

Best for beginner divers, 3-20m, shore entry, mild current.
Ortello is an artificial reef located in Lake Maggiore, Italy, offering a freshwater diving experience suitable for beginners. The site features depths ranging from 3 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Access is via a shore entry, with parking available directly on site to facilitate gear transport. Typical dives last approximately 40 minutes. Visibility is generally better during cooler months when algae growth is reduced. This site provides a controlled environment for divers to practice buoyancy and navigation around the artificial structures.
45.79480, 8.41460
Visibility tends to be at its best during cooler months when algae growth slows, so plan accordingly if clear water is a priority. Parking is on site, so there is no need to carry gear far from your vehicle to the entry point.
Orta San Giulio is accessible by car, though driving into the town is restricted. Parking lots are available up the hill, followed by a 5-minute walk down stairs to the town centre.
No known hazards
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-20m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners, with a manageable depth range and mild currents.
Depths at this site range from 3 to 20 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres.
Ortello is a shore-entry dive site.
Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 15 metres, often improving during cooler months.
Diving at Ortello in Orta San Giulio requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
The best months to visit Ortello in Orta San Giulio are May, June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.