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📷 Francisco Davids · Pexels

Grosse Geröllhalde

3.9 — based on 17 community signals
4.2 12 species 27 contributors

Alpine-fed dive site in Italy's Pelagos Sanctuary with year-round access and documented marine biodiversity.

⭐ Best for intermediate divers chasing chasing pelagics.

🐢 MPA · Sanctuaire Pelagos updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Intermediate
MPAPelagic hotspotFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
intermediate
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Common octopus, Bottlenose dolphin

Top operators here

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Map

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Grosse Geröllhalde location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
4.7 kn
Wave
0.38 m
Water
26.2°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NNE (25%)
Now: N (5°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.32m

Next: High at 01:00 (-0.42m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▲ 01:00 · -0.42m ▼ 09:00 · -0.53m ▲ 16:00 · -0.42m ▼ 23:00 · -0.54m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.7 · mod Air PM2.53 · good 07:02 19:21
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 5.1 0.4 6 1mm
09-20 6.1 0.16 6 0mm
09-21 9.1 0.3 6 0mm
09-22 6.8 0.3 6 0mm
09-23 10.1 0.36 6 1mm
09-24 11.7 0.36 5 0mm
09-25 13.9 0.16 2 0mm

About this spot

Grosse Geröllhalde sits within the Sanctuaire Pelagos, one of the Mediterranean's most protected marine zones. This Italian dive site draws interest from divers seeking protected waters with established species records. The site operates under strict sanctuary guidelines, which means responsible diving practices are non-negotiable here. The location benefits from year-round diving potential, making it accessible across seasons. Twelve documented species observations suggest a living ecosystem worth exploring. The Pelagos Sanctuary designation reflects the ecological significance of these waters, protecting migratory routes and breeding grounds for cetaceans and other marine life. Divers visiting Grosse Geröllhalde should expect sanctuary regulations to shape their dive plan. Briefings typically cover protected species protocols and site-specific boundaries. The combination of conservation status and year-round conditions attracts divers committed to responsible diving in sensitive marine environments. Before booking, confirm current conditions, depth parameters, and seasonal variations with local operators familiar with sanctuary rules. The protected status enhances long-term site health and makes Grosse Geröllhalde a sustainable choice for Mediterranean diving.

📖 Guide: Diving in Italy: 74 Sites from Caves to Open Water

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Common octopusBottlenose dolphin

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F/L · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1272km · ~293kg · €5

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive Grosse Geröllhalde?

Grosse Geröllhalde is accessible year-round. Plan around your schedule rather than seasonal closures, though local conditions and sanctuary activity levels may vary monthly. Check with local operators for current seasonal reports.

What marine life might I see here?

Twelve species observations are documented at this site. The Sanctuaire Pelagos protects critical habitat for cetaceans and other Mediterranean fauna. Ask your dive guide for current species sightings and behavioral notes.

What permits or regulations apply?

Grosse Geröllhalde lies within the Sanctuaire Pelagos, so strict conservation rules apply. Expect briefings on protected species protocols, restricted zones, and sanctuary compliance. Verify current regulations before your dive.

What should I know before booking?

Contact local dive operators for depth, visibility, water temperature, and technical difficulty data. Sanctuary status means responsible diving is essential. Confirm your experience level matches site requirements.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Aquanautic Elba

5.2 km
Dive centre

MarelinoSub

6.1 km
Dive centre
Speaks 🇬🇧 🇮🇹
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-12:30 , 14:00-18:00

Freediving Elba Apnea Center

1.9 km
Dive centre

Il Corsaro

5 km
Dive centre

Mandel Diving Center

5.3 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

24 records · 19 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Stenella coeruleoalba

Mammalia · Delphinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
28 Feb 2026
×1records

Tritia mutabilis

Gastropoda · Nassariidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Phorcus turbinatus

Gastropoda · Trochidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Peronaea planata

Bivalvia · Tellinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Patella caerulea

Gastropoda · Patellidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Neverita josephinia

Gastropoda · Naticidae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Mactra stultorum

Bivalvia · Mactridae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Dosinia lupinus

Bivalvia · Veneridae
GBIF
Last seen:
23 Feb 2026
×1records

Mimachlamys varia

Bivalvia · Pectinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Feb 2026
×2records

Bosemprella incarnata

Bivalvia · Tellinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Feb 2026
×1records

Donax trunculus

Bivalvia · Donacidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Feb 2026
×2records

Pomatias elegans

Gastropoda · Pomatiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
20 Feb 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

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