Wreck of the Elviscot
Site Overview
The Elviscot is a coaster that sank off Pomonte on the island of Elba and now rests at 18-25 m, lying on its side and encrusted with life. It is one of the most macro-rich wrecks in Tuscany, famous for seahorses, nudibranchs, conger eels and clouds of small bream. The shallow depth and the sheltered position make it accessible and rewarding, a favourite for underwater photographers and for divers who love close-up life. Combined with the nearby Pomonte reef, it offers a relaxed, fishy dive in clear Elban water. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.
Dive Briefing
"Brief on the wreck layout and the mild current, then descend to the hull at 18-25 m. Control buoyancy over the structure to protect the macro life, use a torch in the openings, and look carefully for seahorses among the growth. Ascend with a safety stop and watch for boat traffic near the coast. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Seahorse
Hippocampus hippocampus
Best: June, July, August
Conger Eel
Conger conger
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic
- Mild current
- Sharp wreck edges
- Cold thermocline
- Limited visibility after rain
- Fragile life
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and macro photographers who want a shallow, life-rich wreck. Confident open-water divers can enjoy it with a guide, and it is a highlight of any Elba trip. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Elba Divers
- Pomonte Diving
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Hotel Il Pellicano
Porto Ercole • 5km away
Hotel Welcome
Portoferraio • 12km away