Portofino: scuba diving from Genoa

When it comes to combining scenic beauty with underwater adventure, this scuba diving tour from Genoa to Portofino offers just that. Though we haven’t personally downed tanks ourselves, we’ve researched the experience thoroughly and it sounds like an excellent choice for travelers eager to see Liguria’s vibrant marine life without spending days at sea. The highlight? A visit to the Marine Protected Area at Portofino, with its colorful gorgonians and schools of barracuda and groupers.

What we love about this tour is the chance to combine a scenic boat ride with an underwater exploration led by experienced guides. Plus, the small group size (limited to six participants) promises a personal touch, making it easier to ask questions and get tailored attention. One potential drawback? The activity is of course weather-dependent—rough seas or bad weather could mean rescheduling or a full refund, so it’s not ideal if you’re seeking guaranteed sunshine.

This experience suits those with some diving certification, looking to add a memorable marine adventure to their Ligurian trip. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenery, marine wildlife, and the company of fellow water lovers. However, it’s not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or those with recent surgeries.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Marine Protected Area provides a vibrant underwater environment with abundant marine life.
• Boat ride from Genoa offers scenic views and the possibility of dolphin sightings.
• All necessary equipment is included, so you don’t have to bring your own gear.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Weather dependent—bad weather or rough seas can lead to rescheduling or refunds.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at the Sub Tribe dive center located at the ELPIS Genovese Rowing Society, easily accessible once you pass through Genoa’s port gate. The meeting spot is marked by a blue gate labeled “ELPIS”—a helpful detail for first-timers. If the gate is closed, a quick call to the provided number on the voucher will get you sorted.

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with the actual diving portion around fifty minutes—an ideal length for those new to sea diving or anyone concerned about too much time submerged. You’ll be greeted by friendly, professional staff who will fit you with all necessary diving gear, including wetsuits, tanks, fins, masks, and dive computers if needed. This convenience saves you from hauling your own equipment and ensures everything is sanitized and properly fit.

The Sailing and Dolphin Encounters

Once geared up, your group will board a dinghy to head out into the Ligurian Sea. During this short sail, keep your eyes peeled—you may be lucky enough to spot pods of dolphins playing nearby. That’s a bonus you might not expect but will certainly remember.

The Dive: Exploring Marine Wonders

The dive takes place within the Marine Protected Area of Portofino, renowned for its thriving underwater ecosystems. Expect to see colorful gorgonians swaying with the current, large schools of barracuda darting past, and groupers lurking around rocky outcrops. The water clarity often impresses visitors, allowing for vibrant photos and vivid views of marine life.

Participants should be prepared for a limited dive time—about fifty minutes—so they’ll want to make the most of every second. Guides will brief you on safety procedures and water behavior, ensuring everyone is comfortable before the descent. The presence of an experienced guide is a big plus, as they can share insights about the marine environment and help you spot interesting creatures.

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Post-Dive Relaxation and Return

Back on the boat, you’ll find cold fresh water and a small snack—a thoughtful touch that helps replenish energy after the exertion. The return trip offers a chance to reflect on what you’ve seen, with the possibility of catching more dolphin sightings or simply enjoying the scenic coastline.

Amenities and End of Tour

Once back at the port, there are showers and changing rooms, making it easy to freshen up before heading into Portofino’s charming town center. From the meeting point, it’s just about a five-minute walk to explore local cafes, boutiques, and the beautiful harbor.

Evaluating the Value

The tour’s cost includes everything from guides and equipment to snacks and water, making it a hassle-free experience. Given that similar tours often include only some of these elements, the overall value is quite favorable—especially considering the small group size. For travelers with a diving certification, this offers an authentic chance to dive in a stunning marine environment without the need to arrange complicated logistics yourself.

While the activity is not suitable for children under 10 or those prone to seasickness, for those who meet the criteria, it’s a genuinely rewarding way to see a less-visited side of Liguria. The marine protected area ensures marine life is abundant and undisturbed, providing a richer experience than many commercialized underwater excursions.

Practical Tips

Bring your passport or ID for check-in, and pack swimsuits, towels, and biodegradable sunscreen—standard beach gear. Remember, you’ll need your diving certification if you want to participate in the dive; non-certified snorkelers might find other options more suitable. Since the activity is weather-dependent, it’s wise to check the forecast and book with flexible cancellation policies to avoid disappointment.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This scuba experience is ideal for certified divers who want to explore Liguria’s underwater world with expert guidance and a small group. It’s perfect for those who enjoy scenic boat rides combined with marine wildlife sightings and are comfortable in the water. It’s best suited for travelers who value authentic, well-organized experiences over large, impersonal tours.

If you’re seeking a unique way to see the Ligurian coast, this tour delivers in both scenery and underwater discovery. However, if you’re a non-diver, or traveling with very young children, you might want to explore other activities in Genoa or Portofino.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need diving certification for this activity?
Yes, the tour requires participants to have diving certification to join the dive. Non-certified snorkelers might not be able to participate in the actual dive but can still enjoy the boat ride and marine scenery from the surface.

Is the activity suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 10 years old, and children under 12 are also advised against participation. The activity involves scuba diving, which requires a certain level of maturity and comfort in water.

What should I bring?
Pack your passport or ID, swimsuit, towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. You’ll also want to bring your own slippers or comfortable shoes for after the activity, and a sense of adventure.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The activity is subject to weather and sea conditions. If conditions are unsafe, the tour may be canceled, and you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund. It’s wise to check the forecast and be flexible.

What is included in the price?
The fee covers your certified dive guide, all diving equipment, a briefing on safety, plus water and a small snack afterward.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, with approximately 50 minutes of actual diving. The boat ride, briefing, and post-dive refreshments are part of that time.

Can I just join for the boat ride without diving?
This tour is primarily designed for certified divers, but if you’re interested in the scenery and marine environment from the surface, you should inquire if snorkel-only options are available—though they aren’t specified here.

Final Thoughts

This scuba diving trip from Genoa to Portofino packs a lot into a half-day adventure. It combines the thrill of exploring underwater ecosystems with the pleasure of sailing along Liguria’s stunning coast. The small group size and knowledgeable guides promise a personalized and informative outing, making it well worth the price for diving enthusiasts.

For travelers who appreciate authentic marine environments and are already certified divers, this tour offers access to one of Italy’s most beautiful marine parks. The chance to see colorful gorgonians, barracuda, and groupers in their natural habitat makes it a memorable experience. Plus, the scenic boat ride and the proximity to Portofino’s lovely town center add extra value.

While it’s not suited for everyone, especially non-divers or very young children, those who qualify will find it a rewarding way to deepen their Ligurian adventure. It’s an authentic, manageable, and fun way to see a side of Italy that’s often hidden beneath the surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: