CARLOTTA MARIA & ANNA MADRE - Portofino & Liguria

The Carlotta Maria and Anna Madre wreck off Portofino isn't about depth or dramatic drop-offs. It’s a shallow, engaging dive that we love for its accessibility and the way it tells a story. We’re talking about an old steamship, resting upright in a mere ten metres of water. You can clearly make out the hull structure, even some of the deck fittings. It’s less about penetration, more about swimming around and over it, getting a real sense of its past. This wreck has become a fantastic artificial reef. Barracuda often hang out in schools above the main structure, their silver scales glinting in the Mediterranean light. We've seen moray eels peeking from crevices, and the nooks and crannies are home to plenty of smaller blennies and gobies. It’s an ideal spot for newer wreck divers, or anyone who wants a relaxed dive with plenty to observe without the pressure of deep water or strong currents. Our favourite time to dive it is first thing in the morning; the light is softer, and the fish seem a bit bolder before the day gets busy.

Location
Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.322224, 10.350000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - CARLOTTA MARIA & ANNA MADRE

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Resting in the shallows of Italy's famed Portofino Marine Park, the wreck known as the 'Carlotta Maria & Anna Madre' is an accessible and intriguing dive. Very little is known about the history of this steamship or the circumstances of its sinking, adding a layer of mystery to the site. At a depth of only 10 meters, this wreck is perfect for divers of all levels, including beginners and snorkelers. The classification notes that parts of the hull or superstructure are visible, meaning the wreckage is substantial and rises from the seabed, making it easy to navigate and explore. Divers can expect to find the metal framework colonized by the vibrant marine life typical of the Ligurian coast, with schools of damselfish, curious octopus, and colorful nudibranchs making their homes among the decaying plates of the vessel.

Marine Protected Area: Calafuria - Area terrestre e marina

Nearby Dive Sites in Portofino & Liguria

Nearest Dive Centres to CARLOTTA MARIA & ANNA MADRE

Marine Life in Portofino & Liguria

Home to 73 recorded species including 37 reef fish, 9 sharks & rays, 8 whales & dolphins, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 hard corals, 3 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species