Punta Coticcio (Tahiti)
Site Overview
Punta Coticcio, nicknamed Tahiti, is a granite wall in the La Maddalena Archipelago famous for its crystal-clear water and dramatic rock formations. Red gorgonians and groupers decorate the wall, and the sheltered position makes it a reliable, scenic dive. It is one of the most beautiful and accessible sites in Sardinia, ideal for beginners and photographers, and a gentle introduction to the archipelago’s rich reef life. The turquoise water above rivals any tropical paradise. 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 groupers in the blue and morays in the cracks, ascend with a safety stop, and keep an eye on boat traffic near the archipelago. 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. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
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 beginners and photographers who want a scenic, clear-water wall dive close to La Maddalena. Confident open-water divers will enjoy the shallow walls 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
- Maddalena Diving
- Tahiti Sub
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Cala di Volpe
Porto Cervo • 10km away
Hotel Excelsior
La Maddalena • 3km away