intermediate
    (95)

    Scoglio del Palombaro

    35m Max
    18-35m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    The Scoglio del Palombaro is a pinnacle off the white-sand coast of Tropea, rising into clear Tyrrhenian water where barracuda and amberjack cruise the blue. Groupers and red gorgonians cover the rock, and the sheltered position makes it a reliable dive even when the open coast is rough. It is one of the signature sites of the Tropea area, 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.

    Dive Briefing

    "Brief on the pinnacle profile and current, then descend along the rock face controlling buoyancy to avoid the gorgonians. Watch for barracuda and amberjack 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

    Barracuda

    high

    Sphyraena viridensis

    Best: May, June, July

    Amberjack

    high

    Seriola dumerili

    Best: May, June, July

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Red Gorgonian

    high

    Paramuricea clavata

    Best: Year-round

    Mediterranean Moray

    medium

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Boat traffic
    • Mild current
    • Cold thermocline
    • Limited visibility after rain
    • Slippery entry
    • Fragile reef
    Nearest Chamber
    Hyperbaric Centre, Vibo Valentia
    35km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Good for intermediate divers who want a scenic pinnacle dive with big fish close to Tropea. 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.

    pinnacle
    intermediate
    big-fish
    tropea
    gorgonian

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp15-26°C
    Best TimeMay - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Tropea Diving
    • Palombaro Sub
    Pricing Guide
    $85 - $160
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Hotel Scilla

    Scilla2km away

    Check Availability

    Tropea Bella

    Tropea3km away

    Check Availability