Advice to scuba divers

The diving centers on Elba Island are numerous, ensuring you can enjoy safe and fun dives. Those who dive independently should pay particular attention to the regulations outlined in the Ordinance of the Harbor Master’s Office (this advice applies to any vacation destination).

Thanks to the particularly mild climate, which helps to maintain acceptable water temperatures even during the coldest months, diving is possible even off-season. It is recommended to use a semi-dry wetsuit from November to April, while from May to October, a standard 5-millimeter wetsuit is sufficient; in spring, it is advisable to wear an undergarment, especially if planning dives below 20 meters.

On Elba, as in the rest of Italy, spearfishing with a scuba tank is prohibited.

Night diving is also possible, but each diver must signal their presence with a starlight, in addition to carrying a primary light source and a backup light. Special attention must be paid to onboard safety equipment to ensure compliance, including mooring tax, insurance, fire extinguisher, flares, life ring, etc. Inspections at sea by Maritime Authorities are quite frequent.

The same rules apply to navigation: it is prohibited to approach within 200 meters of beaches frequented by swimmers with the engine running, and within 100 meters of steep coasts unless moving slowly and perpendicularly to the coast. To avoid unpleasant disputes, it is always advisable to check first with the Harbor Master’s Office, Calata Buccari - Portoferraio tel. 0565.91.40.00, and carefully read the beach ordinance.

Coast Guard tel. 1530 - tel. 0565-91.40.00