Altare

A Unique Underwater Cathedral

Why is it called Altare? The site takes its name from a rock formation on the surface that vaguely resembles an altar. Beneath the waves, it offers a spectacular dive with three pinnacles and a coral-covered wall that drops vertically to 40 meters. Schools of fish, large brown groupers, snappers, corvinas, bream, and barracudas make this an unmissable dive spot.

🔴 RED ROUTE: Pinnacles & Coral Wall (Max Depth: 40m)

Dive Plan:

  • After the pre-dive check, we descend to 16 meters, reaching the buoy’s mooring block.
  • Keeping the wall on the right, we fin at 18 meters until we reach the three pinnacles rising dramatically from the seabed.
  • Between the second and third pinnacle, we descend along a breathtaking coral-covered wall.
  • Exploring the ravines, we may spot lobsters, moray eels, and octopuses hiding in the crevices.
  • We then ascend to 20 meters, crossing a rocky gully leading to a landslide area.
  • At 18 meters, we encounter a huge boulder with a yellow coral vault (Leptopsammia pruvoti).
  • Following the wall on our left, we gradually ascend to the bay, where we finish the dive near the mooring point.
  • During the safety stop at 5m, enjoy the stunning play of light filtering through the water.

🔴 RED ROUTE VARIANT: Landslide & Coral Wall (Max Depth: 40m)

Dive Plan:

  • From 16 meters, we descend along the right wall to 30 meters.
  • Following the landslide, we reach a beautiful coral-covered wall inhabited by lobsters.
  • Gradually ascending to 20 meters, we continue westward through a rocky gully leading to a landslide.
  • At 18 meters, we find the massive boulder with yellow coral.
  • Returning towards the bay, we follow the wall on our left, passing above the pinnacles we saw earlier.
  • The dive ends with a scenic swim-through between two large boulders, before ascending for the safety stop at 5m.

🟢 GREEN ROUTE: Scenic Canyon & Pinnacles (Max Depth: 18m)

Dive Plan:

  • Descending to 16 meters, we follow the right wall at a constant depth of 18 meters.
  • We soon reach the three pinnacles, where barracuda schools often cruise above us.
  • Continuing westward, we cross a rocky gully leading to a landslide.
  • At 18 meters, we visit the large boulder with yellow coral before starting our return journey.
  • Swimming back towards the bay, we cross another canyon and pass between two massive boulders.
  • The dive ends with an easy ascent and a 5m safety stop.

Dive at Altare with Diving Group Portofino

  • Location: Portofino Marine Protected Area
  • Access: Boat dive
  • Best Conditions: Moderate currents, great visibility
  • Depth: 18m (Green Route) | 40m (Red Route)
  • Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced

Ready to explore one of Portofino’s most fascinating dive sites? Book your dive with us today!