A protected marine reserve along Italy's Ligurian coast, with clear Mediterranean waters, red coral reefs, and abundant sea life including groupers and barracudas.
The Area naturale marina protetta Portofino stretches across the waters of the Portofino promontory in Italy's Liguria region. When diving here, you'll swim past the famous Christ of the Abyss statue at 17 meters depth, encounter red coral colonies clinging to underwater cliffs, and glide over extensive Posidonia oceanica meadows that carpet the seabed. The reserve, established in 1999, includes more than 20 dive sites where you can spot Mediterranean groupers, octopuses, and schools of sea bream.
The marine reserve consists of three distinct protection zones. Zone A, the integral reserve at Cala dell'Oro, limits access to authorized scientific research only. In Zone B, which runs from Portofino Lighthouse to Punta Chiappa, you can swim freely and dive with authorized centers. Zone C covers both sides of the promontory, allowing additional activities while maintaining specific environmental guidelines.
The submerged cliffs of the Portofino promontory support one of the Mediterranean's most complex marine ecosystems. Red coral grows in dense colonies between 20 and 50 meters deep, sharing space with yellow and red gorgonians, violet sponges, and intricate bryozoans. Along the western and eastern slopes, Posidonia oceanica meadows spread across sandy bottoms. These underwater grasslands act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and provide shelter for juvenile sea bass, red mullet, and other Mediterranean fish species.
You'll find dive sites suited to all experience levels within the marine park. If you're new to diving, sign up for a PADI Discover Scuba Diving program - a half-day course including basic skills training and a guided shore dive. Advanced divers can explore deeper sites where nutrient-rich currents attract schools of barracuda and amberjack. Bring your underwater camera - the clear waters and abundant marine life create excellent photography opportunities.
Visit the park management office Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, by appointment only. Contact: 0185 287247 or [email protected]. To protect Posidonia oceanica meadows, anchoring is not allowed in specific areas, particularly in the western Zone C from Cenobio dei dogi to Tonnarella di Camogli. The "Chiesa di Portofino" dive site maintains a 100-meter restricted access zone due to archaeological findings.
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