Secca di Mezzavalle
Site Overview
The Secca di Mezzavalle is a sloping reef off Numana, part of the Conero Riviera, known for its large sponges and gentle, sheltered profile. Bream, morays and nudibranchs share the rock, and the easy access makes it a reliable dive. It is a favourite for training and macro photography, and a gentle introduction to the region’s reef life. The Conero scenery above, with its green mountain meeting the sea, is a bonus. 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 reef profile and the mild current, then descend along the slope searching the sponges for small life. Use a torch for colour, control buoyancy to avoid the bottom, 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
Large Sponge
Spongia officinalis
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Sea Squirt
Ciona intestinalis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic
- Mild current
- Cold thermocline
- Limited visibility after rain
- Slippery entry
- Fragile reef
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and macro photographers who want a protected, colourful reef close to Numana. 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.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Numana Diving
- Mezzavalle Sub
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Grand Hotel Passetto
Ancona • 4km away
Hotel Conero
Numana • 2km away