming a beautiful gully to over 40 meters.

712
Logs
489
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Tuscany

Tuscany offers a diverse range of diving experiences, catering to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. Among the top sites, the wreck of the KT12, a German vessel, is a notable attraction. This dive site, filled with fascinating marine life, provides an intriguing glimpse into World War II history. Another popular destination is the Secche della Meloria, known for its vibrant underwater landscapes and abundant fish species, making it an excellent choice for shore divers.

For night dive enthusiasts, the waters around Elba Island offer enchanting experiences, where divers can witness unique marine behaviors under the moonlight. The island's rich biodiversity and clear waters enhance the nighttime adventure. Whether you prefer the convenience of shore dives or the extended exploration offered by liveaboard trips, Tuscany's dive sites promise a memorable underwater journey.

The best Months to Dive in Tuscany

In Tuscany, diving is possible year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 13°C–26°C/55°F–79°F. During the summer months, temperatures are warmest, making for pleasant diving conditions. In winter, the water cools, but diving remains feasible with appropriate gear. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet depending on weather conditions and site location.

Wind and currents can affect diving conditions, particularly in the spring and autumn when they are more pronounced. However, experienced divers often find these times rewarding due to fewer crowds and unique marine life sightings. It's advisable to check local forecasts and choose sheltered diving spots during these seasons to ensure safety and optimal visibility.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

ARGENTARIO - OBI DIVING

Via Del Molo 56, 58019 Porto Santo Stefano, GR - ITA

Diving in Elba

Via del mare, 2, 57030 Procchio - Marciana, LI - ITA

Enfola Diving Center

Loc. Enfola, 57037 Portoferraio, LI - ITA

MARINA DI CAMPO DIVING

Via Fucini 452, 57034 Campo nell’Elba, LI - ITA

SPORTING CLUB CAVO DIVING

Salita Cavo I n.14, 57038 Rio, LI - ITA

SUB NOW

Traversa di Segagnana, loc. La Foce, 57034 CAMPO NELL’ELBA, LI - ITA

asd scuolasub hei matau

Via Gherardo Silvani 92, 50125 Firenze, FI - ITA

Il Careno Diving Center

Piazzetta Capo Sant’Andrea, 57030 Sant Andrea - Marciana, LI - ITA

DIVING ISOLA DEL GIGLIO

Via San Lorenzo 15, 58012 Isola del Giglio, GR - ITA

NEMO SUB VALDELSA ASD

via Lombardia 6, 53034 Colle di Val d’Elsa, SI - ITA

Aquanautic Elba

Loc. Morcone 33, 57031 Capoliveri, LI - ITA

Ass. Sub Pistoia

via Santini n.39, 51034 Casalguidi, PT - ITA

SHARK SCUOLA SUB FIRENZE

Via F.lli Orsi 19, 50012 Bagno a Ripoli, FI - ITA

ARGENTARIO DIVERS

Lungomare Andrea Doria 103, 58019 Porto Ercole, GR - ITA

ACQUASPORT di Mazzi Stefano & C.S.n.c.

via dei Barberi 108, 58100 Grosseto, GR - ITA

SCUOLA SUB FIRENZE

Via Vignali 31, 50142 FIRENZE, FI - ITA

DIVE CENTER BLU

Traversa di Via Marconi 19, 57034 Marina di Campo, LI - ITA

ZERO MENO DIVING CENTER

Via della Torre SNC, 58012 Isola Del Giglio, GR - ITA

BLUE MIND

Via Carlo Pisacane 2B, 57126 Livorno, LI - ITA

A.S.D. AMICI DI NEMO

C/O CAMPING LACONA - VIALE DEI GOLFI 71, 57031 CAPOLIVERI, LI - ITA