Snorkeling in Portofino Marine Protected Area with guide

Mask and fins in one of the Mediterranean's most biodiverse underwater zones

Snorkel the Portofino Marine Protected Area on a speedboat departing from Santa Margherita Ligure, with mask, fins and snorkel provided. A marine biologist guide leads you through the diving mooring spots where the main organisms of the area live, and the trip includes a stop at the Christ of the Abyss statue in San Fruttuoso bay. The activity runs about three and a half hours and is subject to sea and weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe, you get a new date or full refund.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling different from a beach entry is the boat access to the mooring spots themselves: the protected area's richest sites sit beyond the shallows. You board a speedboat at Santa Margherita Ligure and head out to the zones where the marine biologists have anchored, stopping at several to descend and observe the underwater life in place. The guide is a qualified naturalist trained to read the environment, so you're not just looking at fish. You're learning what you're seeing and why it matters to the Mediterranean ecosystem.

The Christ of the Abyss stop is the moment most people remember. The statue sits underwater in the bay of San Fruttuoso, and the guide walks you through its history as part of the same dive. Three and a half hours total means you get real time in the water at each mooring, not a rushed circuit. Bring a moderate level of fitness and solid swimming ability: the boat moves between sites and the entry and exit require comfort in the water. The activity runs subject to sea conditions. Rough water or unsafe weather triggers a reschedule or refund, no exceptions.

Equipment is included: mask, fins and snorkel. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so confirm your language at checkout. Infants can come along (they ride on an adult's lap), and service animals are welcome. Public transport gets you to the departure point if you don't have a car.

What’s included

• Use of snorkelling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel).
• boat transport between mooring sites in the protected area.
• guided snorkeling at multiple diving moorings.
• a stop at the Christ of the Abyss statue site.
• naturalist guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 21 Jun 2027

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Youth (13 to 14 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ziguele

Is this one for you?Book this if you swim well and want a guided introduction to the underwater ecosystem rather than independent beach snorkeling. The boat access to the protected area's richest mooring spots and the marine biologist's expertise are what set it apart from wading in from shore.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 14 years); Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the underwater life actually like in the Portofino Marine Protected Area?

The area is one of the most biodiverse marine environments in the Mediterranean, so you'll encounter the main organisms that live there. The guide will identify and explain them as you snorkel. The protected status means the ecosystem is intact, not picked over.

Do I need my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Mask, fins and snorkel are all included. Bring only yourself and your swimming ability.

How long do you actually spend in the water versus traveling between spots?

The trip is three and a half hours total, with multiple stops at different mooring sites. You get real time at each one, not a quick pass-through.

What happens if the sea is rough on the day I'm booked?

The activity is subject to sea and weather conditions. If conditions are unsafe for safe operation, the operator offers either a new date or a full refund: no partial credit or rescheduling fees.