Portofino Divers

Portofino Marine Protected Area dive centre with red gorgonian forests and the famous Christ of the Abyss statue.

Portofino Divers operates in the Portofino Marine Protected Area, one of Italy's most prestigious diving destinations on the Ligurian coast. The promontory of Portofino drops steeply into the sea, creating dramatic walls and overhangs that support some of the Mediterranean's most impressive gorgonian forests.

The area's most famous site is the Cristo degli Abissi (Christ of the Abyss) — a 2.5-metre bronze statue placed at 17 metres depth in 1954, which has become one of the most iconic underwater landmarks in the world. Beyond the statue, dives explore walls draped in Paramuricea clavata red gorgonians, yellow Eunicella cavolini, and colourful encrusting sponges. Marine life includes grouper, scorpionfish, moray eels, octopus, and nudibranchs.

The centre offers PADI courses in Italian and English. Dive sites range from shallow reefs suitable for beginners to deep walls reaching 40+ metres for experienced divers. The protected status limits boat traffic and fishing, resulting in exceptionally healthy marine ecosystems. Season runs May through October with best conditions in July-September.