Explore Portofino Marine Protected Area: One of the Mediterranean’s Most Spectacular Dive Destinations
The Portofino Marine Protected Area was established in 1999 and encompasses the coastal waters of Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino, and Camogli. It is one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Mediterranean, offering exceptional diving opportunities for both recreational and advanced divers.
With its rich marine life, colourful coral walls, deep caverns, and historic shipwrecks, the park attracts divers from all over the world, as well as marine biologists and researchers studying its unique underwater ecosystems.
Dive Zones in the Portofino Marine Protected Area
The Marine Protected Area is divided into three zones (A, B, and C), each with different levels of environmental protection and diving regulations.
🔴 Zone A – Fully Protected Area
- Includes Cala dell’Oro, a highly protected marine zone.
- All activities are prohibited, including diving, fishing, and anchoring.
- Access is strictly limited to scientific research conducted in partnership with the University of Genoa.
🟡 Zone B – Exceptional Dive Sites & Rich Marine Life
- Located between Punta del Faro di Portofino and Punta Chiappa.
- Diving, freediving, and swimming are permitted with a license.
- Anchoring is strictly forbidden to protect the seabed.
- Home to 20 world-class dive sites, each with dedicated mooring points.
What You’ll See in Zone B
This area is famous for its incredible biodiversity, featuring:
- Schools of barracuda, snapper, tuna, and amberjack
- Large groupers, moray eels, conger eels, and scorpionfish
- Octopuses, lobsters, and dogfish
- Moonfish (Mola Mola) in May and June
- A stunning variety of nudibranchs and macro life
The underwater landscape is a breathtaking mix of steep walls covered in vibrant coral, deep caves, swim-throughs, and rock formations. You’ll encounter violet gorgonian fans, red coral colonies, and yellow anemones, creating an unforgettable diving experience.
🟢 Zone C – Open for Diving & Water Activities
- Covers the waters in front of Portofino, where seagrass meadows dominate the seabed.
- Scuba diving, swimming, sport fishing, and boat anchoring are permitted.
Why Dive in Portofino Marine Protected Area?
- One of the richest marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean
- Ideal for both beginner and advanced divers
- Multi-level dive sites, deep walls, caverns, and wrecks
- Diverse marine life, from macro species to large pelagic fish
- Easy access from Santa Margherita Ligure and Rapallo
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed recreational dive or a challenging technical dive, the Portofino Marine Protected Area offers an unparalleled underwater experience.
