Bergeggi, Noli, Spotorno & Finale Ligure · Italy · Reef
Secca del Corallo Nero
A false black coral colony at the deep end of a gorgonian plateau
Area photo: Franciop · CC BY-SA 3.0
A deep secca off the Bergeggi–Spotorno coast where the dive runs between 32 and 38 m over a sandy plateau carpeted with gorgonians. Catshark egg cases hang among the fans, and at the deepest point of the shoal grows the site's namesake: a colony of the false black coral Gerardia savaglia.
Where it is and how deep
44.2669° N, 8.4632° EApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Everything on this site happens deep: the dive works a band between 32 and 38 m, and Divenjoy reserves it for divers holding a deep (40 m) certification. You drop onto the sandy plateau and the gorgonian field spreads out around you, sea fans standing across the sand and rock in every direction.
Work the fans closely — catshark egg cases are a signature of the site, laced into the branches, and the invertebrate cover rewards a slow pace. The objective sits at the deepest part of the secca: a fine branch of Gerardia savaglia, the false black coral that gives the site its name. Bottom time at this depth is short, so reach the colony early and start the ascent with margin in hand.
Marine life and season
- Macro critters
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Bergeggi, Noli, Spotorno & Finale Ligure: No closed season — the cutoff is wind, with grecale above roughly 15–18 knots stopping diving. Water falls to 13°C in February and peaks near 24°C in August.
Sources
- Secca del Corallo Nero (scubago) — Scubago
- Divenjoy — Secca del Corallo Nero — Divenjoy SAS (dive centre, Noli)
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