Die besten Tauchspots in Italien, die man 2025 mit der Yacht erkunden kann

Wir verraten Ihnen die spektakulärsten Tauchplätze, die sich entlang der italienischen Küste verstecken, damit Sie die diesen Sommer von Ihrer Bucketlist streichen können.

Die Mittelmeer’s reputation for scuba diving is often misunderstood, overshadowed by myths of sparse marine life and hordes of tourists. Italy is one of the top destinations for scuba diving in Europe and boasts hidden dive sites that challenge these perceptions.

Offering a rich tapestry of underwater biodiversity, stunning reefs, and historic wrecks, Italien is a fantastic destination for luxury yacht charterers wishing to include scuba diving excursions on their itinerary. Among its treasures, submerged ancient Roman cities, giant underwater caves, WWII shipwrecks, coral reefs and exotic marine life are all accessible from a Superyacht charter. This unique combination of luxury and adventure provides charterers with a curated experience, unveiling Italy’s underwater wonders that are waiting to be explored and making it one of the best places to scuba dive within the Mediterranean Sea.

Unlike fixed-base diving, a yacht moves with you, providing direct access to remote or less-visited dive locations that are often unreachable from land. Equipped with the latest diving gear and technology, such as onboard compressors and dive computers, yachts ensure that divers have everything they need at their fingertips. Many yachts also feature PADI-certified dive programs, allowing guests to receive training or refine their skills while on their voyage. This means beginners can safely experience their first dive, and experienced divers can tackle more challenging sites under expert guidance.

The flexibility of a yacht charter means diving schedules can be tailored to avoid the busiest times at popular sites, offering a more private and enjoyable experience. After diving, guests immediately return to the comfort of their yacht, where they can relax in luxury settings, discuss their underwater discoveries, and enjoy gourmet cuisine, making for a seamless transition from adventure to relaxation.

Liguria Region

1 Christ Of The Abyss, Portofino Depth: 17m/55ft

In the heart of the Italienische Riviera, just off San Fruttuoso Abbey near Portofino, the Christ of the Abyss stands as a beacon for divers. This 2.5-metre bronze statue, submerged 17 metres beneath the sea’s surface, was inaugurated in 1954 to honour Dario Gonzatti, a scuba diving pioneer, and now memorialises all divers lost at sea. Its accessibility from the shore, situated in relatively shallow waters, makes it a favoured spot for divers of all levels, including free divers and snorkellers.

The Christ of the Abyss is not just a monument but a thriving underwater habitat, home to diverse marine life like moray eels, groupers, corals, and sponges, making it an ideal spot for underwater photography. The site is easily recognisable and safeguarded by signal buoys, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Its unique blend of art, history, and natural beauty, along with its contribution to marine biodiversity, firmly establishes the Christ of the Abyss as a top dive site in the Mediterranean, offering a memorable experience for those exploring Italy by luxury yacht.

2 Bergeggi Marine Reserve, Savona Depth: Between 2-30m / 7-98ft

Located in the Western Ligurian Sea, this Marine Protected Area is a hit amongst divers for its ample sea life and interesting underwater terrain. Bergeggi Island, also known as Sant’Eugenio, is a historical island that was once populated by the Romans and boasts fascinating archaeological remains and a rich history. The island is now uninhibited and is adored for its snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving opportunities. Due to its isolated nature, Bergeggi Marine Reserve is well known for its fish density, providing scuba divers with a calm and secluded diving spot where unique species like nudibranch, barracuda and eels are abundant.

There are three stand-out dive sites within the Bergeggi Marine Reserve, including Il Pifferaio, La Franata and Il Canalone, all of which vary in depth and offer a unique diving experience.

The easiest of these dive spots is Il Pifferaio which features small openings within the rock walls and a variety of marine species . With a maximum depth of 18m, this site is well suited to beginner divers, while still offering a rich and fulfilling exploration.

La Franata offers a maximum depth of 32m and is home to large walls featuring steep drop offs perfect for freediving and secluded ravines, where tubeworms and several species of eel can be spotted on a daily basis.

The most popular of Bergeggi’s dive sites is Il Canalone, an area that is home to an abundance of colourful fish and is well suited to beginners and advanced scuba divers. One of the most famous diving spots in the Mediterranean, Il Canalone boasts sea creatures like barracuda, hunting snappers and octopus can be spotted in this region, offering a maximum depth of 30m.

the island of bergeggi represents a symbolic image of the Savona coast of Liguria

Campania Region

3 Baia Underwater Archaeological Park, Amalfi Coast Depth: Between 10-20m / 32-66ft

The ancient Roman city of Baiae, on the Gulf of Neapel, was once a fashionable seaside resort, notorious for its wild parties and opulent lifestyle. Now a submerged city whispering tales of ancient Rome’s opulence, this diving site offers the same topography you may expect to find on shore in Naples, though vastly different. At depths of 10-20m, divers are greeted by an astonishing sight: ruins of luxurious villas, including one believed to have belonged to Emperor Claudius, and public buildings adorned with well-preserved mosaics and statues, stand as silent witnesses to the sunken city’s former glory.

Baiae’s allure lies not only in its rich history but also in its accessibility to divers and snorkellers of all levels. The clear waters offer a vivid tableau of ancient life, where intricate mosaic floors and the remnants of opulent bathhouses blend seamlessly with the marine ecosystem that has reclaimed them.

For those on an Amalfiküste superyacht charter, Baiae presents a unique opportunity to explore what could be termed the ‘Italian Atlantis’. Beyond the thrill of discovery, it’s a poignant reminder of nature’s power to both preserve and reclaim the grandeur of human achievement. This dive spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of historical intrigue to their luxury voyage.

Sardinia Region

4 Cala Goloritzè, Sardinia Depth: Between 6-34m / 20-112ft

Tucked away on Sardinien’s rugged eastern coastline, Cala Goloritzé is best known for its white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, making it a great spot for wall dives. Below sea level, this protected marine area offers a pristine dive site that feels almost untouched by time. Descending into the depths of the Tyrrhenian Sea, divers are surrounded by a tranquil seascape where towering underwater pinnacles, caves and arches create a modern habitat for marine life. The clarity of the water reveals vibrant sea creatures like groupers, mollusks and barracudas drift through the caverns, while light filters through fissures in the rock.

Accessible only by boat or a hike, it remains wonderfully secluded, adding a sense of calmness to the experience. For those cruising the Sardinian coast by superyacht, a dive here offers a serene contrast to the glamour of the surface and a chance to connect with the Mediterranean.

Cala Goloritze, Orosei Gulf, East Sardinia, Italy. High quality photo, aerial view

5 Grotta Di Nettuno (Neptune's Grotto), Sardinia Depth: Between 3-9m / 10-30ft

Uncovered in the 18th century by local fishermen, the Grotta di Nettuno caves have been named in honour of Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea. Formed approximately two million years ago, the Grotto lies within the marine sanctuary of Capo Caccia-Isola Piana, part of the expansive Porto Conte Park. Its subterranean network extends over 2,000 metres, with ancient stalactites and stalagmites meeting over serene pools, creating an almost ethereal ambiance.

Access is primarily by sea, making it an exclusive adventure best enjoyed on a luxury yacht charter, and the daring can descend the 654-step “Escala del Cabirol” for a dramatic experience. Inside, the Grotto unfolds into a series of majestic chambers, each telling a story of geological epochs.

A guided scuba tour unveils large chambers like the vast Lake La Marmora, with its clear, salty waters and sandy shore, before leading to the grandeur of the Palace Room, the acoustics of the Music Room balcony, and the intricate formations of the Room of Ruins and Organ Room. Beyond these points, only expert speleologists may venture, ensuring the preservation of this delicate ecosystem.

Interior of Neptune's Grotto, a stalactite cave near Alghero on the island of Sardinia, Italy

Sicily Region

6 Ustica – Secca Della Colombara, Sicily Depth: Between 3-50m / 10-164ft

Ustica, a small island off Sizilien‘s northwest coast, is a top destination for luxury superyacht charters with scuba diving enthusiasts. The island’s marine reserve, Secca della Colombara, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and underwater landscapes. Here, divers can expect to encounter dense schools of barracudas, sea bream, and groupers, along with a vibrant array of corals in the waters that surround this island.

The dive site offers experiences for all skill levels, from shallow waters to a challenging descent along a steep coral-covered wall reaching depths of up to 50 metres. This diving location is home to a diverse marine life, including conger and eels, lobsters, and a variety of sponges and nudibranchs (sea slugs). Notably, the site also features a merchant shipwreck from 2005, now an artificial reef teeming with sea creatures.

Ustica’s appeal is further enriched by its volcanic origin, earning it the nickname “Black Pearl.” The underwater terrain is marked by cliffs, wrecks, and caverns, making it a unique diving experience in the Mediterranean. This combination of accessible marine diversity and intriguing underwater topography places Ustica among Italy’s premier scuba diving destinations.

Secca Della Colombara, Sicily underwater diving

7 Isola Bella, Taormina Depth: Between 10-25m / 32-82ft

Isola Bella, a small yet stunning islet off Taormina, Sizilien, offers a unique underwater experience that merits its place among Italy’s top dive sites. At one point this area was a private haven for wealthy English woman and botanist, Florence Trevelyan, this island gem is a diver’s paradise, with waters rich in marine life set against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes. Divers can explore a vivid underwater world, teeming with barracuda, octopus, and stingrays, thanks to the clear, warm waters of the Marine Reserve.

The diving here caters to all levels. Novices can enjoy Discover Scuba Diving programs, exploring up to five meters deep under expert guidance, while experienced divers can delve into deeper, more challenging terrains. This location is known for its fascinating geological formations, created by Mount Etna’s lava flows, which form dramatic underwater sculptures, swim-throughs, and arches. Historical remnants, like ancient anchors and amphorae, add an element of intrigue to the dives.

Isola Bella’s combination of accessible diving, rich marine biodiversity, and unique geological and historical features make it a must-visit destination on any luxury yacht charter in Italy. This dive site not only promises an unforgettable underwater adventure but also a peek into the island’s natural and cultural heritage while in an Italian yacht charter.

Isola bella, a small island near Taormina, Sicily

Bonus Dive Sites to Add to Your Itinerary

8 Tremiti Islands, Apulia Depth: Between 2-52m / 6-171ft

Best known for their intricate coral reefs and colourful sea life, the Tremiti Islands are a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts. Here, you can expect to find scenic ravines, sea caves, underwater dens, drops and walls, making them a hot spot for wall diving. This vast area is well suited to seasoned and beginner divers and offers varied depths, appealing to a range of ability levels. Inshore spots typically range from 2-15 metres-deep, while the popular spot of Punta Secca reaches depths of 52m.

The Tremiti Islands are an ideal location to visit on a luxury yacht charter due to their abundance of scuba diving opportunities and secludedness, meaning that they are rarely busy outside of peak season, offering charterers a heightened sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Punta Secca is a beloved scuba diving site within the Mediterranean, largely due to its water clarity and the avid marine life. While scuba diving in Punta Secca shallows, it is likely that you’ll spot shoals of sea bream, barracudas, tuna, yellow gorgonias and possibly even gronchi, scorpion fish and lobsters.

Summertime. Tremiti archipelago: views of San Domino and Cretaccio islands. Gargano National Park (Apulia) ITALY.

9 Ventotene Island, Lazio Depth: Between 5-45m / 17-148ft

This small and largely unpopulated municipality is well known for the microclimate that surrounds it. Ventotene Island enjoys mild weather, good visibility and typically calm waters, making it a fantastic spot for scuba diving and watersports. A variety of molluscs, crustaceans, fish and eels are likely to be spotted within this area throughout the year, guaranteeing an enriching diving experience. This area is adored for its interesting underwater landscape and is best suited to reef diving and even offers wreck diving opportunities. The Santa Lucia wreck can be found in the waters that surround Ventotene Island and is one of the most frequented diving sites within this area, now wrapped in a blanket of coral and inhabited by many of the sea creatures that are local to the island.

This island is well suited to all scuba diving experience levels, with many dive sites offering slopes that descend from 5-45m, providing options for divers with varying skill levels.

Scoglio del Vervece is amongst the most popular sites associated with Ventotene Island, adored for its masons and dens which make it an appealing site to leisurely explore alone or accompanied by a group.

Panoramic on cliff and beach "Parata Grande" at sunset, view from Ventotene. Lazio Italy

Adored for its clear waters, avid marine life and diverse underwater landscapes, Elba Island is a diver’s dream and is a suitable dive site for a range of experience levels. While there are a range of beautiful scuba diving sites dotted around Italy’s coastline, Elba Island is particularly special due to its proximity to the Tuscan Archipelago Marine Park. This is a protected area that guarantees a diverse and healthy underwater environment, abundant with sea flora and fauna – making it a particularly dreamy area to explore.

Due to its popularity, Elba Island is home to a selection of diving centres that offer guided dives, training and equipment rental. This area is home to a plethora of scuba diving sites, including rock formations, coral reefs, shipwrecks, caves, sheer drops and more, catering to beginner and advanced scuba divers and promising a remarkable experience. Water depth surrounding Elba Island ranges from 2-60m, demonstrating the diverse underwater landscape that this region offers.

Lampedusa and Lampione are stunning islands, located in the Pelagie Islands archipelago and known for their crystal-clear waters and powder-soft beaches. Lampedusa is the largest of the Pelagie Islands and is a hotspot for diving and turtle watching. The Pelagie Islands are located within a marine protected area, ensuring that the sealife remains largely undisturbed and the delicate underwater ecosystems are able to thrive. Due to this, the water clarity surrounding these islands is immaculate, allowing divers to discover some of the hidden treasures within this area.

These islands feature a variety of diving spots that are well suited to beginner divers and advanced divers, making them a fantastic place to visit on a scuba diving charter, especially if you’re travelling with a mixed ability group. While diving around these islands, you can expect to find colourful coral reefs, cosy caves and even a sunken statue. Madonna del Mare is located on the seafloor of a bay in Lampedusa’s Isola dei Conigli (also known as Rabbit Island) and can be found 14m below sea level, making it largely accessible to those with their Open Water Diver qualification.

Lampedusa Island Sicily - Rabbit Beach and Rabbit Island Lampedusa “Spiaggia dei Conigli” with turquoise water and white sand at paradise beach. Mediterranean scrub with thyme and cardoon. Tabaccara Bay

Le Formiche di Grosseto consists of three islets located just off of the Maremma Nature Park and boasts a diverse and colourful underwater ecosystem. While diving around these petite islets, you’ll have the opportunity to weave through vibrant sea fans, swim alongside shoals of fish and you’re likely to spot moray eels and starfish. The depths in Formiche di Grosseto ranges from 4-85m, making it a suitable spot for divers with a range of experience levels.

The Secca di Zi Paoli is located north of the islet and features a lighthouse that has since become the Ecology Museum of Mediterranean Ecosystems. This island is thought to be well suited to beginner scuba divers and offers gradual depths and a gentle descent into the water. Additionally, Formichino boasts a fascinating underwater landscape and is home to a meadow of coral at about 45m down, in addition to an ancient Roman shipwreck.

Italy Toscana Grosseto trekking at the Maremma Magliano Natural Park in Tuscany, panoramic view of the coast line, Cala di Forno and the medieval sighting tower

Best time to go scuba diving in Italy

The best time to go scuba diving in Italy is typically between May and October. These months offer the most favourable conditions with regards to underwater visibility, overall weather and water temperature. May, June, September and October are particularly well suited to individuals embarking on a yacht charter in Italy, avoiding peak season when tourists flock, and resulting in fewer boats and less crowded dive sites for a peaceful and tranquil scuba diving expedition.

During this period the water clarity allows divers to see up to 30 metres and the weather provides warm and calm seas and less wind, improving underwater conditions and offering an enriching diving experience.

Certifications and Dive Levels

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply curious about exploring beneath the surface, understanding scuba qualifications is key to making the most of your experience at sea. For those embarking on a private yacht charter with diving in mind, the right certification ensures not only access to more thrilling dive sites but also a safer, more enriching adventure.

Open Water Diver (OWD)

No formal certification is required for those wishing to try scuba diving for the first time. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving course offers an excellent introduction, allowing beginners to experience diving in controlled environments such as swimming pools or calm bays. These sessions are always conducted under the supervision of a qualified instructor, and independent diving is not permitted at this level.

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD)

The Open Water Diver certification is available after completing the OWD certification and is widely recognised as the entry point for independent diving. It allows certified individuals to dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres (60 feet), making it ideal for wreck dives, exploring shallow reefs, coral gardens, and other calm underwater environments. Those aged 10–14 can begin their journey with the Junior Open Water Diver course, while the standard OWD certification is available from age 15.

General Safety Notes

Regardless of certification level, it is highly recommended that anyone diving during a private yacht charter secures appropriate dive insurance and considers being accompanied by a licensed instructor or rescue diver. Certain medical conditions—such as asthma or diabetes—may not exclude participants, but must be declared in advance. In many cases, divers will need to obtain medical clearance or a doctor’s note before beginning training to ensure their safety throughout the experience.

Finden Sie die Antworten auf die am häufigsten gestellten Fragen FAQs: Scuba Diving in Italy

Can you scuba dive in Italy without a license?

No, you cannot scuba dive independently in Italy without a license. However, you can participate in a PADI Discover Scuba Diving course and dive under supervision or a certified scuba diving instructor.

What is the best region in Italy for scuba diving?

While Italy is home to an abundance of regions that are adored for their scuba diving opportunities, Sardinia stands out as one of the country’s best-loved scuba diving areas. This is due to its crystal-clear waters that provide visibility up to 30m, stunning marine reserves and range of underwater caves, drop-offs and wrecks which make it ideal for divers of all levels.

Are there yacht charters with dive instructors on board?

Yes! At Ocean Independence, we pride ourselves on delivering fulfilling and bespoke charter experiences that meet our client needs and exceed expectations. There are a number of yachts featured on the Ocean Independence website that not only allow diving instructors on board, but feature onboard diving centres, complete with all of the necessary equipment for a scuba diving trip.

Is scuba diving in Italy good for beginners?

Yes, scuba diving in Italy is excellent for beginners, with calm, clear waters and a wide range of sheltered dive sites ideal for first-time experiences. Many coastal regions, such as Sardinia, Elba, and the Amalfi Coast, offer introductory courses and guided dives in safe and shallow conditions.

Italy remains a hidden gem for discerning divers seeking a unique blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exclusive yacht-accessible dive sites. From ancient Roman cities lying beneath the waves to pristine marine reserves brimming with biodiversity, the Italian coast offers unforgettable underwater experiences for divers of all levels.

Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting out, a luxury yacht charter offers the flexibility and comfort to reach remote sites while enjoying onboard dive facilities and expert guidance. Explore Mediterranean yacht charter itineraries, or available yachts for sale and for charter in Italy, or contact our team to start planning your diving adventure in Italy.

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