Isuela Shoal

Explore Isuela Shoal: A Vivid Underwater Landscape of Coral, Red Gorgonians and Predators

Located off the tip of Punta Chiappa, Isuela Shoal is one of the most captivating dive sites in the area thanks to the remarkable density and diversity of marine life. The mooring block sits right at the centre of the shoal at a depth of -16 m, surrounded by an ecosystem teeming with life. Every crevice hosts its own surprises: moray eels, lobsters, conger eels, octopuses, large scorpionfish, while dentex and brown groupers patrol the area like sentinels in search of prey.

As we descend deeper, vibrant red gorgonians dominate the scenery, swaying gently with the current. Among their branches, you might spot catshark eggs, perfectly nestled in the protection of the coral. The shoal’s strategic location also makes it a prime spot for encounters with larger predators—amberjacks and dentex are regularly seen chasing schools of anchovies or damselfish.

Undoubtedly, Isuela is one of the most fascinating dives in the Portofino area for its variety, abundance, and spectacular colour.

🔴 RED ROUTE (down to -40 m)

  • After our pre-dive check, we’ll descend along the chain to the mooring block at around -16 m, where we’re often greeted by a swirling school of barracuda circling the chain.

  • The dive begins heading south, gradually descending along the contours of the shoal to reach the maximum depth of -40 m.

  • Keeping the wall on our right, we’ll move in a clockwise direction. Along the way, red gorgonian fans sway in the gentle current from the west, and if you look closely, you’ll often spot catshark eggs suspended among them.

  • Numerous crevices, richly decorated with red coral, shelter forkbeards, lobsters, and moray eels.

  • As we continue, we’ll pass a large crack filled with coral, yellow sea daisies (Parazoanthus axinellae), and Leptopsammia pruvoti (yellow cup corals).

  • Just beyond, another deep fissure opens up, where lobster antennae can be seen poking out.

  • From this point, the wall changes shape, becoming smoother as we ascend to around -25 m. It’s worth looking out into the blue, where tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and dentex often appear out of nowhere.

  • We’ll continue ascending to -18 m, reaching the edge of the shoal’s cap, where brown groupers and dentex are frequently spotted swimming through the area.

  • The many crevices here are home to large numbers of moray eels, which often peer out curiously from their dens.

  • We’ll begin our final ascent beside the chain, making a 3-minute safety stop at -5 m.

  • It’s essential to maintain visual contact with the chain throughout both the descent and ascent.

  • This site is not recommended when strong currents are present, and divers should always maintain visual reference with the wall during the dive.

🔵 BLUE ROUTE (down to -50 m)

  • We’ll follow the same route as the Red Route down to -40 m, continuing until we reach large boulders covered in magnificent gorgonians.

  • If visibility is good, we can venture westward and reach Isuelina, a small satellite shoal with a top at -33 m, descending to depths of up to -50 m (for technical divers only).

  • After exploring its colourful gorgonian-covered slopes and watching clouds of red damselfish, we’ll return to the main shoal.

  • Along the way, we’ll pass countless coral-filled crevices that shelter forkbeards, moray eels, and scorpionfish.

  • By this point, we’ll have ascended back to around -25 m.

  • In the open water, dentex hunt among schools of damselfish, while large brown groupers swim calmly nearby.

  • Moray eels remain a constant presence here, appearing from every nook and cranny.

  • Finning anti-clockwise around the shoal cap, we’ll reach a large boulder on the western side at -14 m, loop around it, and begin our final ascent alongside the chain.

  • At -5 m, we’ll complete our 3-minute safety stop before surfacing.

  • As with the Red Route, this dive is not recommended in strong current conditions, and divers should always keep visual contact with the wall of the shoal.

Dive Isuela Shoal with Diving Group Portofino

  • Location: Off the tip of Punta Chiappa
  • Access: Boat dive
  • Best conditions: Slight current, sometimes strong, good visibility
  • Depth: 40 m (Red Route) | 50 m (Blue Route – technical only)
  • Difficulty: From intermediate to advanced (technical certification required for Blue Route)

Keen to explore an underwater world of gorgonians, coral-covered crevices, swirling barracuda, and hunting predators? Book your dive at Isuela Shoal with Diving Group Portofino today!