MARITELLA - Naples & Campania

Maritella, a wooden fishing boat, rests in a shallow 8m of water just off the coast. Now, “dangerous wreck” sounds a bit dramatic, doesn’t it? We prefer "characterful". Because character she has, even if she is mostly broken apart. We love sites like this: accessible, simple, but full of unexpected moments. The hull has mostly disintegrated, leaving behind a scatter of timbers and machinery that time and the sea have softened into art. You’re not going to see intact cabins here; it’s more an archaeological puzzle. What you do get are surprising pockets of life. Moray eels often peek out from under the larger beams, and we’ve spotted octopuses expertly camouflaged against the encrusted wood. The light plays beautifully on the wreckage, creating shifting patterns on the sandy bottom, particularly in the mid-morning. It’s a perfect site for extended bottom times, ideal for photographers wanting to capture intricate details and the shy creatures that call Maritella home. Our pick for a relaxed second dive, or if you just fancy a bit of history without the pressure of deep water. Just watch out for rogue fishing lines sometimes tangled in the debris.

Location

Naples & Campania, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

41.992317, 11.967567

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

8m

Marine Protected Area: Secche di Macchiatonda