Diving in Capo Palinuro
Where:
PALINURO
Description:
Over 35 caves between emerged and submerged, concentrated in a promontory that extends into the Mar Tirreno for 2 km: Ladies and Gentlemen, Her Majesty Capo Palinuro!
One of the greatest coastal reliefs of Cilento, it rises to an altitude of nearly 200 meters above sea level: sheer cliffs and a system of underwater cavities that make it the absolute paradise for divers from all over the world, who have been diving in its waters for years.
Among the wonders:
- Grotta Azzurra: The largest cavity in Italy, characterized by a 90-meter tunnel in a straight line. Inside, you can witness a spectacular refraction of blue light and the presence of hydrothermal sulfur springs. Not only that: the vault and submerged walls of the cave are not bare, but covered by a dense and colorful living biological carpet made of Orange Coral (Madrepora Arancione), which here shows the phenomenon of gigantism; Yellow Cluster Anemones (Margherite di Mare); Red Coral; Minor Stony Corals, cataloged by the Università di Genova, which found a huge biodiversity of solitary and colonial sciaphilous stony corals, including Leptopsammia pruvoti (yellow coral), Caryophyllia, and Hoplangia durotrix.
- Grotta della Cattedrale: Famous for its large internal submerged chambers and spectacular rock formations that resemble the naves of a cathedral.
- Grotta d'Argento: Known for the silver reflections created by the mix of fresh and salt water (halocline effect) along the limestone walls.
- Grotta dei Monaci: Named after internal stalagmites that resemble praying monks; the dive reaches a maximum depth of about 14 meters and includes the atrium of the Grotta Sulfurea.
Walls and Open Water Dives:
- Pareti di Capo Palinuro: Spectacular vertical walls into the blue, rich in red gorgonians, yellow cluster anemones (Parazoanthus), groupers, sea breams, and lobsters.
- Secca del Pertuso: An exciting open water dive with suggestive passages between rocks and usually excellent visibility.
Diving in Capo Palinuro is simply one of the most beautiful dives you can experience in the entire Mediterranean basin.
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