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Diver explores vibrant marine life around a sunken shipwreck, surrounded by coral and fish.
📷 Ayden Zaki · Pexels

Punta dell'Altare

4.0 — based on 20 community signals
4.2 12 species 29 contributors

Punta dell'Altare is a year-round dive site in Italy's Portofino marine protected area, featuring 12 documented species and three community videos.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Zona B updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryYearRound

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
Punta dell'Altare location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3.9 kn
Wave
0.52 m
Water
25.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (32%)
Now: N (6°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.3m

Today: High 15:00 (-0.44m), Low 09:00 (-0.53m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 09:00 · -0.53m ▲ 15:00 · -0.44m ▼ 17:00 · -0.45m ▼ 23:00 · -0.53m Now -0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.45 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 07:06 19:26
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 4.9 0.56 5 0mm
09-20 4.7 0.2 5 0mm
09-21 4.2 0.12 5 0mm
09-22 4.4 0.14 5 0mm
09-23 5.4 0.58 5 0mm
09-24 6.5 0.16 5 5mm
09-25 5 0.48 5 0mm

About this spot

Punta dell'Altare sits within the Portofino marine protected area in Italy, a location renowned for Mediterranean diving. The site benefits from its status in Zona B of the MPA, which supports marine life recovery and ecosystem health. Twelve species observations have been recorded at the site, offering divers consistent wildlife encounters across multiple dives. Access to Punta dell'Altare requires compliance with the Portofino MPA regulations. Zona B designation means certain restrictions apply—divers should confirm current access rules and any required permits with local authorities before booking. Three community videos document conditions and marine life, providing valuable insight into what to expect underwater. The site draws divers seeking protected Mediterranean diving within Italy's regulated marine zones. Whether you're exploring rocky formations, observing Mediterranean fauna, or documenting the local ecosystem, Punta dell'Altare offers year-round diving opportunities. The presence of user-generated video content reflects an active diving community familiar with the site's conditions and highlights.

📖 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

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 · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1072km · ~247kg · €4

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

Can you dive Punta dell'Altare year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible year-round. However, weather and sea conditions vary seasonally in the Portofino region. Check local dive operators and current MPA conditions before planning your trip, as winter months may present rougher seas.

What marine life is found at Punta dell'Altare?

Twelve species observations have been documented at the site. Mediterranean fauna is typical for the Portofino area. Community videos and local dive guides can provide specific details on the species you're most likely to encounter.

Is Punta dell'Altare in a protected area?

Yes, the site is located in Zona B of the Portofino marine protected area. This designation provides environmental protection but may impose diving restrictions. Check MPA regulations and obtain any required permits before diving.

How do I access Punta dell'Altare?

The site is part of the Portofino MPA. Contact local dive operators or the MPA authority for current access requirements, permit procedures, and recommended entry points. Three community videos are available showing conditions at the site.

Operators near this spot

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

Wrack `Genova`

2.9 km
Dive centre

Portofino Divers

3 km
Dive centre

San Fruttuoso diving center

3 km
Dive centre

Rasta Divers

3.1 km
Dive centre

DGP Diving Group Portofino

3.1 km
Dive centre

Dive System Flagship Store

3.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

L'altare dive - Portofino promontory

Best & Beauty of Italy

Scuba diving : Cavern dive on Ustica, Sicily, Italy - Grotta dell'altare

Sear Henton
💬 1 top comments
  • Owesome 👌

    @myunderwaterspace2760 · 👍 1

ALTARE - 'THE ALTAR' PORTOFINO MARINE PARK LIGURIA ITALY

Luca Smecca
💬 1 top comments
  • Ci sono stato ieri mattina, bello

    @vitobetti5464 · 👍 0

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Smile! There are a couple of cameras on a pole near here. #CCTV #MapComplete #notes"

    jonato ieri · 2026-04-22
  • "I think I saw a surveillance camera nearby on the street, but a check from Viale Bernardo Gaggini is needed. #MapComplete #notes"

    jonato ieri · 2026-04-12
  • "Can’t see any branching path, there or nearby. No dirt path was seen?"

    jonato ieri · 2026-02-25
wind peaks Nov-Jan-Mar, calmest Jul-Aug-Jun, dry Jan-Dec.

5-year monthly climate

60 samples
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
p25–p75 range Median Wind (kn) Air (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jun (100/100) Worst: Dec (0/100) Now: Sep (50/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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