Venice
Explore VenetoIn the north-east corner of Italy, the Veneto region is bound on the west by Lake Gard
Explore Veneto
In the north-east corner of Italy, the Veneto region is bound on the west by Lake Garda, on the north by the Dolomite Mountains and on the east by the Adriatic Sea. Scuba diving in Veneto is focused around the capital city of Venice and Italy’s largest fresh-water lake, Lake Garda.Exploring the Adriatic Sea from the City of Venice, wreck-enthusiasts will delight in finding a myriad of wrecks in the Gulf. However, if you are not a lover of wreck diving, explore Venice’s unique natural reefs that were baptised ‘tegnue’ by Venetian fishermen. Entirely different from the reefs found in tropical locations, at depths ranging from 8 to 40-metres, the tegnue are inhabited by hermit crabs, scorpionfish, and lobsters as well as several species of flitting fish. At Lake Garda, enter by shore into the dive sites and follow the cables fixed to the rocky seascape to find a variety of man-made objects submerged, including a bicycle, a statue of Christ and even a warship.Veneto diving is possible from dive centres surrounding Lake Garda and within and on the outskirts of Venice. Many of these dive centres offer the full range of dive courses while in the winter months at Laka Garda, ice diving is possible.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Veneto
Veneto, Italy, offers a unique diving experience with its captivating underwater sites. One notable dive is "The Haven," a fascinating wreck dive located near Lido di Jesolo. This site allows divers to explore the remnants of a sunken oil tanker, providing an intriguing glimpse into history beneath the waves. With vibrant marine life making the wreck their home, it’s a must-visit for those interested in underwater archaeology.
For those preferring shore dives, the waters around Venice provide accessible options with stunning views of submerged sculptures and ancient artifacts. Night dives in this region reveal the captivating behaviors of nocturnal marine species, offering a unique experience for divers looking to explore the mysterious underwater world after dark. While liveaboard options are limited, the balance between shore diving adventures and occasional boat trips caters to diverse preferences, ensuring an unforgettable diving journey in Veneto.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Veneto
The marine life in Veneto, located along the northeastern coast of Italy, is diverse, particularly within the Adriatic Sea which borders the region. Common reef fish include species like the European bass and various types of wrasses. These fish are frequently seen by divers exploring the coastal waters and are often found around rocky reefs and seagrass meadows.
Seasonal highlights for divers in Veneto include sightings of larger marine animals. In the warmer months, it's possible to encounter smooth dogfish, a small species of shark, and on rare occasions, loggerhead sea turtles. Rays, such as the common stingray, are more sporadically sighted but can be seen gliding gracefully along the seabed. Sightings of these notable species are more likely in areas with abundant seagrass beds, particularly during late spring to early autumn.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
23 Sightings
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4
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7
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7
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5
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
iStock-jpa1999
Perch
377 Sightings
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15
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3
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24
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44
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56
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63
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54
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65
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32
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20
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
Shutterstock-dushkovladimir
Crayfish
358 Sightings
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2
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1
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10
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14
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34
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64
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62
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62
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35
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46
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16
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12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
Shutterstock-zsolt_uveges
Catfish
221 Sightings
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12
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11
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14
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22
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16
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37
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14
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23
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37
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13
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22
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 5
iStock-abadonian
Pike
119 Sightings
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3
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15
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14
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23
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22
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14
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22
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4
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1
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 35
Shutterstock-divedog
Trout
107 Sightings
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14
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4
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5
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4
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25
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3
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19
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19
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
63 Sightings
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1
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1
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3
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13
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12
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16
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11
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3
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3
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 190
Alamy-Water Frame
Conger Eel
56 Sightings
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1
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3
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13
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12
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9
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13
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2
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3
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
43 Sightings
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2
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6
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6
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11
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12
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3
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3
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish
36 Sightings
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8
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8
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8
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12
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The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 30
Shutterstock-Rostislav Stefanek
Carp
25 Sightings
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13
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12
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The best Months to Dive in Veneto
Diving in Veneto, Italy, can be a unique experience largely influenced by its northern location. The region's waters are accessible year-round, but conditions vary with the seasons. Summer months, from June to September, provide the most favorable conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 20°C–25°C and visibility generally around 10–15 meters, making it ideal for diving.
During winter, temperatures drop to approximately 10°C–14°C, which may require thicker wetsuits. Visibility can also diminish due to increased rainfall and wind activity, which stir up sediments. Fall and spring offer moderate conditions, but divers should be aware of occasional strong northern winds that can affect sea currents and surface conditions. Overall, Veneto offers year-round diving opportunities, though planning for seasonal changes is advisable.
