Secca di Nervi
Site Overview
The Secca di Nervi is a convenient wall and pinnacle just east of Genoa, close to the city yet surprisingly rich in life. Red gorgonians cover the rock, amberjacks and groupers patrol the blue, and morays hide in the crevices. It is an easy boat ride from the port, making it a practical dive when time is short, and the clear water and healthy reef reward both beginners on the shallow top and intermediates on the wall. 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 rock face controlling buoyancy to avoid the gorgonians. Watch for amberjacks in the blue and morays in the cracks, ascend with a safety stop, and watch for boat traffic near the busy port. 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
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: May, June, July
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Sea Bass
Dicentrarchus labrax
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic near port
- Mild current
- Cold thermocline
- Limited visibility after rain
- Slippery entry
- Fragile reef
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Good for intermediate divers and a convenient option for visitors to Genoa who want a quality reef dive close to the city. 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
- Genova Diving
- Nervi Sub
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Hotel Splendido
Portofino • 5km away
Grand Hotel Miramare
Santa Margherita • 8km away