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Diver with camera exploring a colorful coral reef underwater.
📷 Leonardo Lamas · Pexels

Secca dell'Isuela

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.2 12 species 28 contributors

Secca dell'Isuela is a year-round dive site off Italy's Ligurian coast, protected within a Marine Protected Area and rich with marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

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

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
Secca dell'Isuela location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
4 kn
Wave
0.6 m
Water
25.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (31%)
Now: NE (35°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.3m

Next: Low at 09:00 (-0.53m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 09:00 · -0.53m ▲ 16:00 · -0.44m ▼ 17:00 · -0.45m ▼ 23:00 · -0.54m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.45 · mod Air PM2.55 · good 07:06 19:26
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 5.2 0.6 5 0mm
09-20 4.6 0.22 5 0mm
09-21 4.5 0.1 5 0mm
09-22 4.7 0.1 5 0mm
09-23 4.8 0.2 5 0mm
09-24 11.3 0.12 5 3mm
09-25 6.8 0.34 3 0mm

About this spot

Secca dell'Isuela sits in Zona B of a Marine Protected Area off the Italian coast, making it a controlled and well-preserved diving destination. The site has historical significance, connected to the Battery Punta Chiappa defensive complex from Italy's coastal fortification network. Divers can explore this underwater area while respecting protection regulations that keep the marine ecosystem stable. The site supports diverse marine life, with 12 recorded species observations available to help divers understand what they might encounter. Community-generated video content from three separate dives gives insight into conditions and wildlife at the spot. This peer-sourced information helps newer divers prepare for what to expect below the surface. Being part of a protected marine zone means Secca dell'Isuela operates under specific access and behavior rules. Divers should verify current permit requirements and seasonal regulations before planning a trip. The year-round accessibility makes it a flexible option for Italian dive operators and visiting divers who can coordinate with local guidelines.

📖 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 · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1068km · ~246kg · €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 I dive Secca dell'Isuela year-round?

Yes, the site is accessible throughout the year. However, verify current conditions and MPA regulations with local dive operators before booking, as marine protected areas sometimes have seasonal restrictions.

What marine life will I see here?

Twelve species observations have been recorded at Secca dell'Isuela. Community videos from three separate dives document the local wildlife. Check those resources for specific species and behavior footage before your dive.

What permits or access requirements are needed?

Secca dell'Isuela lies in Zona B of a Marine Protected Area. You must comply with MPA rules and obtain required permissions. Contact local dive operators or the area's MPA authority for current access procedures and any permit costs.

Where can I find more detailed dive information?

Community-generated videos and species observation data are available online. Local dive shops familiar with Italian MPA sites can provide current conditions, depth, difficulty, and water temperature specifics for your visit.

Operators near this spot

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

Punta Chiappa Levante

0.1 km
Dive centre

B&B Diving

3.4 km
Dive centre

San Fruttuoso diving center

5.3 km
Dive centre

Dive System Flagship Store

5.3 km
Dive centre

DGP Diving Group Portofino

5.3 km
Dive centre

Portofino Divers

5.4 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Diving in Secca dell’Isuela, Genova (Italy 🇮🇹)

Dive with Laura

Immersione alla secca dell'Isuela con ADSSP Torino

Franco Fonsati

Immersione sulla Secca dell'Isuela - Parco di Portofino - Diving in Portofino Marine Park 4K

Acquelibere Sub

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
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: Jul (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (96/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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