

Best for advanced divers, 15-40m, boat entry, moderate current.
Secca del Papa is a pinnacle rising from a depth of 40 metres to a shallow crest at 15 metres. Located 300 metres off the tip of Tavolara, this site requires boat access. Divers should be prepared for moderate currents and deep conditions, making this an advanced dive. Visibility ranges from 15 to 50 metres. Species recorded around this area include Mediterranean moray, common octopus, great barracuda, slipper lobster, and various wrasses, sea slugs, and sea stars. The shallow top of the shoal is also suitable for snorkelling.
40.91472, 9.74780
Plan a multilevel ascent and monitor gas closely due to tight no-decompression limits at the lower slopes.
Offshore rocky shoal dive, best dived as a guided boat dive from the Olbia/Golfo Aranci area.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-40m
Visibility
15-50m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
14-20°C
Current
Moderate
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Species recorded around this area include Mediterranean moray, common octopus, great barracuda, slipper lobster, wrasses, sea slugs, and sea stars.
No, this site is rated for advanced divers due to the deep profile and moderate currents.
The pinnacle rises from a maximum depth of 40 metres to a shallow point at 15 metres, with an average depth of 30 metres.
Boat access is required to reach this pinnacle, which is located 300 metres from the shore.
Yes, the top of the shoal is at 15 metres, which is visible to snorkelers.
Diving at Secca del Papa in Olbia requires the following certifications: Open Water, Advanced, Deep. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Secca del Papa in Olbia. Water temperatures range from 14°C to 20°C.
The best months to visit Secca del Papa in Olbia are April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Expect moderate currents at Secca del Papa in Olbia. Good buoyancy control and some drift diving experience is helpful.
Visibility at Secca del Papa in Olbia typically ranges from 15 metres to 50 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.