MELANIA - Portofino & Liguria

The Melania, a motor vessel that went down in 1970, lies shallow at just 6 meters. We love this wreck for its accessibility, making it a fantastic second dive or even a snorkel if the conditions are calm. You’ll find her broken up, but the bow and stern sections are still distinct. We always spend time finning slowly along the hull, watching small schools of damselfish flit in and out of the gaps where the plating has corroded. Look closely, and you’ll spot nudibranchs clinging to the rusty metal, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to the muted tones of the wreck. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for photographers wanting to capture the light playing on the structure or newer divers getting their first taste of a wreck dive without any depth pressure. Our top tip: go early or late in the day to avoid the worst of the boat traffic, which can stir up the sediment a bit. While there aren't massive pelagics here, the sense of history and the small, resilient life adapting to this artificial reef make it genuinely special.

Location

Portofino & Liguria, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe

Coordinates

43.329630, 10.427934

Type

wreck

Maximum Depth

6m

Marine Protected Area: Calafuria - Area terrestre e marina