Punta Carena is the headland at Capri's south-western tip, below the lighthouse of the same name. A rocky ridge runs out to sea and drops fast into deep water, and frequent strong current and constant boat traffic keep it for very experienced divers.
Also known as Capo Carena, Cape Carena, Carena Cape.
Where it is and how deep
40.5363° N, 14.1988° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The ridge stretches several hundred metres offshore from the point and reaches considerable depth almost at once; dives go to 50 m along a wall that continues to 60 m. Exposed to the prevailing currents, the southern wall is thick with yellow and red gorgonians, and further out along the ridge two vertical clefts lined with gorgonians hold huge sponges. Huge schools of anthias surround the ridge, and barracuda and small tuna pass by often.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
- Barracuda
- Tuna
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Capri: June to September is the peak, with warm water and every site in reach; July and August are also the busiest months on the island.
Know before you go
- Strong current is often present on the point.
- Boats pass the point continuously throughout the dive.
Dive videos
Capri underwater - Faro di Punta Carena #2 · B&B Antico Monastero di Anacapri on YouTube
Sources
- Immersione Punta Carena — Punta Campanella Diving Sorrento
- Private Diving Sorrento, Capri — Subaia Diving Napoli
- The marine park to Capri, Punta Campanella — Divingaway
- Punta Carena Lighthouse — Wikipedia
Photo credits
- A red and white lighthouse on top of a pale limestone headland, seen from the sea under a clear blue sky. by S D K, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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