Parete del Corallo

Located approximately 2 miles south of Riva di Traiano, at the beginning of Capo Linaro, divers will discover a remarkable dive site known as the "panettone". Stretching about 100 meters in length, this site is a captivating underwater spectacle. Situated in the open sea, it is adorned with vibrant red coral and features numerous ravines that serve as habitats for conger eels and lobsters.

Divers will encounter an array of captivating marine life at this site, including red coral, conger eels, moray eels, nudibranchs, groupers, torpedoes, octopuses, cuttlefish, prawns, and sea bream.

Among the many dive sites in the Capo Linaro area, this particular site stands out due to its accessibility. It can be reached in just 10 minutes by boat from Riva di Traiano. Upon arrival, divers should confidently anchor themselves at a depth of approximately 18 meters. The descent should follow the anchor chain, while using the current as a guide to ensure the starting point is not lost. As divers venture towards the open sea, they will be greeted by a striking wall, dominated by the presence of red coral. The red coral is truly awe-inspiring, extending from a depth of -20 meters to the bottom at -28 meters. In certain areas, the density of the red coral is so immense that the underlying substrate becomes virtually invisible. If fortunate, divers may witness this spectacle with the red coral's polyps fully extended, creating an unforgettable display. Throughout the dive, divers should maintain awareness of their buoyancy to avoid accidental damage to the coral or stirring up the muddy sediment on the seabed. Along the wall, divers will encounter conger eels, moray eels, nudibranchs, numerous lobsters, and occasionally, larger specimens of lobsters.

Once divers have explored the entirety of the 100-meter-long wall, they should conduct an air check and assess their bottom times before making their ascent. To optimize time and navigation, divers can ascend along a sandy gully that leads back to the starting point. Along the way, divers may encounter mullets, nudibranchs, and yellow gorgonians, further enriching the dive experience. On less busy weekdays or when boat traffic is minimal, the dive can also be conducted as a drift dive. In such cases, after concluding the wall portion, divers should swim approximately 50 meters across a sandy area until they arrive at new towering walls that are equally adorned with coral and abundant marine life. Divers can continue exploring these walls until it is time to ascend into the blue. At the designated ascent point, the boat will be ready to facilitate the necessary procedures.

Therefore, it is highly recommended, and indeed mandatory, for divers to carry and ensure the proper functioning of their surface marker buoy (SMB), as this ensures their safety throughout the dive.

This captivating dive spot, with a maximum depth of 27 meters and visibility of approximately 6 meters, is best suited for advanced divers. Situated in Italy, close to Riva di Traiano, this underwater wonderland awaits those eager to explore its depths.