s coast

Isola dei Cavoli – Villasimius, Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area

Located off the southeastern coast of Sardinia, Isola dei Cavoli is a premier diving destination within the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.

The site features a diverse underwater landscape, including granite boulders, steep walls, and vibrant marine life.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: Up to 40 meters

• Diver Level: Suitable for Open Water Divers and above

• Equipment: Full SCUBA gear; dive torch recommended

• Entry: Boat

• Visibility: Excellent

• Currents: Can be moderate; caution advised

• Best Time to Dive: Spring to early autumn

Top Dive Spots

• Variglioni dei Cavoli

  • Depth: Up to 40 meters

  • Description: A multi-level dive site featuring granite rocks, caves, and crevices. Common sightings include groupers, barracudas, and vibrant sponges.

• La Nave

  • Depth: Up to 40 meters

  • Description: Named after a granite rock resembling a ship's bow, this site offers a varied landscape with large boulders and rich marine life, including groupers, sea bream, and barracudas.

• Madonna del Naufrago

  • Depth: Approximately 11 meters

  • Description: A unique dive featuring a 3-meter trachyte statue of the Madonna, submerged between two granite formations. The area is home to species like groupers and damselfish. 

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Barracudas, Moray Eels, Salema, Nudibranchs, Cladocora Coral, Sponges, Sea Daisies, Bryozoans, Gorgonians.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com  

Villasimius Area - Egle Wreck

The Egle wreck, located near Capo Carbonara in the Villasimius area of southern Sardinia, is a historically significant dive site offering a blend of World War II history and rich marine biodiversity.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 30–38 meters

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Visibility: Typically good, with excellent light penetration

• Currents: Generally mild

Due to its depth and historical nature, diving the Egle wreck is recommended for divers with advanced certification and experience.

Dive Highlights

• Historical Significance: The Egle was a cargo steamship built in 1893 and requisitioned by the Italian Royal Navy during World War II. On March 29, 1943, while transporting supplies from Cagliari to La Maddalena, it was torpedoed and sunk by the Dutch submarine HNLMS Dolfijn. The wreck now rests on a sandy seabed at approximately 35 meters depth. 

• Structural Features: The wreck is largely collapsed but remains navigable. Divers can explore the remnants of the hull and superstructure, which are encrusted with marine growth. The site offers opportunities for underwater photography and exploration of the ship's features.

• Marine Life: The wreck is adorned with green algae (Caulerpa racemosa) and features sponges and yellow gorgonians in shaded areas. Marine life commonly observed includes scorpionfish, amberjacks, and occasionally large groupers. 

Marine Life You Might Spot

Scorpionfish, Amberjacks, Groupers, Sponges, Yellow Gorgonians, Caulerpa racemosa algae.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com 

Villasimius Area – Secca di Santa Caterina 

Secca di Santa Caterina is a renowned dive site located southwest of Capo Carbonara in southern Sardinia.

Situated within the protected waters of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, this granite shoal offers a diverse underwater landscape, making it a favorite among divers seeking both scenic beauty and rich marine life.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 12–38 meters

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent

• Difficulty: Moderate; possible strong currents

• Visibility: Excellent year-round

• Currents: Generally mild; can be strong after mistral winds

The site features multi-level diving profiles, accommodating divers with varying experience levels.

Dive Highlights

• Topography: The shoal comprises granite buttresses, fissured bastions, and landslides of rounded blocks, creating an engaging underwater terrain. Divers can explore canyons, overhangs, and crevices teeming with marine life.

• Historical Artifacts: Notable features include two large modern anchors and a lead stock dating back to the Roman era, offering a glimpse into the area's maritime history.

• Marine Life: The site hosts a variety of species, including groupers, amberjacks, dentex, moray eels, and schools of damselfish. Colorful sponges and yellow cluster anemones adorn the shaded areas, enhancing the visual appeal.

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Amberjacks, Dentex, Moray Eels, Damselfish, Sponges, Yellow Cluster Anemones.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com 

Villasimius Area – Isonzo Wreck 

The Isonzo wreck, located near Villasimius in southern Sardinia, is a compelling dive site that combines World War II history with rich marine biodiversity.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: Approximately 48–57 meters

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water with Deep Diver specialization; technical diving certification recommended

• Difficulty: High

• Visibility: Excellent, often exceeding 30 meters

• Currents: Generally mild, but conditions can vary

Due to its depth and complexity, diving the Isonzo wreck is recommended for experienced technical divers.

Dive Highlights

• Historical Significance: The Isonzo was an Italian cargo ship sunk on April 10, 1943, by the British submarine HMS Safari during World War II. The attack occurred on the same day as the sinkings of the Loredan and Entella vessels. The Isonzo now rests upright on a sandy seabed at a depth of approximately 56 meters. 

• Structural Features: The wreck is notably well-preserved, with prominent features such as the aft cannon still pointing toward the surface and visible air vents along the bridge. These elements provide divers with a tangible connection to the ship's wartime past. 

• Marine Life: The Isonzo wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter groupers, amberjacks, moray eels, and various reef fish. The wreck is also adorned with colorful sponges and gorgonian sea fans, enhancing its visual appeal.

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Amberjacks, Moray Eels, Reef Fish, Sponges, Gorgonian Sea Fans.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com

Villasimius Area – Secca Torre delle Stelle

Secca Torre delle Stelle is a captivating dive site located near Villasimius in southern Sardinia. This granite pinnacle offers a diverse underwater landscape, making it a favorite among divers seeking both scenic beauty and rich marine life.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 15–35 meters

• Certification Required: Open Water Diver; Advanced Open Water recommended

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Visibility: Typically excellent

• Currents: Generally mild

The site features three distinct routes tailored to divers' certification levels and experience, offering varied exploration opportunities. 

Dive Highlights

• Topography: The shoal begins at a depth of 15 meters and descends to 35 meters, featuring granite formations, crevices, and overhangs that create an engaging underwater terrain.

• Marine Life: Divers can encounter a variety of marine species, including groupers, moray eels, and schools of colorful fish. The site's diverse habitats support a rich biodiversity, making each dive a unique experience.

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Moray Eels, Scorpionfish, Nudibranchs, Sea Bream, Octopuses.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com

Cagliari Area - Loredan Wreck

Discover one of the Mediterranean's most captivating WWII wrecks—the Loredan, an Italian auxiliary cruiser sunk in 1943. Resting on its port side at depths ranging from 52 to 67 meters in the Gulf of Cagliari, this site offers a haunting glimpse into history, surrounded by rich marine life.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 52–67 meters

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water with Deep Diver specialization

• Difficulty: High

• Visibility: Excellent in summer; variable in winter

• Currents: Can be strong, especially with Mistral winds

The wreck lies on its port side, with the stern severely damaged, offering intriguing exploration opportunities for experienced divers.

Dive Highlights

• Historical Significance: Sunk on April 10, 1943, by the British submarine HMS Safari, the Loredan was part of a convoy heading from Cagliari to La Maddalena. The torpedo strike led to the ship sinking almost instantly, with nearly all crew members lost. 

• Structural Features: The 72-meter-long vessel offers accessible penetration points, including a large breach in the hull created by the torpedo impact. Divers can explore areas like the engine room and cargo holds.

• Marine Life: The wreck is adorned with vibrant red and yellow gorgonian sea fans and serves as an artificial reef attracting groupers, amberjacks, and schools of anthias. 

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Amberjacks, Moray Eels, Octopuses, Anthias, Red and Yellow Gorgonians.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com

Cagliari Area – Wreck LT 221

Explore one of the most captivating WWII wrecks in the Mediterranean — the LT 221, an American tugboat resting on the sandy seabed off the coast of Cagliari. This site offers a haunting glimpse into history, surrounded by rich marine life.

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 36–49 meters

• Certification Required: Advanced Open Water with Deep Diver specialization

• Difficulty: Moderate to High

• Visibility: Excellent in summer; variable in winter

• Currents: Can be strong, especially with Mistral winds 

The wreck lies on its starboard side in two main sections, offering intriguing exploration opportunities for experienced divers.

Dive Highlights

• Engine Room & Propeller: The engine room and the impressive propeller are accessible and provide a fascinating insight into the ship's structure.

• Marine Life: The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting groupers, amberjacks, and various crustaceans.

• Historical Significance: Sunk in 1944 after hitting a mine, the LT 221 is a poignant reminder of the area's wartime history. 

Nearby Dive Site: Pontoon of LT 221

• Depth: 50–53 meters

• Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from the main wreck

• Highlights: Rich in crustaceans, particularly lobsters, making it a favorite for macro photography enthusiasts. 

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Amberjacks, Moray Eels, Octopuses, Lobsters, and various species of Nudibranchs.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com 

Cagliari Area - Romagna Wreck

The Romagna is one of the most captivating wreck dives in the Mediterranean. This early 20th-century steam-powered tanker, built in 1899, met its fate on August 2, 1943, when it struck a naval mine while transporting fuel from Arbatax to Cagliari. The explosion split the vessel into two sections, which now rest separately on the seabed. 

Diving Conditions & Experience

• Depth: 34–48 meters

• Diver Level: Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) with Deep Diver certification recommended

• Equipment: Full SCUBA gear; dive torch essential

• Guide: Required due to depth and complexity

• Currents: Moderate; caution advised during Mistral or Sirocco winds

• Visibility: Good, typically 20–30 meters

• Best Time to Dive: September, when water conditions are optimal 

Due to its depth and structural complexity, the Romagna wreck is best suited for experienced divers.

Dive Highlights

• Structural Features: The stern section, approximately 60 meters long, lies upright on a sandy bottom at a depth of 42 meters. The bridge and superstructures are intact, and the propeller, with blades measuring 1.8 meters, remains in place, offering divers a tangible connection to the ship's past. 

• Marine Life: The wreck serves as an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter groupers, amberjacks, moray eels, and various reef fish. The wreck is also adorned with colorful sponges and gorgonian sea fans, enhancing its visual appeal.

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Amberjacks, Moray Eels, Reef Fish, Sponges, Gorgonian Sea Fans.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com 

Secca dell’Arco - Cagliari Area

Secca dell’Arco is a scenic dive site located off the coast of Cagliari in southern Sardinia, near Poetto Beach in the Gulf of the Angels. The site is known for its long underwater rocky ridge and its stunning natural granite arch, which gives the site its name. Starting at about 14 meters deep, the dive follows a longitudinal ledge rich in coralligenous life, leading to a swim-through arch illuminated by ambient light. The dive offers excellent visibility, vibrant marine biodiversity, and easy access, making it ideal for both recreational and advanced divers.

Diving Conditions & Experience

Depth: 14 to 25m
Diver Level: Open Water Diver and above
Equipment: Standard recreational SCUBA gear
Guide: Recommended
Highlights: A beautiful granite arch at 10 meters depth is the centerpiece of this dive. Along the ledge, divers can spot dusky groupers, brown meagres, breams, moray eels, nudibranchs like Flabellina affinis, and vibrant sponge and bryozoan colonies. The site’s mix of rocky and sandy bottoms supports a rich and varied marine life. With its relatively shallow depth and calm conditions, it's perfect for both beginners and experienced divers using DPVs to explore its full length.

Dive Highlights

• Underwater Arch: The namesake arch is a focal point of the dive, featuring walls covered with Sertella beaniana (lace coral) and other coralligenous species.

• Marine Life: The area is inhabited by groupers, octopuses, barracudas, amberjacks, and nudibranchs, offering divers ample opportunities for observation and photography. 

• Guided Dives: Several local dive centers, such as Explorers Team Dive Center and Seaworld Diving Center Cagliari, offer guided dives to Secca dell’Arco, ensuring safety and enriching the diving experience. 

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Octopuses, Barracudas, Amberjacks, Nudibranchs, Sertella beaniana (lace coral).

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com 

Cagliari Area – Villasimius Area

Dive into southern Sardinia’s underwater paradise—where wild nature, crystal waters, and vibrant marine life meet in the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area.

Departing from Villasimius Marina, dive boats reach the most captivating sites in just 10–30 minutes. After your dive, enjoy coastal views, warm hospitality, and the timeless charm of southern Sardinia.

Diving Conditions & Experience

Excellent visibility, calm seas, and mild currents make this one of the most enjoyable diving areas year-round.

Our expert guides select the perfect spot each day, based on weather, current, and marine activity.

Top Dive Spots

Secca di Santa Caterina (15–35m)

One of the area's signature dives. A granite pinnacle surrounded by large boulders and sandy slopes, it’s home to groupers, moray eels, amberjacks, and shoals of damselfish. Red gorgonians and sea fans add bursts of color. A favorite among underwater photographers.

Relitto dei Piromalli (15–22m)

Explore the remains of a WWII armed tugboat resting on a sandy seabed. Its steel structure has become an artificial reef, attracting sea bream, scorpionfish, and nudibranchs. Ideal for intermediate divers looking for history and biodiversity in one dive.

Punta Molentis (6–18m)

A scenic and easy dive perfect for beginners and snorkelers. Shallow waters, granite rocks, and seagrass beds shelter octopus, rainbow wrasse, and the occasional stingray. Its beauty above and below the surface makes it a must-see.

Isola dei Cavoli – The Lighthouse Wall (12–30m)

A dramatic wall dive on the southern face of Isola dei Cavoli. Vertical drops, red and yellow gorgonians, and frequent sightings of dentex, brown meagre, and groupers. Don’t miss the statues of the Madonna del Naufrago at 10 meters—a local underwater icon.

Marine Life You Might Spot

Groupers, Moray Eels, Dentex, Stingrays, Amberjacks, Scorpionfish, Octopus, Nudibranchs…
From vivid macro to majestic predators—every dive is a surprise.

Interested in diving here?

For bookings or more information, feel free to contact us at:
📩 concierge@nauticassistance.com