MARIA COSTANZA - Naples & Campania

The Maria Costanza isn't a dive you *plan* for. It's the happy accident, the bonus shore dive you do when the boat trip gets cancelled or you just fancy an easy afternoon splash. We love it for exactly that reason. This little freighter, built in Venice in 1954, went aground off the Formiche Islands back in '78. Now, she lies practically on the surface, maxing out at just one metre deep. What you get is a unique snorkel or a super shallow dive experience. The wreck is broken, twisted metal, the bow pointing up as if still trying to get somewhere. You can poke around the remains of the cargo hold, where light filters through the rust-eaten deck plates. Shoals of tiny damselfish dart in and out of the nooks, and we've often spotted small octopus tucked into crevices. It’s a photographer's dream for wide-angle shots against the surface, especially late afternoon when the light softens. We’d suggest bringing a macro lens too, for the nudibranchs that cling to the algae-covered plating. It’s proof that not every memorable 'wreck dive' needs to be deep.

Location
Naples & Campania, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
40.916668, 12.966667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali circostanti l'Isola di Ponza

Nearby Dive Sites in Naples & Campania

Nearest Dive Centres to MARIA COSTANZA

Marine Life in Naples & Campania

Home to 142 recorded species including 91 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 5 hard corals, 5 other, 4 crabs & lobsters, 4 whales & dolphins.

Notable Species

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at the Maria Costanza dive site?
The Maria Costanza dive site is remarkably shallow, with a typical depth of just 1 meter. This makes it an accessible site for many divers, offering a unique shallow wreck experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to encounter at Maria Costanza?
The Maria Costanza is a wreck dive, featuring the remains of a motor vessel that sank on October 14, 1978. While specific marine life details are not provided, divers can expect to explore the structure of this 52.4m x 8.5m vessel, which is classified as a dangerous wreck. For general information on marine species, you can visit our wildlife database.
How would you rate the difficulty of the Maria Costanza dive site for different experience levels?
The Maria Costanza dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some prior experience beyond basic certification, offering a manageable challenge for those comfortable with wreck diving.
What is considered the best time of year to dive at Maria Costanza for optimal conditions and visibility?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at the Maria Costanza dive site is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive safely at Maria Costanza?
Given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess appropriate certifications and experience beyond entry-level to safely explore the Maria Costanza wreck. It is always recommended to dive within your training and comfort limits, especially when exploring a dangerous wreck.
What are the usual current strengths and visibility conditions at the Maria Costanza dive site?
Details regarding the usual current strengths and visibility conditions at the Maria Costanza dive site are not provided in the available data. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive operator in Naples & Campania before planning their dive to ensure safety and enjoyment.