Secca di Santo Janni
Site Overview
The Secca di Santo Janni is a pinnacle off Maratea in Basilicata, a quieter, dramatic alternative to the busy northern coasts. Groupers and red gorgonians cover the rock, while nudibranchs and small life reward careful macro divers. The sheltered position and the clear Tyrrhenian water make it a reliable, scenic dive, and the backdrop of the Basilicata mountains adds to the experience. It is a favourite for those who want rich reef life without the crowds. 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 pinnacle profile and current, then descend along the rock face controlling buoyancy to avoid the gorgonians. Search for nudibranchs and groupers, 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. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."
Signature Marine Life
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodorididae
Best: Year-round
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Two-banded Sea Bream
Diplodus vulgaris
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 Maratea. 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
- Maratea Diving
- Santo Janni Sub
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Hotel Scilla
Scilla • 2km away
Tropea Bella
Tropea • 3km away