Cala Grande

Located just a short ten-minute boat ride away, this dive site offers an incredible experience on the open sea side of Palmaria Island, the largest island in the breathtaking Porto Venere archipelago in Italy.

As you explore the crystal-clear waters, you'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant shrimp, benthic fish, and captivating clouds of black damsels. One of the highlights of this dive site is the opportunity to explore two caves situated in shallow water.

Cala Grande, situated along the western side of Palmaria Island, is easily recognizable, thanks to its name and status as the largest bight in the area. The maximum depth in this region is around a dozen meters, gradually increasing as you move farther from the coast. The unique underwater topography of Cala Grande makes it an ideal location for beginners looking to expand their diving skills. The distinct bay formation helps to create a calm sea with minimal current, allowing for a safe and enjoyable experience.

However, Cala Grande also presents an exciting challenge for cave diving enthusiasts. Within the darker tunnels of the caves, you'll have the opportunity to observe the fascinating organisms that thrive in this cave environment. Two caves, located opposite each other, offer contrasting experiences due to their differing submarine development.

The first cave, with an entrance at a depth of four to five meters, is a dark and evocative exploration spot perfect for underwater speleology enthusiasts. In the dimly lit corners of this cave, you'll witness the mesmerizing sight of hundreds of Palaemon serratus shrimp gracefully swimming and maneuvering, only to scatter in a flurry of activity when exposed to artificial light.

The second cave, known as the Vulcanic Cave, boasts a wider entrance and sits at a depth of six to seven meters, allowing multiple divers to explore it simultaneously. Starting from its expansive semi-submerged vault, you can venture into the submerged section, which leads to a small area characterized by a pebbly bottom. Throughout your dive, you'll notice that even though some parts may be dimly lit, you'll never be completely surrounded by darkness.

With excellent visibility of around 10 meters and a maximum depth of 18 meters, this dive site offers an unforgettable underwater adventure suitable for divers of all levels, including beginners.

Make your way to Palmaria Island in Italy's Porto Venere archipelago, within the Parco naturale regionale di Porto Venere. It's easily accessible from Via Varignano Vecchio, Case Rosse, Le Grazie, Porto Venere, La Spezia, Liguria, Italy. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary dive experience that will leave you with lasting memories.