Dragon Rock

Follow the Dragon’s Path Through Caves, Crevices and Coral Walls

Dragon Rock is a dramatic and richly diverse dive site in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, named after a rocky formation towering over the bay that vaguely resembles a dragon. The site is known for its unique topography, including a vertical siphon, deep fractures in the wall, and a colourful overhang covered in yellow cup coral (Leptopsammia pruvoti). The marine life is equally impressive, with sightings of catsharks, brown groupers, dentex, barracuda, moray eels, and more.

Offering both a shallow and a deep route, Dragon Rock is suitable for certified divers of all levels, with a Cavern certification required for access to the siphon and cave features. The site is best explored in clear conditions, and divers can begin either from the buoy or by entering at the corner of the promontory. With its striking underwater architecture and vibrant marine encounters, Dragon Rock is a must for anyone looking to experience the wilder side of Portofino’s seabed.

🔴 RED ROUTE (down to -40 m)

  • After the pre-dive check, divers with a Cavern certification can descend in the corner of the promontory, where a vertical passage/siphon opens at -10 m.

  • This passage is formed by a large, squared boulder leaning against the wall, with an exit point at -23 m.

  • Alternatively, divers can descend by visually following the chain—the anchor block lies at -38 m.

  • From there, we’ll reach the wall and, keeping it on our left, begin the dive.

  • After exiting the siphon, the wall begins on the left, where we’ll find a deep vertical crevice—a great spot to observe forkbeards hiding in the shadows.

  • Where the wall curves outward, we’ll move off to our right to explore rock formations at a depth of -38 m, beautifully covered in gorgonians.

  • Shining a torch at the base, we may spot a small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) resting inside its den.

  • We’ll return to the wall, ascending to around -23 m and continuing in the same direction, passing through deep vertical cuts and overhangs.

  • Once the long wall ends, we’ll reach a rockfall area at about -18 m, made up of large boulders where we’re likely to encounter brown groupers, dentex, meagres, sea bream, barracuda, and more.

  • Back on the wall, keeping it on our right, we’ll reach -12 m and swim toward a horizontal crevice featuring a vibrant overhang covered in yellow cup coral (Leptopsammia pruvoti).

  • The wall curves again here, and at -10 m we’ll arrive above the entrance of the siphon.

  • Since the chain lies slightly away from the wall, if visibility is not optimal, we’ll complete our 3-minute safety stop at -5 m and exit safely at the corner of the promontory.

🟢 GREEN ROUTE (down to -18 m)

  • As the buoy is slightly distant from the promontory, we’ll surface fin to reach a right-angled feature in the rocky wall.

  • After the pre-dive check, we’ll descend to a giant, squared boulder.

  • With the wall on our left, we’ll follow it to a maximum depth of -18 m.

  • Along the way, numerous vertical cracks conceal a variety of marine life—use a torch to spot them more easily.

  • Looking out toward the open sea, we may see hunting schools of dentex, while a striking moray eel swims along the contours of the wall.

  • When the long wall ends, we’ll arrive at a rockfall around -18 m, where brown groupers, dentex, meagres, sea bream, and barracuda are commonly seen.

  • Returning to the wall, keeping it on our right, we’ll reach -12 m and swim towards a horizontal crevice with a colourful overhang richly coated in yellow cup coral (Leptopsammia pruvoti).

  • The wall bulges outward here, and at -10 m we’ll find ourselves above the entrance to the siphon.

  • Since the chain is slightly distant from the wall, if visibility is poor, we’ll complete our 3-minute safety stop at -5 m and safely exit at the corner of the promontory.

Dive Dragon Rock with Diving Group Portofino

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

Want to dive through dramatic crevices, coral-covered walls, and a legendary siphon? Book your underwater adventure at Dragon Rock with us today!