Elba

As the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, Elba offers a premier Mediterranean diving experience. Its protected waters boast remarkable clarity and a diverse underwater topography featuring dramatic drop-offs, vibrant reefs, intricate cave systems, and historic shipwrecks. Divers can explore pinnacles teeming with life, like the famous Scoglietto di Portoferraio, or delve into the past on the well-preserved Elviscott wreck. The island's geology creates a stunning underwater landscape, making every dive a unique exploration of Italy's rich marine environment.

Diving conditions in Elba are generally excellent, with calm seas and visibility often exceeding 30 meters from late spring to early autumn. The island caters to all experience levels, from shallow, sheltered bays perfect for beginners to challenging deep wrecks and technical dives for the advanced. A visit to Elba combines world-class diving with charming Italian coastal towns, delicious cuisine, and beautiful beaches. This blend of incredible underwater encounters and classic Tuscan island culture makes it an unforgettable destination for any diver.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Elba, Italy?
The Elviscott wreck is arguably the most famous dive site in Elba, Italy. This cargo ship sank in 1972 and now rests in shallow water, with its highest point at just 2 meters and the propeller at 12 meters. Its accessibility for all diver levels, excellent preservation, and abundant resident marine life make it a must-do dive and a fantastic spot for underwater photography.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Elba, Italy?
Well-known sites in Elba, Italy, include the marine reserve of Scoglietto di Portoferraio, famous for its dense fish life, and the Elviscott wreck. For a less crowded but equally stunning experience, explore Punta della Zanca, known for its beautiful gorgonian-covered walls and frequent encounters with dentex and barracuda. The Formiche della Zanca are small islets offering fantastic, less-visited deep dives.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Elba, Italy?
Water temperatures in Elba, Italy, vary seasonally. In winter (Dec-Mar), it drops to 13-15°C (55-59°F). It warms through spring to reach 22-26°C (72-79°F) in summer (Jul-Aug), though thermoclines with cooler water can be present at depth. By autumn (Sep-Oct), the surface temperature remains a pleasant 20-23°C (68-73°F).
When is the best time to visit Elba, Italy?
The best time for diving in Elba, Italy, is from May to October. Peak season is July and August, offering the warmest water and best visibility, but also the biggest crowds. For a great balance of pleasant weather, warm water, and fewer tourists, consider visiting during the shoulder months of June or September.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Elba, Italy?
Underwater visibility when diving in Elba, Italy, is typically excellent, especially during the main season from May to October. It commonly ranges from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) and can sometimes exceed this in calm, sunny conditions. Visibility may be temporarily reduced after heavy rain or strong winds, but it generally clears up quickly.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Elba, Italy?
While Elba, Italy, doesn't host large migrations like whale sharks, there are notable seasonal events. In late summer and early autumn, you have a better chance of spotting oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) in open water. Large schools of barracuda and dentex also congregate around pinnacles and headlands during the warmer months, creating impressive spectacles for divers.
What marine life can I expect to see in Elba, Italy?
Divers in Elba, Italy, can expect to see a rich variety of Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include large groupers, moray eels, conger eels, octopus, scorpionfish, and schools of barracuda, damselfish, and bream. The rocky reefs are covered in colorful red gorgonians, sponges, and host numerous species of nudibranchs, making it a paradise for macro photographers.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Elba, Italy?
For summer diving (July-August) in Elba, Italy, a 3mm or 5mm wetsuit is usually sufficient. In the shoulder seasons (May-June and Sep-Oct), a 5mm or 7mm is recommended as water is cooler. For winter diving or for those who get cold easily, a 7mm wetsuit, semi-dry, or even a dry suit is the best choice to stay comfortable in the colder water.
How do I get to Elba, Italy?
To get to Elba, Italy, most travelers fly into Pisa (PSA) or Florence (FLR). From there, you can take a train or drive to the port of Piombino (approx. 1-2 hours). Regular car and passenger ferries operate year-round from Piombino to Elba's main ports, including Portoferraio, Rio Marina, and Cavo. The ferry crossing takes about one hour.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Elba, Italy?
Elba, Italy, is a destination best experienced with shore-based diving. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating around the island. Instead, numerous professional dive centers are located in towns around the coast. They offer daily boat trips to the 12+ dive sites, providing excellent flexibility to combine world-class diving with enjoying the island's charming towns, beaches, and cuisine.
All Dive Sites in Elba (12)
Cape MorconeCapo FonzaCorbellaCorbella OvestFocacciolaLa TrigliaRelitto Di PomonteRemaioloSasso Che BaraScoglietto Di PortoferraioScoglio RemaioloSifone