Scuba diving in the marine Park in Pianosa - Buoy SP3

Type of dive: reef, wall
Minimum required certification: advanced
Depth: min 4 m, max 40 m

The dive begins near an extensive sub-vertical carbonate rock formation characterized by alternating ledges and small terraces.

The dive can be planned by reaching the base of the wall, located at a depth of -40 m, and following a NW or SW direction, ascending to its summit at about -4 meters. Along this route, which holds significant scientific and educational value, it is possible to observe a succession of various sciaphilous algae (from the base to -22 m), which thrive in low-light areas, and photophilous algae (from -25 m to the surface), which grow in highly illuminated zones and are therefore limited to shallower areas.

During the ascent, in the rock crevices and up to -18 m, abundant sea daisy blooms (Parazoanthus axinellae) can be observed.

Possibly the best among all those present, this reef is covered on its inner side with Posidonia oceanica and extends between -2 and -10 meters, while on the outer side, it drops almost vertically to beyond -40 meters.

Thanks to the morphology of the seabed and its location, the presence of fish here is impressive: hundreds of barracudas surround the reef and allow close encounters; majestic groupers peer out from the wall, letting themselves be photographed both in their dens and resting on the Posidonia; and of course, dentex and amberjacks are often seen hunting.

During the summer months, this spot is also famous for the presence of eagle rays, sometimes in groups of several specimens.