The diving area
The Mediterranean Sea around Isola del Giglio offers diverse dive sites for beginners and experienced divers alike. Sand, seagrass, and rock – all three Mediterranean habitats are located close together here, creating an impressive variety of underwater life.
Our map provides a quick overview of the most important spots, including descriptions and difficulty levels. Tip: Bring a lamp or rent one from us – only then will the Mediterranean reveal its full splendor of colors.
Diving sites
1. The Three Brothers
2. Beach
3. Secca 1
4. Aquarium
5. Secca 2
6. Fenaio
7. Punta del Morto
8. Dome roof
9. Secca 3
10. Radice
11. Campana
12.. Lazaretto
13. Le Scole
14. Capel Rosso
15. Serrone
16. Pietrabonna
17. Palm Grotto
18. Corvo
19. Apennines
20. Alumni
1. Dive site
The three brothers
Depth: 35-40 meters Difficulty: Advanced and above Area: Small dive site, longer approach Special features: Deep, cold, frequent currents, open water, dive light recommended, ascend near shore Description: The Three Brothers dive site is quite small in area. However, this doesn't detract from the "sights" of this site in the slightest. Large conger eels and moray eels meet giant scorpionfish here. And among all these impressive creatures, you'll find crinoids, lobsters, nudibranchs, and barbels... The Three Brothers is a very beautiful dive site, as the manageable area offers the opportunity to dive it in peace despite the depth. However, divers should have a certain level of experience, as the location and the approach to the dive site (open water descent) demand a certain level of skill. Dive Guide: Page 110
2nd dive site
Beach
Depth: 0-30 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Very large Special features: Shallow depth gradient for the first 200 meters, followed by a small drop-off, large anchor, mine shaft, night diving paradise Description: The beach right next to the dive center offers the perfect spot for any introductory or refresher dive. Training is also very well suited to this location. There's plenty to see. A large, old anchor and the former loading tower are just two of the highlights that "our" beach has to offer. A variety of small fish and sand-dwelling creatures alternate with octopuses, cuttlefish, and nudibranchs, but rays and barracudas also occasionally make an appearance. And with a little luck, the observant diver might even encounter a seahorse. At night, the seemingly lifeless sand surfaces come alive. It's no wonder this beach is a top night diving destination. From the base, we headed towards the headframe, did a few laps around it (besides the sandy bottom, there's Posidonia seagrass and rocks here), and then slowly made our way back. Dive Guide: Page 13
3rd dive site
Secca 1
Depth: 3-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Medium Special features: Dive site with abundant fish, occasionally strong currents, very beginner-friendly Description: Secca 1 is the first shoal counting from Campeser Beach (Secca means something like "dry," the dry one). It's a two-part rock whose highest point reaches to within 3 meters of the surface. This makes it a great spot for snorkeling. Countless fish of all sizes inhabit this dive site. Especially at dusk, it's teeming with life; huge schools of barracuda (over 100) circle divers in search of food, while groupers prepare to hunt in the crevices. Following the course of the Secca from the anchorage between the Secca and the island northwards (towards Fenaio), it drops off very quickly at its tip to about 40 meters. Here, the rock gives way to a sandy bottom. Continue counter-clockwise, keeping the rock on your left shoulder, towards the southern end. Along the terraced structure of the Secca, you'll find, in addition to the usual schools of fish, the occasional lobster, as well as countless nudibranchs and rock-dwelling creatures (small crustaceans and fish). At the southern end, the Secca 1 is rather shallow, with a maximum depth of just under 20 meters. The bottom consists of a mixture of rocks and seagrass. Once you've rounded the southern tip, it becomes even shallower, with the seabed (rock, sand, and seagrass) rising to about 10 meters, while to your left, the Secca extends its rocky outcrop towards the surface. Due to the shallow depth in the anchor area and the gently sloping course of Secca 1, there is plenty to see and discover at this dive site right up to the end of the safety stop. It's no wonder it's a popular destination for the final dive of a diving certification course. The occasional current from the direction of Fenaio is easily submerged, as it is only a surface current and the rock formations provide ample shelter. Dive Guide: Page 21
4th dive site
aquarium
Tiefe: 10-38 Meter Schwierigkeitsgrad: Ab Anfänger Fläche: Klein Besonderheiten: Kleine durchtauchbare Spalten, übersichtlicher Tauchplatz Beschreibung: Auf einem kleinen Raum findet sich dieser Tauchplatz, der von Seeseite aus betrachtet Unterwasser eine gewisse Ähnlichkeit mit einem Aquarium bietet. Daher auch der Namen. Neben viel Kleinfisch liegt der Reiz dieses Platzes vor allem im durchtauchen verschiedener Felsspalten und den vielen kleinen Nacktschnecken. Tauchführer: Seite 26
5. Tauchplatz
Secca 2
Tiefe: 5-40 Meter Schwierigkeitsgrad: Ab Anfänger Fläche: Groß Besonderheiten: Tauchplatz mit viel Fisch, gelegentlich stärkere Strömung, große Fläche Beschreibung: Nahe dem Fenaio gelegen bietet die Secca 2 einen kleinen Vorgeschmack auf das, was den Taucher an der Steilwand des Fenaios erwartet. Durch die etwas exponierte Lage findet sich hier auch viel Fisch und mit etwas Glück sogar ein Hummer, der seit Jahren in diesem Bereich seine Kreise zieht. Die häufig vorherrschende Strömung ist meist auch für Anfänger gut zu verkraften, wird es einmal heftiger, so bietet der Fels der Secca genug Versteckmöglichkeiten. Vom Ankerplatz aus taucht man Richtung offenes Meer und gelangt nach einige Flossenschlägen auf die Oberseite eines großen Felsens (Tiefe etwa 28 Meter). Dieser fällt an zwei Seiten auf gute 40 Meter senkrecht ab und ist hier mit großen, sehr dicht stehenden Roten Gorgonien bewachsen. Diese runden das Bild des gesamten Tauchplatzes ab, welches schon auf dem Hinweg durch die zahlreichen Fischschwärme und den schönen und abwechslungsreichen Felsbewuchs erzeugt wurde. Am Ende des Tauchganges erwartet den Taucher bis zum Sicherheitstop die Möglichkeit, in Felsspalten zu stochern bzw. in Fisch zu baden. Tauchführer: Seite 31
6. Dive site
Fenaio
Tiefe: 0-40 Meter Schwierigkeitsgrad: Ab Anfänger Fläche: Groß Besonderheiten: Berühmte Steilwand Giglios, viel Felsbewuchs, teilweise heftige Strömung. Beschreibung: Der Fenaio ist sicher einer der bekanntesten, wenn nicht DER bekannteste Tauchplatz Giglios. Eine gigantische Steilwand mit sehr schönen, großen Fächern roter Gorgonien erfreut das Taucherherz. Ebenso, wie der unseren Stammgästen sicher nur zu gut bekannte berühmte gelbe Krustenanemonen Überhang. Die häufig vorherrschende Strömung ermöglicht es einen Drift-Dive durchzuführen, d.h. sich einfach an der Wand vorbei tragen zu lassen und zu genießen. Wenn dann noch der ein oder andere Zacki dem Taucher zuwinkt, ist das Tauchvergnügen perfekt! Auf Grund seiner Bekanntheit ist der Fenaio gerade am Wochenende häufig überlaufen. Empfehlung daher: Nur unter der Woche oder in der Nebensaison aufsuchen. Tauchführer: Seite 34
8. Tauchplatz
domed roof
Depth: 25-40 meters Difficulty: Advanced and above Area: Large Special features: Deep, rocky ridge perpendicular to the coast, old anchor Description: This dive site takes its name from the villa located just above the anchorage. From Campese, off Secca 3, right on the coast, divers will find a small rock formation resembling a pointed cap. Following its tip, at a depth of approximately 25 meters, they will reach the actual dive site: a rocky ridge. Diving along this ridge to about 40 meters, a divers will discover an old, heavily overgrown anchor upon closer inspection. Afterward, divers cross the ridge and follow its other side back toward the coast and the boat. Dive guide: Page 55
9. Tauchplatz
Secca 3
Depth: 5-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up (depending on current) Area: Large Special Features: Probably the most fish-rich dive site, often strong currents, sugarloaf shape Description: Secca 3 resembles a sugarloaf in appearance. From a small plateau (depth: 5 meters), the Secca drops steeply in all directions. Most divers don't follow this drop-off, however, as this dive site isn't known for its beautiful rock formations. Due to its greater distance from the island (approximately 400 meters from the shore) and its resulting exposed location, this dive site is considered one of the most fish-rich. With a bit of luck, you might encounter some unusual visitors like the sunfish, large mackerel, and tuna. The latter are usually only seen when the current is strong. Large schools of barracuda, dentex, and other predators are found here on every dive. Since this dive site offers little shelter from the current, divers should have some experience. Otherwise, the open sea will be calling. Dive Guide: Page 57
10th dive site
Radice
Depth: 10-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and above Area: Medium Special Features: Dive site for all divers Description: Radice offers a beautiful dive for all levels of experience. In the upper section, you'll find large boulders with many small crevices and cracks teeming with life. From 20 meters, a rocky outcrop begins, extending to 40 meters. A beautiful array of rock formations, including red gorgonians, gorgonian lizards, unicorn shrimp, spiny lobsters, and yellow gorgonians, covers the outcrop. At the exit point, you'll find large boulders with various nudibranchs starting at 10 meters. Dive Guide: Page 60
11. Tauchplatz
La Campana
Depth: 10-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and above Area: Medium Special Features: Dive site for all divers Description: La Campana offers a beautiful dive for all levels of experience. The upper section features numerous small crevices and cracks teeming with marine life, as well as beautiful rock formations with algae, sponges, and yellow gorgonians. Diving deeper, beyond 25 meters, reveals the first red gorgonians and the occasional lobster. Due to the dive site's simple layout (a large boulder perpendicular to the coast) and its manageable size, La Campana can easily be circumnavigated in a single dive. Haste is not a priority; air is plentiful, and the site demands attention to its many details. Dive Guide: Page 62
12. Tauchplatz
Lazaretto
Depth: 10-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Medium Special features: Red gorgonians, shallow area relatively uncrowded Description: The Lazaretto dive site gets its name from the former infirmary located just above the entry point. Underwater, you'll find many red gorgonians, but otherwise, the site doesn't offer much, except for its sheltered location, even in strong southerly winds. Dive guide: Page 65
13. Tauchplatz
Le Scole
Depth: 0-40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Large Special Features: Current, abundant fish life, old anchor with a long chain, two statues, beautiful rock formations Number of Divers: 2-... Description: Located near Porto Giglio, this dive site is anything but ordinary. Underwater, you'll find a veritable fish soup, with larger specimens mixed in depending on the current. Besides the numerous barracudas, you'll encounter bream, moray eels, and the occasional conger eel. Groupers also like to swim between your fins. Among the rock formations, the staghorn sponges and large gorgonian fans are particularly noteworthy. There's also an entire wall covered in transparent sea squirts (clavelines). If that's not enough, you can take a look at the two statues sunk in the water. Because this dive site is somewhat exposed, the current in the small channel can occasionally be quite strong. The current is manageable for diving. Recommendation: Avoid this spot on weekends, as it's crowded with dive centers from both the island and the mainland. Dive Guide: Page 73
14. Dive site
Capel Rosso
Depth: 30-40 meters Difficulty: Advanced and above Area: Medium Special features: Large open water area, no-decompression limit dive, strong offshore currents possible Description: Capel Rosso, the southern tip of Giglio, is known for its abundance of red gorgonians. Due to its exposed location, there's also the occasional chance of encountering an unusual large fish (tuna, large mackerel, etc.). The dive begins from the shore, proceeding across a rocky plateau to the drop-off. Here, the descent is almost vertical, reaching depths of over 40 meters; the return is often entirely in open water due to these depths. It's clear, then, that this site has its challenges. As a headland, it's frequently exposed to strong, shifting currents – certainly not a dive site for everyone! Dive Guide: Page 83
15th dive site
Serrone
Depth: 22 to 40 meters Difficulty: Advanced and above Area: Large Special features: Freestanding rocky ridge, current, open water, abundant fish life Description: The Serrone dive site consists of a rocky ridge running parallel to the coast. About 100 meters from the shore, it rises from the 35-meter-deep sandy seabed on the landward side to a depth of approximately 22 meters at its shallowest point (northern tip). On the seaward side, it then drops almost vertically to over 40 meters. The seaward side is particularly fascinating, with countless crevices and cracks where a wide variety of marine life has made itself at home. Besides numerous lobsters, other crustaceans can be found here, as well as countless different sea urchins and sea cucumbers. This site also boasts beautiful marine growth on the rock. If you dive back over the rocky ridge (the southern tip rises to about 30 meters) and continue following the rock with your left shoulder, you're guaranteed to encounter a school of barracuda that seems to have reserved this spot for themselves. From there, it's another two to three minutes' swim back to the island and the boat. Due to the location, the open water route (sometimes with no bottom visibility), and the currents, divers should have some experience. Dive Guide: Page 86
16th dive site
Pietrabonna
Depth: 0 to 40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Large Special Features: Rock similar to Corvo, abundant fish, scenic beauty Description: The Pietrabonna dive site has a reputation as a cleaning station for sunfish. This offers a good chance of encountering one of these shy creatures. But even if you're not lucky enough to spot one, it's always a worthwhile dive. Besides the abundance of fish, at about 37 meters you'll find an overhang covered by an old, overgrown fishing net, teeming with unicorn shrimp. Otherwise, this rock is particularly impressive for its beautiful underwater landscape with its numerous nooks and crannies. In the ascent zone (about 3 meters), there's a small undercut that some divers like to use as a resting pool just before surfacing. Dive Guide: Page 89
17th dive site
Palm Grotto
Depth: 25 to 40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Small Special Features: Small grotto, unicorn shrimp, very small area, dive light required!!! Number of Divers: 4 Description: The Palm Grotto is located halfway between Corvo and Pietrabonna. Despite its very small size, there is a lot to discover at this dive site. A larger scour hole/grotto at about 30 meters offers an impressive spectacle. When illuminated with a dive light, the walls seem to come alive, as the grotto is filled to the brim with unicorn shrimp. A forkbeard has also made its home here, as have the occasional lobster. While the entrance area is decorated with a beautifully overgrown old fishing net, the observant diver will find many small nudibranchs in the entrance area and the immediate vicinity of the grotto – certainly another highlight of this dive site. Dive Guide: Page 94
18th dive site
Corvo
Depth: 2 to 40 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Large Special Features: Small rock with five pinnacles, top edge up to 3 meters above water Description: Corvo, the Raven Rock, is one of the many dive sites where divers of all levels can enjoy a beautiful dive. Besides a variety of micro- and squid, this site offers a good chance of spotting large schools of barracuda. Lobsters, spiny lobsters, and even the occasional spider crab crawl over and through the rock. If that's not enough, you'll find numerous red gorgonians from about 30 meters down, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot the famous Corvo grouper. Deep black and large, it has already thrilled many a diver underwater. Dive Guide: Page 95
19th dive site
Apennines
Depth: 18-40 meters or 30-40 meters Difficulty: Advanced and above Area: Large, elongated Special features: Open water, current, no-decompression limit Description: The Apenini dive site is essentially divided into two dive sites, Apenini North and Apenini South, and is a large rocky ridge running parallel to the coast. Apenini South: With an entry depth of approximately 18 meters, the southern option is the shallower of the two. Numerous barracudas and starfish of all kinds enrich the already interesting rocky landscape. However, there is little rock growth in the form of gorgonians and similar organisms. Apenini North: The northern part of the dive site begins at a depth of about 30 meters. A steeply sloping landscape awaits visitors, as well as a small undercut filled with unicorn shrimp. Barracudas or even a sunfish can also be expected here. ... Dive Guide: Page 100 and page 102
20th dive site
Alume
Depth: 3-14 meters Difficulty: Beginner and up Area: Medium-sized dive site Special features: Small caves and grottos, very shallow, dive light essential Number of divers: Maximum 6 Description: The Allume is a small cave and grotto system. With a maximum depth of approximately 14 meters, it offers even novice divers the opportunity for a calm and relaxed dive. Our guests have loved the Allume for years, and it's a popular destination, especially for the second or third dive of the day. Many nudibranchs and the occasional grouper are characteristic of this dive site. Anyone who enjoys exploring a dive site at their own pace and loves peering into every crevice will find this the perfect spot! Dive guide: Page 105
