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Tremiti Islands
The Tremiti Islands are an exceptionally isolated archipelago in the Adriatic Sea approximately 40 km east of Termoli and 20 km north of the Gargano Peninsula (the "spur" on the east coast of central Italy). The islands can be classified as arid or semi-arid limestone bluffs broken up by sections of heavily wooded land. Each island is extremely small and the largest of these can be crossed on foot in a matter of less than two hours. Accessible only by boat from Termoli (1 hour) or Pescara (3 hours), the islands are a favorite summer weekend retreat for Italians from Pescara, Ancona, and Bari. Although the small beaches can be absolutely jammed with the day-trippers, late afternoons and early evenings are the perfect time to enjoy the sunset and relax on the sand.
It is recommended that you each rent one tank on the mainland prior to embarking. This is good insurance against a cancellation by the dive center.
The attractions in the Tremiti islands include some exceptional growths of Georgian fans of various colors. In addition there are numerous hard corals very near the shorelines which have grown into vertical pillars...in several areas large numbers of these coral pillars have developed in fairly close proximity to one another. In these areas, a flashlight is quite helpful for illuminating the crevices where moray tend to live. It may happen that when you use your light to see on the inside of a pillar, like peering through bars in a cage, you will see a single eye looking back at you. If you shine your light carefully into the numerous holes on either side of that eye, you may make out the markings on the body of the moray. Infrequently the moray may move their head out to examine visitors...with patience and without getting too close you may be rewarded by a better look.
Due to the water clarity it is very easy to exceed depth/time limits, so check your watch and your depth and act accordingly.
- CONSIDERATIONS: Water clarity makes it easy to exceed depth.
- DEPTH: Various
- DIFFICULTY: Various
- GPS: 42°6'54.47"N 15°29'26.61"E
Baia
If you are looking for a place where the water doesn’t get any deeper than 20 feet
(7 meters) than go no further. Baia is an interesting place to look for creatures that
live in grassy areas. Here you will find several fisherman with crab pots on the ocean
floor. The creatures that populate this area are Sea Hares, crab, the Blenny, and several
others. The things that make this site somewhat challenging has little to do with the water.
The parking at Baia can be a challenge and there are not many near-by options where you can
change and walk down to the water.
- CONSIDERATIONS: Parking can be a challenge. Do not even attempt this site in the Summer months due to local interest in the beach.
- DEPTH: 20-25 Feet
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- GPS: 40 48'6.66 N 14 4'52.73 E
Nettuno
Nettuno is an actual shop on the Amalfi coast. The dive shop and camping grounds are all
run by the same people which makes camping and diving very convenient. You can really relax
and enjoy the rocky beach as the camping here is "European" style. This means you will always
have access to hot showers, dishwashing sinks, toilets, and electricity. The diving is great
with friendly people and a welcoming atmosphere.
- CONSIDERATIONS: The Amalfi Coast is naturally busy during the Summer months. This is especially so for diving. Avoid July and August.
- DEPTH: Various depending on dive site.
- DIFFICULTY:Various depending on dive site but there is something for everyone.
- GPS: 40 34'59.63 N 14 21'12.05 E
Agropoli
If you are looking to get out of the Naples area and get in some good diving, good pizza, and play on
sandy beaches, then look no further than Agropoli. In this city there is something for the whole family.
A two hour drive South of Naples you will drive past Paestum which is a Greek ruin in amazing condition.
When you reach Agropoli you will find large, well kept, sandy beaches for you to play in. One of the options
to enjoy if you have a non-diving family is to have them drop you off at the port and go play on the beach
until you return from your boat dive.
- CONSIDERATIONS: Two hour drive but very little traffic. This is especially so for diving. Avoid July and August.
- DEPTH: Various depending on dive site.
- DIFFICULTY:Various depending on dive site but there is something for everyone.
- GPS: 40 21'1.63 N 14 59'0.86 E
Ventotene
Ventotene Diving Academy is run by the owner Antonio Santoamuro. Diving in Ventotene is world renowned for clear blue water, abundance of fish in the natural underwater protected zones, and friendly locals. Antonio runs the PADI Gold Palm Dive Resort along with a Hotel which offers half board options. All forms of PADI training are available at this amazing destination.
To get to the island you can park your car safely at several parking lots in Formia for about 20 Euro for the weekend. Then catch the ferry over to Ventotene where Antonio and his friendly staff will meet you and take you to your room to start you amazing holiday!
- CONSIDERATIONS: You cannot drive to the island so you will have to park your car in Formia. It is better to car pool to keep parking costs down.
- DEPTH: Various depending on dive site.
- DIFFICULTY:Various depending on dive site but there is something for everyone.
- GPS Coordinates: Formia Ferry: 41.2563918N 13.6111486E
