Colombara

Explore Hidden Caves and Coral Wonders at La Colombara

La Colombara is a captivating dive site located within the Portofino Marine Protected Area, known for its dramatic rock formations, red coral walls, and two remarkable underwater caves. The site also features a narrow siphon accessible only to certified cavern divers, making it a unique and adventurous experience for those with the right training.

The dive begins near a buoy and follows the wall in either direction, with depth profiles ranging from -18 m to -40 m. Marine life is abundant throughout the site, with frequent sightings of groupers, dentex, and barracuda, while the seafloor hides lobsters, moray eels, and octopuses. The area is especially popular for its underwater landscapes and the striking presence of Parazoanthus axinellae, also known as sea daisies, which colour the shallow walls. La Colombara is best dived in calm conditions with good visibility and offers options for both recreational and experienced divers looking to explore something different.

🔴 RED ROUTE (down to -40 m)

DESCENT

  • After completing our pre-dive check, we’ll descend near the buoy, reaching the base at -20 m.

OUTBOUND

  • Once we reach the anchor block at around -20 m, we’ll fin eastwards until we reach the rocky wall, keeping it on our left.

  • At -35 m, we’ll find a small cave, only a few metres deep but rich in red coral. Opposite the entrance, resting against a rock, lies a twin-cylinder tank and a plaque in memory of a diver.

  • After visiting the cave (with a torch), we’ll continue with the wall on our left, ascending to reach a plateau.

  • At -22 m, near a sandy tongue between the rocks, we’ll find the entrance to a 10-metre-long siphon.

  • Its upper surface is covered with delicate red coral branches—great care must be taken not to damage them with fin kicks.

  • Only divers with excellent trim, buoyancy control, and a Cavern certification may enter.

  • The exit at -18 m leads us back along the wall (still on our left), continuing until we reach a group of massive squared boulders.

  • Divers who cannot or prefer not to enter the siphon can continue the dive by skimming over the rocky formation above it.

  • Dentex, groupers, and barracuda are commonly spotted in the area.

RETURN

  • From the squared boulders, we begin our return route with the wall now on our right, heading back toward the bay where we started.

  • Nearing the bay, still with the wall on our right, we’ll follow the cliff face until, at -10 m, hidden behind a large boulder, we spot the entrance to a cave.

  • ENTRY IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN to those without a valid Cavern certification.

  • Inside, a small siphon leads to a surface chamber where we can admire beautiful limestone formations along the walls.

  • Overhead, a natural chimney allows light to filter in from above.

  • Only divers with a Cavern or Cave certification may request a guided path from Diving Group instructors.

  • Exiting the cave at -6 m, and keeping the wall on our left, we’ll reach a stunning wall between 6 and 8 metres deep covered in Parazoanthus axinellae—commonly known as “sea daisies”.

ASCENT

  • We’ll perform our 3-minute safety stop at -5 m here, then fin south-west to return to the boat.

🟢 GREEN ROUTE (down to -18 m)

DESCENT

  • After the pre-dive check, we’ll begin our descent near the buoy.

OUTBOUND

  • At -18 m, we’ll fin eastwards toward the rocky formation, where we’re likely to encounter dentex, groupers, and barracuda.

  • Continuing in the same direction, still at -18 m, we’ll come across some massive squared boulders—our signal to begin the return.

  • With the wall now on our right, we’ll fin toward the bay for the final part of the dive.

  • At the entrance to the bay, between 6 and 8 metres, we’ll admire a gorgeous wall covered in Parazoanthus axinellae, the so-called “sea daisies“.

  • Continuing with the wall on our right, we’ll find an opening at -6 m above a large rock.

  • With a torch, we can light up the inside of the cave—ENTRY IS FORBIDDEN WITHOUT A CAVERN CERTIFICATION.

ASCENT

  • We’ll carry out our 3-minute safety stop at -5 m, then leave the wall behind and fin around 15 metres out toward the open sea to return to the boat.

The VIDEO BRIEFING refers to the RED ROUTE.

Video Briefing

Dive La Colombara with Diving Group Portofino

  • Location: Portofino Marine Protected Area
  • Access: Boat dive
  • Best conditions: Calm sea, good visibility
  • Depth: 18 m (Green Route) | 40 m (Red Route)
  • Difficulty: From beginner to advanced (Cavern certification required for cave access)

Looking to explore underwater caves, coral-covered walls, and rich marine life? Book your dive at La Colombara with us today!