Italy
TOP DIVE SITES – SARDINIA
Alghero – this spot is famous for astonishing underwater caves. The depth ranges from 15 to 30 m. The most popular cave is the Nereo Cave with arches and tunnels. It is also considered to be the largest underwater cave in the Mediterranean Sea. But other caves and caverns near Alghero also offer spectacular dives. Some divers claim that this area offers the best cave diving in the Mediterranean region.Location: AlgheroType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockyRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterDino – the wreck of an Italian cargo ship lies at a depth of 25 m. The ship sank in 1973 during a storm. The wreck is full of marine species and offers fantastic opportunities for underwater photography. Diving in this area requires a special permit from the coast guard.Location: TeuladaType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterEgle – the wreck of an Italian freighter lies at a depth of 36 m. She was carrying a cargo of coal. The steam ship was sank by the British submarine in 1943. Now the wreck gives shelter to many marine species. Diving in this area requires special permission from local authorities.Location: Carbonara, CagliariType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterEntella – the wreck of an Italian freighter lies at a depth of 9–15 m. The ship was a part of a convoy (with Isonzo and Loredan). She was carrying a cargo of coal but sank after being torpedoed by the British submarine in 1943. The wreck is pretty damaged but offers a spectacular dive and great photography opportunities. This spot is also good for night diving.Location: Gulf of CagliariType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterGrotta Niedda – a great spot for experienced divers. Divers can explore the system of tunnels, caves and canyons. The caves are full of marine life such as octopi, lobsters, shrimps and various types of corals. The maximum depth is 30 m.Location: Paradise CoastType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterIsonzo – the wreck of a large Italian steam ship lies on its left side at a depth of 55 m. The ship was a part of a convoy (with Entella and Loredan). The three ships were attacked by the British submarine and all sank in 1943. The wreck can be penetrated. Currents may be strong in these area.Location: Torre delle Stelle, off Gulf of CagliariType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterLoredan – the wreck of an Italian motorship lies at a depth of 65 m. The ship was a part of a convoy (with Entella and Isonzo). The three ships were attacked by the British submarine and all sank in 1943. The scenery is spectacular as the wreck is covered with yellow and red sea fans.Location: Gulf of CagliariType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: CMAS Trimix DiverMaddalena – this archipelago, the National Park of La Maddalena, offers dozens of dive sites for all levels of divers. All spots are spectacular and offers great opportunities for underwater photography and observing marine life (barracudas, dorades, eels, groupers, octopi, crabs and lobsters). There is also a shipwreck of Angelica. The maximum depth reaches 70 m.Location: La Maddalena ArchipelagoType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterPunta Levante – the main attractions of this dive site include underwater granite walls covered with marine life. There is also a plenty of marine species such as stingrays and electric rays. The maximum depth is 40 m.Location: TeuladaType of dive: shore/boat diveSea bed: sandy/rockyRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterBSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterRomagna – the wreck of an Italian steam ship lies at a depth of 45 m. The ship was carrying gasoline and weapons when she was torpedoed by the British submarine and sank in 1943. The wreck is broken into two (the bug and the trunk). The trunk can be penetrated and there is an abundance of marine life in this zone. Divers should beware of currents that may be strong in this area.Location: Gulf of CagliariType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandyRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water