WASHINGTON
Protected Area
Fondali Monte Portofino
Why dive here
With 70+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, mobula rays (devil rays) and oceanic whitetip sharks - WASHINGTON offers some of Portofino & Liguria's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 14-27°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Washington isn’t just some old boat on the seabed; it’s a proper time capsule, a cargo ship sunk back in 1917. We think it’s one of Liguria’s most atmospheric deep dives. You’re dropping down onto a wreck that sits upright, mostly intact, with its bow at around 40 metres and the stern deck reaching down to 50. As you descend, the shape slowly resolves from the blue. The cargo holds are open, inviting you to peek inside, though penetration requires proper training given the depth. We love swimming around the deck, imagining the ship’s final moments. Look closely at the superstructure; it’s now completely encrusted with gorgonian fans, purples and oranges that sway in the gentle surge. Groupers hang out in the shadows, big ones, and schools of barracuda often circle above the mast, catching the sunlight. It's a dive that rewards slow exploration, letting your eyes adjust to the subtle changes in light and texture. It’s certainly not for beginners, but for experienced deep divers, it’s a truly rewarding visit. We’d suggest a rebreather to really make the most of the bottom time.
Typical WASHINGTON Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 50m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
Nearest Dive Centres to WASHINGTON
Dive shops near WASHINGTON
San Fruttuoso diving center
DIVING GROUP PORTOFINO
Punto Mare
LEGA NAVALE ITALIANA - SEZIONE GENOVA QUINTO
UNDERWATERTALES ASD
MASSUB DIVING CENTER - PORTOFINO
Reviews for WASHINGTON
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for WASHINGTON, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (44.38, 9.02) (43km away)
October Averages
Sea Temperature
21°C
70°F · Range: 19–23.2°C
Air Temperature
18°C
64°F
Wind Speed
4.49 m/s
8.7 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1017.3 hPa
Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data
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