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A group of divers explores a mysterious underwater cave with fascinating rock formations.
📷 Caroline O.marcel · Pexels

Grotta di San Francesco

3.9 — based on 19 community signals
4.3 12 especies 37 colaboradores

Cave dive in Italy's Pelagos Sanctuary. Year-round access to an underwater grotto with 12 recorded species.

⭐ Best for advanced divers.

🐢 MPA · Sanctuaire Pelagos updated 4 months ago
Dificultad
Avanzado
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De un vistazo

Actividad
dive
Dificultad
advanced
Mejores meses
Todo el año

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Mapa

Este spot Operadores Aeropuerto Spots cercanos
Mapa de ubicación de Grotta di San Francesco © Google · Datos del mapa © Google, colaboradores
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Condiciones hoy

Condiciones

Open-Meteo
Viento
11.1 kn
Olas
0.54 m
Agua
26.2°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (31%)
Now: W (273°)
Marea (7 días)
amplitud: 0.31m

Próxima: Alta a las 01:00 (-0.41m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▲ 01:00 · -0.41m ▼ 08:00 · -0.52m ▲ 15:00 · -0.43m ▼ 23:00 · -0.55m
Sáb 19Dom 20Lun 21Mar 22Mié 23Jue 24Vie 25
UV6 · high Aire PM2.54 · good 07:06 19:24
Día Viento Olas UV Lluvia
09-19 11.3 0.54 6 0mm
09-20 5.9 0.28 6 0mm
09-21 9.3 0.1 6 0mm
09-22 7.6 0.26 6 0mm
09-23 6.4 0.26 6 0mm
09-24 18 0.28 5 0mm
09-25 16.4 0.48 4 2mm

About this spot

Grotta di San Francesco is a cave dive site nestled within the Sanctuaire Pelagos marine protected area in Italy. The grotto offers a unique underwater exploration experience in one of the Mediterranean's most carefully managed waters. The site draws divers seeking the technical and aesthetic challenges of cave diving in a protected environment. The dive takes place within a designated marine sanctuary, meaning access follows strict conservation rules. This protection ensures the site remains pristine and biodiverse. Twelve species have been documented at the location, giving divers a solid sense of what marine life to expect. The grotto itself provides dramatic rock formations and the geological interest that makes cave diving compelling. Year-round conditions mean planning can be flexible. Three community videos are available online, offering real footage of the site and conditions. These videos help new divers understand the layout and prepare for the experience. The protected status means you'll share the water with a site that's actively managed for ecological health. Before diving, check current access requirements and any permit needs specific to the Sanctuaire Pelagos. Equipment and skills for cave diving are essential—this is not an entry-level dive. Local dive operators familiar with the site and sanctuary regulations should guide your visit.

📖 Guía: Buceo en Italia: 74 Lugares desde Cuevas hasta Aguas Abiertas

Mejores meses

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

Tipos de buceo

Cueva

Esenciales del viaje

Todo lo que necesitas antes de hacer la maleta — checklist, sol, logística.

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
Información de sostenibilidad
🌍 CO2 footprint MAD ↔ 1099km · ~253kg · €5

Desde tu país de salida

Estados Unidos
Puntuación de origen: 77/100
  • Visado: Sin visado · 90 días máx.
  • Vuelo: 7h · directo
  • Jet-lag: 6h este · 4 días de recuperación

Preguntas frecuentes

When is the best time to dive Grotta di San Francesco?

The site is accessible year-round. Seasonal weather and sea conditions will vary, so check local forecasts before booking. Winter may bring rougher conditions, while summer typically offers calmer seas and better surface conditions.

What depth and difficulty level is this dive?

Specific depth and difficulty data are not currently documented. However, cave diving always demands advanced skills and specialized training. Plan to dive with an experienced guide familiar with the grotto's layout and hazards.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species have been recorded at the site. The Pelagos Sanctuary protects a rich marine environment. Expect Mediterranean fauna typical of cave and rocky habitats. Watch community videos for realistic previews of what divers encounter.

What permits or access rules apply?

Grotta di San Francesco sits inside the Sanctuaire Pelagos marine protected area. Access may be restricted or regulated. Check current entry requirements and any permits needed before your trip. A local guide familiar with sanctuary rules is strongly recommended.

Operadores cerca de este spot

Centros de buceo, escuelas de kite y surf en un radio de 10 km, desde OpenStreetMap.

Nautilus Diving Center

9.9 km
Centro de buceo

Nautica Sabatani

6.8 km
Centro de buceo

Scuba Point

9.9 km
Centro de buceo

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Grotta Azzurra e San Francesco | Snorkelling spots in Ustica

Mare Nostrum Diving

Diving in Ustica - 2020

Margherita C.

Ustica Diving 2019 verso la grotta delle Cipree

Fracontact ( francesco )
💬 1 top comments
  • Che invidia....

    @danibodo68 · 👍 0
wind peaks Jan-Mar-Nov, calmest Sep-Jun-Oct, dry Jan-Dec.

Clima mensual de 5 años

60 muestras
0 5 10 15 20 25 JFMAMJJASOND
rango p25–p75 Mediana Viento (nudos) Aire (°C)
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Aug (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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