Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is not only a popular destination for sun-seeking tourists but also a haven for diving enthusiasts. The lake’s underwater world is teeming with life and offers a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. From the Statue of the Silent Christ to the Tempesta dive site, Lake Garda’s underwater landscape is a true gem for those who love to explore the depths.
Dive Sites in Lake Garda
Port of St Nicolo
One of the most popular dive sites in Lake Garda is the Port of St Nicolo, located in the northern part of the lake. This site offers easy kitting up in a nearby public car park and a well-equipped entry point with a metal jetty, steps, and ladders. The site features a steep slope that drops off into the deep, with many overhangs and even swim-throughs. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it can reach up to 125 feet. Among the sunken attractions is the Statue of the Silent Christ, standing nearly 20 feet tall in 50 feet of water.
Tempesta
Another popular site is Tempesta, which doesn’t look like much from the surface. However, once you venture down a narrow set of stone steps to the water’s edge, you’ll find yourself in 9 to 10 feet of water, with a sheer drop into the depths, which can reach more than 1,200 feet. With visibility in excess of 125 feet on a good day, this is a seriously impressive dive.
Porto San Nicolò and Baia Azzurra
For beginners, the Porto San Nicolò and the Baia Azzurra in Riva del Garda are two spots with easy entry and access from land. These sites offer a more gentle introduction to the underwater world of Lake Garda.
Cippo di confine
The Cippo di confine at Navene, a district of Malcesine, is a site for pros, with a depth of about 40 meters. This site is suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable with deeper dives.
Diving Conditions in Lake Garda
Diving in Lake Garda is possible all year round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn when visibility is more than 6 meters. In summer, visibility can be limited due to algal bloom, but water temperatures are pleasant. In winter, the water temperature is between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius.
| Season | Visibility | Water Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | > 6 meters | Pleasant |
| Summer | Limited due to algal bloom | Pleasant |
| Autumn | > 6 meters | Pleasant |
| Winter | – | 6-8°C |
Diving Services and Safety
Scuba diving schools in Lake Garda offer guided tours and equipment rental, and beginners can even get the ADI Open Water Certificate within a few days. However, for safety reasons, divers must anchor a red-white buoy or a red-white flag on a boat and stay within a radius of 50 meters around the signal.
Conclusion
Lake Garda’s underwater world is a true gem for diving enthusiasts. From the Statue of the Silent Christ to the Tempesta dive site, the lake offers a variety of dive sites suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. With year-round diving opportunities and a range of diving services available, Lake Garda is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to explore the depths.
References:
– Garda-See.com – Diving in Lake Garda
– Scuba Diving – Exploring Lake Garda
– Lake Garda – Scuba Diving
– Residence Centro Vela – Diving in Lake Garda