intermediate
    (100)

    Isola dei Cavoli

    40m Max
    25-38m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    The Isola dei Cavoli is a granite island off Villasimius, in the southern Sardinia marine reserve, where walls drop into exceptionally clear water. Sea fans, groupers and barracuda cover the rock, and the sheltered position makes it a reliable dive. It is one of the signature sites of the south coast, combining dramatic scenery with healthy reef life and easy access from the shore or a short boat ride. Divers of intermediate level will find it both beautiful and forgiving. 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. 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 wall profile and current, then descend along the granite face controlling buoyancy to avoid the gorgonians. Watch for barracuda and groupers in the blue and morays in the cracks, ascend with a safety stop, and keep an eye on 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

    Sea Fan

    high

    Eunicella singularis

    Best: Year-round

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Barracuda

    high

    Sphyraena viridensis

    Best: May, June, July

    Amberjack

    medium

    Seriola dumerili

    Best: May, June, July

    Mediterranean Moray

    medium

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Moderate currents
    • Depth and nitrogen management
    • Boat traffic
    • Cold thermocline
    • Surge on the wall
    • Fragile gorgonians
    Nearest Chamber
    Hyperbaric Centre, Cagliari
    45km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Good for intermediate divers who want a scenic wall dive with big fish close to Villasimius. Confident open-water divers can enjoy the shallow top with a guide. 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.

    wall
    intermediate
    big-fish
    villasimius
    sea-fan

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmoderate
    Water Temp14-26°C
    Best TimeMay - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Villasimius Diving
    • Cavoli Sub
    Pricing Guide
    $95 - $180
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Cala di Volpe

    Porto Cervo10km away

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    Hotel Excelsior

    La Maddalena3km away

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