Portofino diving is perhaps the best underwater experience you can possibly have in the Mediterranean Sea. This is due in large part to the existence of the Portofino Marine Protected Area, which was founded in 1998. Because these treasured waters are protected, there is much more marine vegetation and sea life than you might expect, along with cool surprises such as the Christ of the Abyss statue.

A major advantage for scuba divers traveling to this area off the coast of northwest Italy is that Portofino is also within close range of other good dive sites in places like Sestri Levante, and even closer, Santa Margherita Ligure. If you are an advanced diver you are going to love the sheer beauty of these vibrant waters, dominated by huge red coral formations and endless marine vegetation. For novice divers, you will also be able to enjoy these amazing waters. Expert dive instruction is available in Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and a number of other places.

The Portofino Marine Protected Area is the nerve center for scuba diving in this part of the Ligurian Sea. It features three areas (A,B, and C) that amount to an amazing underwater landscape. The seabed of the promontory is where you will encounter the greatest concentration of the striking red coral. The red coral is an integral part of the marine ecosystem here. You will also see sponges, large coral formations, Madreporaria, Bryozoa, and a veritable world of vivid colors under the water. On both the eastern and western sides of the promontories, as they slope down to the depths, there are gorgeous Posidonia beds, another vital plant to the marine ecosystem.

Portofino Map

If you are planning a Portofino Italy scuba diving trip, make sure not to miss the opportunity to see the unbelievable statue of Christ of the Abyss. This is a magnificent bronze statue that has been submerged in the Bay of San Fruttuoso. The statue depicts Jesus Christ offering a blessing of peace to the seafaring travelers above. It is quite an experience to be at nearly 60 feet under water and witness this breathtaking work of art. If you have the capability for underwater photography, you should especially take advantage of it at this particular dive sight. Of course, as this is Portofino, you will be able to rent or buy the latest and most modern and chic gear as well as all the equipment you need for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also charter boats for diving expeditions at the port.

Santa Margherita Ligure features the Europe Dive-In Center, a comprehensive dive shop and marine park where you can rent your gear, charter any one of their virtual fleet of boats, and set out to sea to enjoy some more Mediterranean, underwater hot spots. The waters right off of Portofino are considered to be some of the best in the area, if not the best, waters for diving—giving this world-class resort destination just one more reason it is such a top vacation destination.