This dive site, Secca dell'Isuela, is celebrated as the most renowned and coveted dive within its marine park, offering a truly spectacular experience. Located off the Ligurian coast, its unique underwater topography, a seamount (secca), rises from deeper waters. While specific historical details aren't provided, its fame suggests a long-standing appreciation for its natural beauty and marine biodiversity. Divers typically navigate around the seamount, exploring its various faces, particularly the side exposed to the open sea.
The site is teeming with marine life, renowned for encounters with impressive species such as large groupers, moray eels, and snappers. Schooling bream are also a common sight, adding to the vibrancy of the reef. A significant highlight is the presence of beautiful gorgonians, particularly abundant on the side of the secca facing the open sea, creating a stunning soft coral landscape.
The best time to visit Secca dell'Isuela is during periods of clear weather, which not only enhances underwater visibility but also offers breathtaking views of the coastline from Camogli to Genoa on the surface. For divers, it's advisable to be proficient in buoyancy control given the varied depths. Freedivers will find the average depth of 16 meters ideal for extended bottom times, with the deeper sections offering challenges down to 33 meters. The site's rich biodiversity makes it excellent for both wide-angle and potentially macro photography, though the focus here is primarily on the larger inhabitants and stunning scenery.
