This dive site, Le Formichine, is a beautiful shoal outcropping situated approximately 300 meters from the northern tip of an island, likely off the coast of Elba, Italy. Access is exclusively by boat, typically a 15-minute ride. Divers begin their descent along a line, facing a manageable current, before reaching the bottom where they can redeploy to the wall and proceed clockwise around the formation. There is no specific historical information or notable story associated with this natural dive site.
The site is renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystem, often likened to a 'similtropical' experience due to its rich colors and abundant life. The underwater walls are densely covered with striking red sponges and parazoantus, creating a picturesque backdrop. Large numbers of groupers and moray eels are commonly sighted, alongside an impressive resident school of barracuda, indicating a healthy and thriving habitat.
Le Formichine is considered suitable for divers of all experience levels, thanks to its relatively shallow maximum depth of 21 meters and straightforward navigation. The best time to experience this dive site is during the Mediterranean's warmer months, generally from late spring through early autumn, when conditions are calm and visibility is typically excellent. Both snorkelers and freedivers will find the site highly rewarding, with ample opportunities to observe its diverse marine inhabitants in the shallower sections.
