Where to Go Diving in Puglia? Good Morning!

I am Elisabetta, your personal concierge at BeBari Apartments, and many guests start their journey here in Bari to engage in one of the most fascinating activities our beautiful Puglia has to offer: scuba diving. That’s why today I would like to share some advice with you. Our region, kissed by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, offers exceptional diving sites that attract divers from all over the world. From vibrant coral reefs to fascinating submerged wrecks, Puglia is a true underwater paradise. Here you can explore hidden marine caves, encounter an astonishing marine biodiversity, and discover submerged treasures that tell stories of ancient civilizations and mysterious shipwrecks. Whether you are an experienced diver or an enthusiastic beginner, Puglia’s waters offer unforgettable experiences in complete safety, thanks to professional diving centers and expert guides who know every secret of our sea. Each dive here is a unique adventure, an opportunity to connect with nature and admire breathtaking underwater landscapes. Below, you will find a detailed guide to the best diving spots in Puglia, with specific site descriptions, main underwater attractions, and information about diving operators. When planning your dives, it’s essential to consider a few aspects:

• Recommended Schools and Sites: This article provides recommendations based on current information. Always check on-site for the latest updates before diving.
• Certifications: Ensure that the diving center is certified and follows all current safety regulations.
• Equipment: Many centers offer equipment rentals, but always check the condition and quality of the provided gear.

Here are our recommendations. 🙂

1. Santa Maria di Leuca (Lecce)

This location at the southernmost tip of Puglia is famous for its clear waters and variety of underwater caves. Specific Diving Spots:

• Punta Meliso: Known for being the point where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. The currents here can be strong, but the waters are clear and teeming with marine life.
• Grotta del Diavolo: Famous for its spectacular rock formations and thriving marine life.
• Grotte delle Tre Porte (Castrignano del Capo): A complex of three interconnected caves, known for their natural beauty and unique rock formations. The waters are clear and host a variety of marine life.
• Torre Vado (Morciano di Leuca): Torre Vado offers seabeds rich in marine flora and fauna. It is particularly known for its submerged caves and unique rock formations.
• Grotta del Drago (Litoranea per Gallipoli, Marina di Felloniche): Offers an environment rich in stories and legends, ideal for underwater photography enthusiasts.

Operators and Schools:

• • SALENTO DIVING. 320 559 2904. Porto turistico, Lungomare C. Colombo. https://www.salentodiving.it/
  • Gnu Diving Salento. Via Doppia Croce, 17. 320 061 9685. https://gnudivingsalento.it/
  • Diving Service (Morciano di Leuca). Via Amerigo Vespucci, 33. +39 335 689 4135. www.divingservice.it

2. San Domino (Tremiti Islands)

The Tremiti archipelago is known for its clear waters and multiple diving sites offering rocky walls and caves. Specific Diving Spots:

• Grotta delle Viole: Appreciated for its beautiful inner passages and coral colonies.
• Scoglio del Corvo: Perfect for observing typical Adriatic marine life.

Operators and Schools:

• • Tremiti Diving Center. Via Federico II. +39 334 312 8761 https://www.tremitidivingcenter.com/

3. Porto Cesareo (Lecce)

Porto Cesareo is surrounded by a protected marine area that preserves one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean. Specific Diving Spots:

• Secca di Torre Castiglion: Famous for its sandy seabeds and diverse marine life.
• Area della Palude del Capitano: Ideal for close encounters with protected marine species.

Operators and Schools:

• Orca Diving Center. Via Magenta, 17, 25065 Lumezzane BS. Phone: 366 466 4484. https://www.orcadivingcenter.it/

4. Otranto (Lecce)

Otranto offers a combination of historic wrecks and coral-covered walls, making each dive a unique experience. Specific Diving Spots:

• Secca del Papa: Known for its extraordinary marine biodiversity.
• Relitto di Brennero: A dive into history, ideal for wreck enthusiasts.

Operators and Schools:

• Scuba Diving. Via del Porto, 1. 0836 802740. https://www.scubadiving.it/
• Otranto Sub Diving Center. Porto Turistico. +39 338 457 8375. www.otrantosub.it

5. Torre San Giovanni (Ugento, Lecce)

This location offers peaceful dives along the Ionian coast, with caves and rocky seabeds rich in marine life. Specific Diving Spots:

• Grotta del Fiume: An accessible cave rich in marine fauna.
• Grotta Azzurra: Offers a spectacular setting for cave enthusiasts.

6. Monopoli

Monopoli, one of the gems of Puglia’s Adriatic coast, offers several fascinating options for diving enthusiasts. This city boasts not only a rich history and beautiful beaches but also diving sites that attract divers of all levels.

• Relitto di Egnazia: Located near the ruins of the ancient city of Egnazia, this wreck is a fascinating site for history and diving enthusiasts. The wreck, a Greek cargo ship that sank in the 1980s, lies at about 30 meters deep and is a habitat for a variety of marine species.
• Secca di Torre Cintola: This shoal is particularly popular among divers for its biodiversity. Located a few miles from the coast, it offers an exciting diving experience among colorful gorgonian gardens and schools of fish.
• Grotte di Porto Verde: The marine caves of Porto Verde are another must-see for divers. These caves are famous for their stunning underwater rock formations and rich aquatic life.

Diving Centers in Monopoli

• Diving Subinastinenza Scuba Team. Via Cala Fontanella, 2. 392 417 4144. https://www.divingsubinastinenza.it/

Ready to Dive in Puglia?

Puglia, with its crystal-clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, is a diver’s paradise. We invite you to discover this underwater world during your stay with us at BeBari Apartments. Be Free, Be Bari, and immerse yourself in the beauties of our sea! If you need more information or assistance in organizing your diving experience, please do not hesitate to contact me. We are here to ensure you have a stay full of adventures and discoveries. See you soon! Elisabetta