Carega Shoal

One of the most fascinating dive sites in the Portofino Marine Protected Area

Carega Shoal is one of the most iconic and exciting dive sites in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, loved by divers for its spectacular topography and the near-constant presence of large schools of barracuda. The top of the shoal lies just 5 metres below the surface, while a canyon at 16 metres separates it from the promontory.

The most vibrant marine life can be found between 10 and 20 metres, where, especially in the presence of current, the area bursts to life with dentex, amberjack, barracuda, damselfish, and sea bream.

The dive unfolds around the shoal itself, which drops off to over 50 metres on the seaward side, offering dramatic walls and deep crevices where lobsters, crayfish, octopuses, and conger eels find shelter. Below 30 metres, you’ll find vivid red coral and elegant gorgonians. And all around, barracuda glide up and down the wall, while clouds of damselfish draw in predators from the open blue—a mesmerising underwater show you’ll never forget.

🔴 RED ROUTE (down to -40 m)

DESCENT

  • After our pre-dive check, we’ll descend near the buoy, from which we can already glimpse the outline of the shoal to the EAST of our position. The anchor block lies at -25 m.

CIRCLING THE SHOAL

  • With the wall on our left, swimming anti-clockwise, we’ll reach the maximum depth of -40 m on the deepest side, facing the open sea.

  • During the descent, it’s common to see groups of barracuda circling below.

  • At -30 m, we’ll begin to see the first red gorgonians.

  • Over the years, there have been several sightings of large tuna here—especially in September when anchovies and sand smelts arrive.

  • We’ll begin to ascend to around -25 m while continuing to follow the contours of the shoal.

  • When we see large boulders appear, we’ll know we’re approaching the canyon at -16 m.

  • Everywhere you look, large brown groupers swim in and out of their dens, slowly and calmly, allowing divers to approach within just a few metres.

  • After crossing the canyon, we’ll reach -10 m at the top of the shoal, where the abundance of fish is simply breathtaking.

ASCENT

  • After a 3-minute safety stop at -5 m on the top of the shoal, we’ll easily reach the boat by finning in a south-westerly direction.

🟢 GREEN ROUTE (down to -18 m)

DESCENT

  • After our pre-dive check, we’ll descend near the buoy, from which we’ll already be able to see the outline of the shoal, located to the EAST of our position.

CIRCLING THE SHOAL

  • We’ll begin our dive with the wall of the shoal on our left, swimming anti-clockwise.

  • As we follow the long edge facing the open sea, we’ll be about to cross the canyon at -16 m.

  • All around, large groupers swim slowly in and out of their dens, allowing divers to approach closely.

  • After crossing the canyon, we’ll ascend to -10 m at the top of the shoal, where the density of marine life is overwhelming.

ASCENT

  • After a 3-minute safety stop at -5 m on the top of the shoal, we’ll easily reach the boat by finning in a south-westerly direction.

Dive Carega Shoal with Diving Group Portofino

  • Location: Portofino Marine Protected Area
  • Access: Boat dive
  • Best conditions: Light to moderate current, excellent visibility
  • Depth: 18 m (Green Route) | 40 m (Red Route)
  • Difficulty: From beginner to advanced

Want to discover one of the most iconic sites in the Portofino Marine Park? Book your dive with us today!