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Diving Santa Margherita Ligure

Explore diving Santa Margherita Ligure

The Portofino promontory is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Mediterranean, known for exceptional marine biodiversity and dramatic underwater scenery. Extending into the Ligurian Sea, its unique coastline captures nutrient-rich currents that sustain vibrant reefs and dense marine life. Protected within the Portofino Marine Protected Area, divers explore colourful walls, pinnacles, caves, and historic shipwrecks. With over 20 dive sites suitable for beginners and experienced divers alike, Portofino offers some of the most rewarding and scenic diving in Italy year-round.

When to dive Santa Margherita Ligure

Water temperatures in Portofino range from approximately 18°C in May to peak summer averages of 26–27°C between late August and early September, making it one of the warmest Mediterranean diving periods.

Visibility in the Ligurian Sea can vary depending on sea conditions, including waves, currents, and seasonal rainfall. During the summer diving season, average underwater visibility typically ranges between 15–20 metres. However, it may decrease to under 10 metres after storms or strong currents, while exceptional weather conditions can extend visibility to 25 metres, offering outstanding scuba diving clarity.

Book your diving Santa Margherita Ligure

Common marine life sightings for Santa Margherita Ligure

More Information

The closest airport to Santa Margherita Ligure is Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA), located approximately 30 km away, making it the most convenient option for visitors planning a Portofino diving holiday. Other accessible international airports include Milan Linate (LIN) at 125 km, Milan Malpensa (MXP) at 149 km, Milan Bergamo (BGY) at 153 km, and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) at 167 km. These major northern Italy airports provide excellent flight connections and easy onward transport to the Ligurian coast.

Time Zone

UTC+01:00

Phone

+39

Currency

EUR

Voltage

230 V

Pressure

Bar (bar)

Plug

C, F, L

Languages

English

1st Stage

DIN

Hyperbaric chamber

Genoa

Thanks, from PADI.

This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Portofino Divers. Disclaimer

^* By accessing this page, you acknowledge and agree that the information displayed has been provided by one or multiple third parties. The provision of this content is for general informational purposes and does not constitute a recommendation or solicitation to make any type of purchase or decision. PADI does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information nor can PADI guarantee such content will be free of material you may find objectionable or otherwise. PADI reminds you to adhere to the PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices and recommends that you consult a dive professional familiar with the site and its present conditions before diving. PADI does not and cannot review all content on this platform and therefore disclaims any responsibility or liability related to your access or use of this third party content, and under no circumstances will PADI be liable for any loss or direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages caused by reliance on this information.