Accademia Blu Diving Center - Portofino & Liguria

Okay, Accademia Blu. We admit, the name sounds a bit formal, but the diving here? It’s classic Portofino, and we really love it for that. Forget the Caribbean blues; this is the deep, inky indigo of the Mediterranean, and it’s spectacular. Dive down and the rock walls are an explosion of reds and oranges from the Scarlet and Bushy Corals, just gorgeous against the darker water. Look closely in the cracks and you'll often spot Common and Mediterranean Slipper Lobsters peeking out, sometimes even a conger eel. We’ve seen Spotted Dragonets flitting about the rocky bottom, and the Damsel fish are everywhere, darting amongst the Mediterranean tapeweed. It’s not uncommon to see a loggerhead turtle glide by, which always feels like a real treat. This isn’t a drift dive, it’s more about exploring the nooks and crannies, really taking your time. We’d suggest a morning dive; the light penetrates a little better then, making those corals really pop. The area can get busy with boats in summer, so early starts are always a good idea. It’s suitable for most divers comfortable with deeper entries and exits from a boat, and honestly, if you appreciate the subtler beauty of the Med, you’ll be in your element.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

43.530450, 10.303850

Marine Protected Area: Calafuria - Area terrestre e marina