Isola Gallinara

This dive site offers a unique experience due to its history and diverse marine life. Initially, diving was prohibited on the island following the discovery of unexploded wartime ordnance and a significant shipwreck dating back to the 18th century. Current regulations allow for guided dives with local diving center professionals. The underwater terrain features walls and sandy bottoms abundant with benthic organisms, including sea anemones (nudibranchs), yellow sponges (some reaching considerable sizes), rare Chaetaster longipes, and a plentiful population of marine life. Two primary dive sites are available: Cristo Redentore/Punta Falconara and Punta Sciusciau. Cristo Redentore/Punta Falconara is a relatively easy dive, suitable for beginners, with maximum depths reaching 18 meters, though deeper exploration via a channel can reach 22 meters. The area around the statue of Christ, placed in 1998, provides an interesting visual element and abundant benthic life. Punta Sciusciau offers dives ranging from 15 to 30 meters; while generally straightforward, currents occasionally present a challenge. This site is known for its frequent sightings of larger specimens of cuttlefish, rays, octopuses, and crabs. Sponges of notable size can also be found at depths approaching 30 meters. The maximum depth recorded at this dive site is 22 meters.