Chiatta - Portofino & Liguria

Chiatta, off Portofino, is one of our favourite easy Mediterranean wrecks. It’s a sunken barge, lying in just 13 metres, and while the data calls it "dangerous," we think it's more "charmingly decrepit." You descend onto a mostly intact hull, surprisingly large, with the metal plates draped in a lush carpet of sponges and hydroids. Visibility here can often hit 20 metres on a good day, especially in late summer, letting you see the whole wreck come into view as you drop. We love finning slowly over the deck, peering into the open holds where conger eels often lurk, their heads just peeking out from the shadows. Schools of damselfish shimmer above the superstructure, constantly moving, and we always spot a few scorpionfish camouflaged against the rust. It’s not a deep dive, making it perfect for a relaxed extended bottom time, ideal for photographers or newer wreck divers wanting to get a feel for exploring something man-made underwater without the pressure of depth or strong currents. Just watch out for fishing lines, they can be a bit of a nuisance.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

44.339466, 9.245316

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

13m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali Golfo di Rapallo