Updated April 23, 2022
This is the thirty-fourth in a series that introduces and describes the various dive services and sites for worldwide liveaboard dive safaris. This one focuses on the Tuscan Archipelago.
In addition to this series on liveaboard diving, the best worldwide dive resort locations and services are reviewed in their own series. To check them out, or others in this series, click on Liveaboards / Resorts on the menu at the top and choose a title from the list.
Have you ever been diving on the Tuscan Archipelago before? If so, I’d love to know about your experience. What dive shop or liveaboard did you use? Which dive spots are the best and what are the conditions there regarding the visibility, current, water temperature, sealife attractions, etc.? Please post your response in the comments section at the bottom and we’ll all learn something we can use.
Best Scuba Diving Italy – Tuscan Archipelago
Elba
The centerpiece of the Tuscan Archipelago is the historic and scenic island of Elba. Memorable to many as the site of Napoleon’s 10-month exile, it also has a coastline of caves, coves, and 150 sandy beaches in its 225 square kilometers (140 square miles). In 1950 it was opened to tourism which started the move by the locals to preserve the natural setting. This led to the creation of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park which includes Elba, the third largest island in Italy, and the islands of Pianosa, Capraia, Giglio, and Giannutri.
Undersea World
The natural richness combined with the conservation efforts of the National Park has created one of the top scuba diving locations in the Mediterranean.
On Elba alone there are, at last count, 15 dive centers servicing the many thousands of tourists coming each year.
The wildlife is characterized by interesting macro critters including scorpionfish, nudibranchs, seahorses, octopus, lobsters, threadworms, leopard snails, and hermit crabs. In addition, there are lots of sponges, sea fans, and small red corals with conger, moray and seagrass eels, flounder, bamboo sharks, sunfish, grouper, barracuda, schools of amberjacks and tuna, eagle rays, dolphins, and whales.
There are hidden anchorages, secluded coves, walls, caves, canyons, pinnacles, and a number of historic airplane and ship wrecks to explore. Sites are available to suit all skill levels
Seasons and Conditions
The climate in the archipelago is typical of the region with warm summers and cooler, wetter winters. Most of the diving is done from May through October when temperatures may reach highs of 28°C (82°F). Average temperatures at that time range from 19-25°C (66-78°F). Water temperatures during this warm season are from 15-22°C (59-73°F). Be sure to bring suitable thermal protection.
When conditions are cooler from November through April, a lot of the fauna have departed for warmer water including the eagle rays, amberjacks, and tuna.
Visibility is good, but variable, and can be up to 50 meters (165 feet) in some locations.
Best Liveaboard Dive Boats – Tuscan Archipelago
There are many dive shops on Elba, but only the Norseman runs liveaboards in the archipelago cruising during the warm season from May to October. The very reasonably priced safaris usually accept a maximum of 6 divers, providing personal service and a cozy atmosphere. The Captain and divers have a discussion and based on the sea conditions and the desires and skill levels of the guests, the itinerary is arranged. It can include the 7 islands of the Archipelago, Corsica, and Sardinia. You can decide together what wrecks, wildlife, or types of underwater terrain to explore and go from there. The Captain is a diver and known to be extremely knowledgeable of the entire region.
Key Details:
- From May to October, 7 day/6 night cruises with itinerary planned by the divers and Captain
- Built 1922, renovated 1978
- Length 18.5 meters
- Max guests: 6, number of cabins: 3, number of bathrooms: 1
- Audio & video entertainment, library, sun deck, indoor saloon, warm water showers, outdoor dining, charging stations
- Fine cuisine including local food with vegetarian options, board is charged separately at €237/trip
- The crew speaks English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian
- Non-diver (snorkeler) friendly
- No scuba equipment on board, available at local dive shops
- Price includes 5 dives, additional dives cost €25/dive
- Dive courses can be arranged
- Tender for diving
Check further details at Liveaboard.com
Elba Island Transportation, Hotels, and Dive Shops
Transportation
Elba is serviced by several regional airlines at Marina di Campo Airport, but flights are very limited. Ferries, which can transport cars and passengers from the Italian mainland port of Piombino, take 1 hour and are frequent. On Elba, there is a train and bus service. Car rental and hitchhiking are both popular.
Hotels and Dive Shops
A variety of hotels starting at $50/night are available around the island. There are 15 dive shops that can rent equipment and provide diving services including day charters.
This website is a good source for the available options and can arrange a booking:
Elba Island Attractions (aside from scuba diving)
With 150 beaches, enjoying the sun and the sand is a primary option. Other seaside activities that are popular are windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing, and sailing. Going inland, hiking, cycling or horseback riding on trails into the mountains may suit your interest. This is Italy, so great wines, Tuscan seafood, and quaint restaurants and shops should not be missed. Ancient staircases and fortresses inhabited by the Spanish, Romans, and Etruscans who fought with the French, English, and Germans and Napoleon’s exile home provide something of interest for the archaeologically and historically motivated tourist.
Tuscan Archipelago Photos
With the macro life, wrecks, clear water, beautiful, diverse reef, lots of fish, and historic topside scenery, there are many excellent photo opportunities. For information and reviews of dive cameras, click here:
Scuba Diving Trip Insurance
A cushion for emergencies provides peace of mind when on vacation. I recommend this diving insurance as they have worldwide coverage and provide scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.
Feedback and Comments
I hope you found this post on Tuscan scuba diving interesting and useful. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments section. I’d love to know of any experience you have diving there. If there is no comments section directly below, click here: >>comments<<
Henry says
Ciao! Reading your post, you have really encouraged me to visit the Tuscan Archipelago. Italy is beautiful. And I know a week in the archipelago will be memorable. Following your suggestion, I’ll book in between May and October.
Elba Island has so many attractions. In my experience, I have read quite a few very good reviews about vacations on the Island. And I know a week will not be enough.
I also appreciate you have also recommended a scuba diving trip insurance. It’s always better to play safe.
Joe says
Hi Henry,
Good to see you again. Thanks for your kind comments.
It’s great to hear you plan to go to Elba. Please write me a note about how it goes.
Best regards,
Joe
Fleur Allen says
Joe, I haven’t dived in years but your blog post has reinspired me to include visiting The Mediterranean. As an Australian, it is a little distance to travel but I’m sure worth it, especially as you say with temperatures between 19 to 25 degrees sounds perfection! Plus your suggestion of a liveaboard experience, well now you have got me thinking!
Joe says
Hi Fleur,
Thanks a lot for your kind comments. If I inspired you to do some scuba diving again, then that will make me happy.
If you do decide to do some diving somewhere, please let me know how it goes.
Best regards,
Joe
Kenechi says
I’ve always wanted to get up to Italy. Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago look very attractive, particularly to do some liveaboard diving. The weather looks warm enough and the attractions on Elba are fascinating particularly the historically oriented ones. It’s great that the hotels are so reasonably priced and I am looking forward to some Tuscan Chianti and seafood. Thanks a lot for the info.
Joe says
Hi Kenichi,
Thanks a lot for your kind comments.
Are you planning to make the trip? Please get in touch if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Joe
arnaiemhasan says
Hi Joe,
This is an excellent article. The Tuscan Archipelago is a natural wonderful oasis on land and at sea on a liveaboard. This coastal area also offers tourists the chance to visit several historical and archeological sites that I am excited to see. I hope I can get a chance to go at least once in my life. Thanks for sharing. Excellent article.
Joe says
Hi,
Thanks a lot. I am glad you enjoyed my post. I really hope you get the chance to go.
Best regards,
Joe
Caldero says
Hey Joe,
Wow. That basket star photo is amazing. I would love to see one and take a photo. The liveaboard sounds great. You and the guests and the Captain can decide which sites to go to. That really allows you to set up a plan that will make everyone happy. I’ve got a couple of friends who I will try to convince to go with me. Do you think that is feasible? Thanks a lot for the introduction.
Regards,
Caldero
Joe says
Hi Caldero,
Thanks a lot. That is a wild photo.
You have time before the liveaboard season starts in May to convince your friends to join you and book it. There are only 6 places per voyage, so I suggest to contact the booking agent as soon as you can.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Also, if you would, please give me a note about the cruise and the diving.
Best regards,
Joe
John Mullen says
Wow this is a really informative diving site, I started diving last year while I was down in the FL keys on a fishing trip with some friends. I bookmarked this page for reference and so I can show it to my friends, they will want to see this site. Great information!
Joe says
Hi John,
Thanks a lot for your interest and compliments and for introducing my site to your friends. I am currently adding 3-4 posts per week covering dive sites around the world and equipment.
If you or your friends have any questions, please get in touch. I am always interested in what people want to know. For example, if you are considering diving in a certain location but don’t have all the details you need, I’d love to try and help.
Best regards,
Joe