© iStock/CAHKT Diving in Sardinia Sardinia is a large island located on off the west coast of the Italian peninsula. It is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and some say it has the best diving in Italy. Here you won’t just explore rugged caves and fascinating wrecks, you can also enjoy quite technical dives, while beginners will love trying out the array of shore dives available. Sardinia is located between two different parts of the Mediterranean, the Tyrrhenian Sea is on the east side of the island and the Sea of Sardinia is on the west. The island has three different protected marine areas in the surrounding waters. They are, Protected Marine Area La Maddalena, Area Marina Protteta di Tavolara, and Area Marina Protteta di Capo Carbonara. Here you can expect clear waters and plentiful marine life as well as water temperatures of up to 26C (79F) in the summer months, which is when you are more likely to see underwater life. Strict rules in areas such as Tavolara mean you can still enjoy pristine scenery and wonderful biodiversity, seemingly unchanged for decades. The island also boasts over 100 beaches that come in all different shapes and sizes, perfect for relaxing after your dive. Featured places to go in Sardinia © MaresMarine Protected Area La MaddalenaThe Archipelago of La Maddalena contains a number of mostly unpopulated islands and islets and has over 30 dive sites in this area.Learn more © ScubaproArea Marina Protetta di TavolaraTavolara marine protected area is an incredibly fertile ecosystem with a great variance of marine life.Learn more © MaresArea Marina Protetta di Capo CarbonaraThe Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area includes great coral formations and many caves with the marine life that goes along with both.Learn more Dive Sites in Sardinia Discover the Wonders of the Deep with SSI's Blog Join us on an exciting journey of discovery and learn more about exhilarating diving adventures, dedicated conservation initiatives, and innovative educational opportunities that will help you illuminate the extraordinary beauty of the underwater world. Let's explore the underwater world together and delve into the hidden wonders beneath the gentle waves. The descriptions provided here are intended as general information and personal experiences related to specific dive sites and locations and should not be construed as definitive advice or recommendations. Before diving, please confirm that diving is permitted at your chosen location, and comply with all relevant local laws, regulations, and posted signage. The responsibility for verifying the legality of the dive and assessing any associated risks rests entirely with you.