{"id":2275,"date":"2017-01-19T12:09:35","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T11:09:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dgportofino.ne-ws.it\/portofino\/secca-isuela\/"},"modified":"2025-03-25T16:39:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T15:39:17","slug":"secca-isuela","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dgportofino.com\/en\/portofino\/secca-isuela\/","title":{"rendered":"Isuela Shoal"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”14964″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″]

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Isuela Shoal<\/h3><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Explore Isuela Shoal: A Vivid Underwater Landscape of Coral, Red Gorgonians and Predators<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Located off the tip of Punta Chiappa<\/strong>, Isuela Shoal is one of the most captivating dive sites in the area<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

As we descend deeper, vibrant red gorgonians<\/strong> dominate the scenery, swaying gently with the current. Among their branches, you might spot catshark eggs<\/strong>, perfectly nestled in the protection of the coral. The shoal\u2019s strategic location also makes it a prime spot for encounters with larger predators<\/strong>\u2014amberjacks and dentex are regularly seen chasing schools of anchovies or damselfish.<\/p>\n

Undoubtedly, Isuela is one of the most fascinating dives in the Portofino area for its variety, abundance, and spectacular colour.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd34 RED ROUTE (down to -40 m)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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  • \n

    After our pre-dive check, we\u2019ll descend along the chain to the mooring block at around -16 m, where we\u2019re often greeted by a swirling school of barracuda<\/strong> circling the chain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    The dive begins heading south<\/strong>, gradually descending along the contours of the shoal to reach the maximum depth of -40 m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    Keeping the wall on our right<\/strong>, we\u2019ll move in a clockwise direction. Along the way, red gorgonian fans<\/strong> sway in the gentle current from the west, and if you look closely, you\u2019ll often spot catshark eggs<\/strong> suspended among them.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Numerous crevices, richly decorated with red coral, shelter forkbeards, lobsters, and moray eels<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    As we continue, we\u2019ll pass a large crack filled with coral, yellow sea daisies (Parazoanthus axinellae<\/em>)<\/strong>, and Leptopsammia pruvoti (yellow cup corals)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    Just beyond, another deep fissure opens up, where lobster antennae<\/strong> can be seen poking out.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    From this point, the wall changes shape, becoming smoother as we ascend to around -25 m. It\u2019s worth looking out into the blue<\/strong>, where tuna, amberjack, barracuda, and dentex<\/strong> often appear out of nowhere.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    We\u2019ll continue ascending to -18 m, reaching the edge of the shoal\u2019s cap, where brown groupers and dentex<\/strong> are frequently spotted swimming through the area.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    The many crevices here are home to large numbers of moray eels<\/strong>, which often peer out curiously from their dens.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    We\u2019ll begin our final ascent beside the chain, making a 3-minute safety stop at -5 m<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    It\u2019s essential to maintain visual contact with the chain throughout both the descent and ascent.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    This site is not recommended when strong currents are present<\/strong>, and divers should always maintain visual reference with the wall during the dive.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \ud83d\udd35 BLUE ROUTE (down to -50 m)<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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    • \n

      We\u2019ll follow the same route as the Red Route down to -40 m, continuing until we reach large boulders covered in magnificent gorgonians<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      If visibility is good, we can venture westward and reach Isuelina<\/strong>, a small satellite shoal with a top at -33 m, descending to depths of up to -50 m<\/strong> (for technical divers<\/strong> only).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      After exploring its colourful gorgonian-covered slopes and watching clouds of red damselfish<\/strong>, we\u2019ll return to the main shoal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Along the way, we\u2019ll pass countless coral-filled crevices that shelter forkbeards, moray eels, and scorpionfish<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      By this point, we\u2019ll have ascended back to around -25 m.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      In the open water, dentex hunt among schools of damselfish<\/strong>, while large brown groupers<\/strong> swim calmly nearby.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Moray eels remain a constant presence here, appearing from every nook and cranny.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Finning anti-clockwise<\/strong> around the shoal cap, we\u2019ll reach a large boulder on the western side at -14 m<\/strong>, loop around it, and begin our final ascent alongside the chain.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      At -5 m, we\u2019ll complete our 3-minute safety stop<\/strong> before surfacing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      As with the Red Route, this dive is not recommended in strong current conditions<\/strong>, and divers should always keep visual contact with the wall of the shoal.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Dive Isuela Shoal with Diving Group Portofino<\/strong><\/h2>\n
        \n
      • Location:<\/strong> Off the tip of Punta Chiappa<\/li>\n
      • Access:<\/strong> Boat dive<\/li>\n
      • Best conditions:<\/strong>\u00a0Slight current, sometimes strong, good visibility<\/li>\n
      • Depth:<\/strong> 40 m (Red Route) | 50 m (Blue Route \u2013 technical only)<\/li>\n
      • Difficulty:<\/strong> From intermediate to advanced (technical certification required for Blue Route)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        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!<\/strong><\/div> <\/div> <\/div> [\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”6834″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”5875″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6840″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6837″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6843″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6846″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”7815″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][vc_single_image image=”6856″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6853″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6863″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        [vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”14964″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”6834″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”5875″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6840″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6837″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6843″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6846″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”7815″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large” css=””][vc_single_image image=”6856″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image image=”6853″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” onclick=”img_link_large”][vc_single_image…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"parent":2249,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2275","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","description-off"],"yoast_head":"\nIzuela Shoal Dive near Punta Chiappa - Diving Group Portofino<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dive Izuela Shoal near Punta Chiappa\u2014explore red gorgonians, catshark eggs, and spot barracuda, tuna, and groupers. 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