Short Range Diving Archivi | Scuba Revolution Sardinia

01 – TAHITI

Renato Mura — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:09:11 +0000

Cala Coticcio, better known as Tahiti, is the first dive site along the eastern coast of Caprera and takes its name from the famous beach nearby. The site is characterised by two large rocks emerging above the surface, from which two granite ridges extend southwards to a depth of around 35 m before reaching the white sandy seabed. Its morphology makes it one of the most beautiful dive sites around Caprera, while the surrounding white sand further enhances the spectacular granite formations. Large dusky groupers and schools of brown meagre can often be seen here, while octopuses frequently build their dens in the white sand. Around the main shoal near the mooring buoy, the rocky crevices may also shelter Mediterranean slipper lobsters of impressive size.

L'articolo 01 – TAHITI proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

02 – I GIARDINI

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 17:27:06 +0000

I Giardini di Caprera is an extremely relaxing dive. The usual absence of current makes the site suitable even for novice divers and provides excellent conditions for a comfortable dive. Starting from the mooring buoy, the route continues south with the coast of Caprera on the left. After an initial rocky slope, the seabed drops quite rapidly to a depth of around 30 m. Large granite boulders surrounded by white sand and Posidonia meadows provide the perfect habitat for many reef-dwelling species. Encounters with large dusky groupers, forkbeards and red scorpionfish are common. In the deeper section, small and medium-sized European lobsters can often be found sheltering in crevices facing north.

L'articolo 02 – I GIARDINI proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

03 – IL FIORDINO

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:02:43 +0000

Il Fiordino takes its name from the small, narrow and deep inlet beside the mooring point, which offers boats safe shelter when strong Grecale or Tramontana winds create rough seas. The dive follows a large wall and rocky slope running from south to north. At depths of around 15–18 m it is easy to encounter reef-dwelling fish and large octopuses, whose dens are often revealed by piles of stones at their entrances. Particularly interesting is the small wall in front of Il Fiordino, covered with Halimeda tuna, a green alga that prefers shaded environments and provides shelter for numerous small organisms, making this area ideal for macro photography. During March and April, with a little luck, large spider crabs can also be found hiding among the algae and rocky crevices after moving up from deeper water to reproduce.

L'articolo 03 – IL FIORDINO proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

04 – I PICCHI

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:03:31 +0000

I Picchi is perhaps one of Caprera’s most memorable dive sites. Its unusual underwater morphology makes it one of the most spectacular sites in our Short Range programme.

The dive is characterised by two enormous granite pinnacles rising from a white sandy seabed at around 30 m almost to the surface. The excellent visibility typical of Sardinian waters makes these underwater mountains even more impressive and reveals the extraordinary variety of marine life they shelter.

In the deepest part of the dive, close to the remains of an ancient Roman wreck that once carried amphorae, large dusky groupers live among the rocks and often watch divers pass by with curiosity.

On the outer shoal, a resident school of dentex can often be seen hunting in the blue. Beautiful red gorgonians decorate the deeper sections, while the upper parts of the pinnacles are ideal for observing crabs, shrimps and nudibranchs. A narrow canyon running through the rock formations provides a spectacular final passage before returning towards the ascent point.

L'articolo 04 – I PICCHI proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

05 – CALA INGLESE

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:04:12 +0000

Cala Inglese takes its name from the legend according to which Admiral Nelson once stationed his fleet in this bay. The dive has become famous not only for its beauty, but also thanks to a photograph published by National Geographic Italia showing a diver beside an enormous rock resembling a human face. Large Mediterranean slipper lobsters and smaller specimens often shelter around this rock, which marks the starting point of the dive. Continuing north through a maze of huge rounded granite boulders, the route eventually reaches the edge of the shoal, where the seabed drops steeply to around 35–40 m. The site is exceptionally rich in marine life and, while following the 18–20 m contour, encounters with large dusky groupers and sizeable schools of brown meagre are extremely common.

L'articolo 05 – CALA INGLESE proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

06 – LE PISCINE

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:04:46 +0000

Le Piscine takes its name from the extraordinary brightness of the seabed. This dive is suitable for divers of all experience levels thanks to the usual absence of current and an average depth that does not exceed 18 m. It is a peaceful dive, particularly rewarding for those interested in observing small marine organisms rather than searching for pelagic fish. In the deeper section, tongues of white sand divide the granite formations and, during June and July, stingrays can sometimes be seen partially buried beneath a thin layer of sand.

L'articolo 06 – LE PISCINE proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

07 – IL GROTTINO

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:05:20 +0000

Il Grottino, which gives the dive site its name, is a short and easy passage through a large rocky cavity. The small cavern has its entrance at around 12 m and exits at approximately 5 m; it is about 6 m long and is particularly appreciated by divers because it provides shelter for numerous crustaceans. Large Mediterranean slipper lobsters and, occasionally, small European lobsters are often found inside. In front of the cave lies a semicircular shoal that reaches approximately 33 m where it meets the sandy seabed. Pelagic fish such as dentex and greater amberjack may be encountered around the outer shoal. Between the cave and the shoal, at around 15–18 m, a channel of sand and rocks is home to several octopuses and the moray eels that frequently share this habitat.

L'articolo 07 – IL GROTTINO proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

08 – IL FORTINO

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:05:57 +0000

The Second World War fort overlooking the north-eastern tip of Caprera is almost perfectly camouflaged among the island’s granite rocks. Directly below it, a large rock breaking the surface marks the top of the offshore shoal and the final dive site along Caprera’s eastern coast. Because the coastline turns towards the north-west here, moderate currents can occasionally be present. These conditions favour the passage of pelagic species such as dentex, greater amberjack and, more rarely, small tuna. At around 30 m on the eastern side of the shoal, a beautiful swim-through beneath a large rock marks the beginning of the ascent.

L'articolo 08 – IL FORTINO proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

09 – IL FARO

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:06:38 +0000

Il Faro is located on the Isolotto dei Monaci, east of Caprera. According to local tradition, the islet owes its name to a colony of Mediterranean monk seals that once lived there. The dive site lies on the south-western side, directly below the distinctive white lighthouse. Visibility is almost always exceptional. Starting from the small bay beneath the lighthouse, divers can easily reach a depth of around 30 m, where a small rocky shoal covered with red gorgonians rises from the pale sandy seabed. In recent years the site has also become home to a very large resident school of barracuda.

L'articolo 09 – IL FARO proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

10 – IL MOTORE

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:07:13 +0000

Il Motore is located north-east of the Isolotto dei Monaci. The site takes its name from a large diesel engine resting at 23 m at the base of a small north-facing wall. This small wreck provides shelter for many marine species, particularly conger eels and moray eels, which find ideal hiding places among the pipes and openings surrounding the engine.

One of the largest schools of white seabream in the area lives around the wreck, appearing almost suspended in the crystal-clear water. Small European lobsters can also occasionally be spotted among the Halimeda growing on the wall above the engine.

L'articolo 10 – IL MOTORE proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

11 – LA SPACCA

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:07:53 +0000

La Spacca is the best-known dive site of the Secche dei Monaci, an extensive system of rocky formations rising from the open sea north-east of the Isolotto dei Monaci. The main shoal rises from approximately 30 m to around 8 m, and its summit is split in two by a dramatic fissure descending towards deeper water. Its exposed position makes the site particularly attractive for pelagic species. Large bluefin tuna may occasionally appear while hunting, together with schools of dentex and greater amberjack scattering clouds of damselfish and saddled seabream. Depending on the season, spider crabs and large stingrays may also move up from deeper water to reproduce. A resident school of large barracuda is almost always present. Because currents can sometimes be strong, the dive may be conducted as a drift dive depending on the divers’ certification and experience.

L'articolo 11 – LA SPACCA proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

12 – LA MEDA

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:08:31 +0000

La Meda marks the eastern end of the Secche dei Monaci. The site takes its name from a large navigation beacon that once warned passing vessels of the shallow seabed before being destroyed by a storm. Compared with La Spacca, the underwater landscape is less complex and consists mainly of a broad rocky plateau at around 12–15 m. During June and July, stingrays are increasingly common as they move up from deeper water to reproduce. Because the site lies in open water, encounters with larger pelagic species are always possible. When conditions permit, one of the best ways to experience La Meda is as a drift dive.

L'articolo 12 – LA MEDA proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

13 – I BISCIOTTI

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:09:11 +0000

I Bisciotti are a group of rocks breaking the surface north of Isola delle Bisce. Among the rocks, the remains of Stella I are still visible. The Italian cargo ship struck the reef during severe weather conditions.

The dive is suitable for beginner divers thanks to its relatively shallow average depth and excellent visibility.

L'articolo 13 – I BISCIOTTI proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.

14 – PUNTA BATTISTONI

Renato Mura — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:09:51 +0000

Punta Battistoni, near the seaside resort of Baia Sardinia, is an ideal dive site for beginners or for divers returning to the water after a long period of inactivity. The dive begins from the shore, allowing plenty of time to regain confidence in the water. At approximately 12 m there is a rock containing a trapped air pocket. Divers can briefly raise their heads into the air space while keeping their regulators in their mouths, adding an unusual element to the dive. Fragments of Roman amphorae can also be found among the sand and Posidonia, sometimes used by octopuses as small doors for their dens.

L'articolo 14 – PUNTA BATTISTONI proviene da Scuba Revolution Sardinia.