Snorkeling and Diving in Ogliastra: The 10 Most Beautiful Seabeds

The waters of Ogliastra are among the most transparent in the Mediterranean. Visibility often reaches 30–40 metres, the seabed alternates between brilliant white sand, limestone rock and posidonia meadows, and the marine life is extraordinarily rich thanks to minimal human pressure. For those who love exploring the underwater world, this coastline is paradise.

The 10 Must-See Spots

1. Cala Mariolu — Baunei

The seabed at Cala Mariolu is a natural aquarium. The white dolomitic marble pebbles create a bright, pale bottom that enhances the colours of the water. Just a few metres from the shore you encounter schools of white seabream, ornate wrasse, and blue chromis. Deeper down (8–15m), resident brown groupers and moray eels hide among the boulders.

For whom: Snorkelling for everyone, diving for certified divers. Access by sea only.

2. Pedra Longa — Baunei

The 128-metre limestone obelisk extends underwater as a vertical wall dropping to 40 metres. The seabed is rich in red gorgonians, colourful sponges, and nudibranchs. This is the most spectacular dive site in Ogliastra.

For whom: Diving only (depth and currents). Advanced level recommended.

3. Cala Goloritzé — Baunei

The Aguglia di Goloritzé continues underwater for another 20 metres, creating a rocky vertical environment where groupers, spiny lobsters, and octopuses take shelter. The water is so clear that even snorkelling at the surface you can see the bottom at 10 metres.

For whom: Excellent snorkelling, diving by prior booking with a guide.

4. Grotta del Fico — Baunei

A sea cave accessible only by boat, with an underwater entrance leading to an internal air chamber. The monk seal frequented these caves until the 1980s. The surrounding seabed teems with life: gorgonians, feather duster worms, and groupers.

For whom: Diving with mandatory guide. A unique experience.

5. Isola dell'Ogliastra — Lotzorai

The small islet off Lotzorai offers accessible, sheltered seabeds. The north wall slopes gently to 18 metres with posidonia meadows where seahorses, starfish, and sea urchins can be spotted.

For whom: Snorkelling and diving for all levels.

6. Cala Sisine — Baunei

The beach is famous for its holm-oak forest reaching the water's edge, but the seabed is just as impressive. Enormous boulders fallen from the cliffs create an underwater labyrinth where octopuses, moray eels, and impressively large groupers lurk.

For whom: Excellent snorkelling, diving for intermediate divers.

7. Porto Frailis — Arbatax

The gently shelving sandy bottom and sheltered waters make Porto Frailis the ideal spot for beginners. Among the posidonia you can spot cuttlefish, seahorses, and parrotfish. The Red Rocks of porphyry create a unique underwater landscape.

For whom: Snorkelling for beginners and children.

8. Cala dei Gabbiani — Baunei

Twin of Cala Mariolu, with similar seabeds but fewer visitors. The white dolomia pebbles create a luminous bottom. A school of Mediterranean barracuda is often visible in the summer months.

For whom: Excellent snorkelling, intermediate diving.

9. Coccorrocci — Cardedu

The black volcanic stones of Coccorrocci continue underwater, creating a spectacular contrast with the pale sand. The rocky seabed is colonised by sea urchins, starfish, and sea anemones. A little-visited site, ideal for those seeking solitude.

For whom: Intermediate snorkelling. Entry into the water over pebbles.

10. Capo Bellavista — Arbatax

The rocky headland south of Arbatax offers deep seabeds (20–35m) with walls, canyons, and caves. The site is known for sightings of barracuda, amberjack, and bluefin tuna passing through in summer.

For whom: Advanced diving. Currents possible.

Marine Life of Ogliastra

The sea of Ogliastra hosts exceptional biodiversity:

• Brown grouper — Resident on all rocky seabeds. Specimens up to 20 kg
• Mediterranean barracuda — Schools of hundreds in summer
• Red spiny lobster — In rocky crevices from 10m depth
• Moray eel — Common among the boulders, shy but not to be disturbed
• Octopus — Everywhere; intelligent and curious
• Bottlenose dolphin — Frequent sightings from boats, occasional while diving
• Loggerhead sea turtle — Rare but documented sightings

Diving Centres and Rental

Several diving centres operate along the Ogliastra coast, offering:

• Discover scuba diving: First guided dive in shallow water (€60–80)
• Guided dives: For certified divers, 1–2 dives/day (€40–60 per dive)
• PADI/SSI courses: From Open Water to Advanced, with certification
• Snorkelling gear rental: Mask, fins, and snorkel (€10–15/day)

The main centres are located in Arbatax, Santa Maria Navarrese, and Cala Gonone (outside Ogliastra, but an alternative base for diving in the Gulf of Orosei).

Practical Tips

• Best period: May–October. Water reaches 24–26°C in August
• Wetsuit: 3mm recommended in summer, 5mm in spring and autumn
• Reef-safe sunscreen: Protect the sea that hosts you
• Currents: Possible along the Supramonte cliffs. Always ask before diving
• Jellyfish: Rare but present in summer. Carry antihistamine cream
• Don't touch anything: Sea urchins, corals, and marine organisms are for looking at only