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Testa del Leone

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.2 12 species 29 contributors

Testa del Leone is a year-round dive site in Italy's protected marine zone, with 12 recorded species observations.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Zona B updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Testa del Leone location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
4.3 kn
Wave
0.58 m
Water
25.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: N (34%)
Now: N (3°)
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 5 0.6 5 0mm
09-20 4.5 0.22 5 0mm
09-21 4.2 0.08 5 0mm
09-22 4.4 0.1 5 0mm
09-23 4.3 0.2 5 0mm
09-24 6.5 0.12 5 5mm
09-25 5 0.34 3 0mm

About this spot

Testa del Leone sits within Zona B of an Italian marine protected area, making it a regulated dive destination with environmental oversight. The site draws divers seeking Mediterranean biodiversity in a conservation zone where fishing and collection are restricted. Local dive operators can guide visits and explain the reserve's ecological importance. With 12 documented species observations and 3 community videos available, the site offers enough visual reference for pre-dive planning. The exact depth, visibility, and water temperature data aren't specified, so contact local operators before booking for current conditions and seasonal changes. The protected status means dive groups must follow MPA rules. This typically includes staying on marked routes, respecting no-take zones, and limiting group sizes. Year-round access makes it feasible for divers planning Mediterranean trips in any season, though local operators will advise optimal timing for your skill level and interests. Testa del Leone rewards divers with the chance to explore a managed marine environment where conservation directly supports the health of local ecosystems. Bring your own data on depth and thermal needs, and rely on local expertise to match conditions with your certification level.

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

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 ↔ 1071km · ~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

What's the best time to dive Testa del Leone?

The site is accessible year-round. Contact local dive operators for seasonal conditions, visibility trends, and water temperature to match your gear and schedule.

What depth and difficulty level is this dive?

Depth and difficulty ratings are not published for this site. Speak with local operators who know current conditions and can assess whether the dive suits your certification and experience.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been recorded at Testa del Leone. Review the community videos and species list before your dive to prepare for wildlife encounters and photography opportunities.

Do I need permits or special authorization?

Testa del Leone is in Zona B of a marine protected area. Follow all MPA rules, book through authorized operators, and respect no-take zones and group limits required by the reserve.

Operators near this spot

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

Dive System Flagship Store

3.3 km
Dive centre

Rasta Divers

3.3 km
Dive centre

DGP Diving Group Portofino

3.3 km
Dive centre

Portofino Divers

3.3 km
Dive centre

San Fruttuoso diving center

3.3 km
Dive centre

Punta Chiappa Levante

3.4 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

NO STRESS DIVING TEAM GENOVA - TESTA DEL LEONE.avi

Simone Marino

Testa del Leone

Andrea Sdraffa

Massub diving (site Testa del Leone) Portofino Park 01 05 2014

Michele Lorenzini

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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