Puglia, a region in southern Italy, boasts 800 km of coastline with stunning crystalline waters that are ideal for diving. Located between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, Puglia’s beaches offer a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world and discover a variety of marine life and vegetation.
With an abundance of caves, crannies, and wrecks to explore, diving in Puglia can be a thrilling and rewarding experience for both novice and experienced divers alike. In this article, we will introduce you to the 10 best places for diving in Puglia, each with its own unique features and highlights that will leave you with unforgettable memories of your underwater adventures in this beautiful region.
Otranto
Otranto, on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, Italy, offers some of the best diving spots in the region. The Grotta del Serpente is a stunning underwater cave, while the Secche di Torre Sant’Andrea is a collection of shallow rocky reefs. Otranto is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in scuba diving in Puglia.
Torre Ovo
Torre Ovo, located on the Ionian coast of Puglia, offers some of the best diving opportunities in the region. With clear blue waters and diverse marine life, it’s a thrilling adventure for both experienced and beginner divers. The area has a variety of dive sites, including caves, walls, and reefs, and divers can expect to encounter a range of marine species.
Brindisi Coast
In the area of the coast of Brindisi you’ll find several cargo ships wrecks. Those ones can be visited even by the less experienced divers.
Torre Canne
Here lies the Gulten Islamoglu, a shipwreck located off the coast of Torre Canne, a seaside town near Cisternino. The shipwreck is a popular diving site, and it’s an excellent spot for experienced divers to explore the remains of the vessel and the marine life that now inhabits it.
The Gulten Islamoglu was a Turkish cargo ship that ran aground on the rocks in 1975, and since then, it has become an artificial reef, providing a home to various species of fish and other sea creatures. The shipwreck is located at a depth of about 30 meters, and the crystal clear waters surrounding it provide excellent visibility for divers. The dive site is accessible from Torre Canne or nearby towns, and many diving schools in the area offer trips to explore the Gulten Islamoglu wreck.
Porto Cesareo
Porto Cesareo on the Ionian coast of Puglia and is a great location for scuba diving. Popular dive sites include Rabbit Island, Horse Rock, and the wreck of the Haven for experienced divers. With crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, Porto Cesareo offers a range of dive sites for all levels of divers.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca, located at the southernmost tip of Puglia is a hidden gem for scuba diving enthusiasts. The underwater world here is stunning, with crystal-clear waters, an abundance of marine life, and several interesting dive sites to explore. One popular site is the Grotta del Diavolo (Devil’s Cave), a fascinating underwater cave system that extends for over 500 meters. Another must-visit spot is the Secche di Santa Maria, a shallow rocky reef that attracts an array of colorful fish and invertebrates.
Porto Badisco
Porto Badisco, a small bay on the Adriatic coast of Puglia offers excellent diving opportunities for both beginners and experienced divers. The clear waters and calm conditions make it an ideal location for beginners, while more experienced divers can explore the numerous caves and crevices that dot the sea floor. A popular site is the Grotta del Presepe (Crib Cave), a cave system that is home to a variety of colorful marine life.
Nardò
Nardò, located on the Ionian coast of Puglia is a great location for scuba diving. With a variety of dive sites ranging from reefs to caves, there is something for every level of diver. A popular site is the Sorgenti di Santa Caterina, a series of underwater springs that create a unique ecosystem with a diverse array of marine life.
Isole Tremiti
The Isole Tremiti, a group of islands located off the coast of Puglia offer some of the best diving in the region. With crystal clear waters and abundant marine life, it’s a favorite destination for divers of all levels. The underwater scenery is simply breathtaking, with colorful coral formations, schools of fish, and even sunken ships to explore.
San Pietro in Bevagna
San Pietro in Bevagna, located on the Ionian coast of Puglia, Italy, is an ideal location for diving. The waters here are home to a rich variety of marine life, from colorful fish to octopuses and even dolphins. There are several dive sites in the area home to a variety of fish and invertebrates.
