Diving the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area with Arbaspaa
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Basic swimming ability required; suitable for beginners in good health.
Overview
Dive beneath the iconic cliffs of Porto Venere with Arbaspaa’s Sea Baptism. Experience the vivid marine life and earn an SSI certification in the stunning Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area.
Diving in the Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area: The Sea Baptism
2,5 hours • Ages 9+
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of "Sea Baptism," where you’ll dive into the stunning blue sea alongside a professional instructor. Enjoy a boat ride to Portovenere's Marine Protected Area, breathe underwater, and explore vibrant marine life. Complete your adventure with an SSI certification, making this an unforgettable journey into the depths.
Duration
2,5 hours
About
You’ve always dreamed of diving in the blue sea, to experience the silence, to feel the extraordinary sensation floating “weightlessly” among colorful fish and corals? With this “Sea Baptism” the dream comes true: you will wear all the diving equipment and, hand in hand with an instructor, you will experience the unforgettable sensation of breathing under water, exceeding the “limits” of human respiration.
You will meet your instructor in San Terenzo, near Lerici where you’ll take the equipment and receive the first introduction to this experience. After, on a rubber boat you’ll reach Portovenere and its Marine protected area (MPA), where the activity will take place.
At the end you will be brought back to San Terenzo.
What is included
- Professional instructor starting with a theoretical lesson
- Boat ride to the diving spot
- Complete diving equipment
- A dive up to 10/12 m with a diving instructor
- Certification “SSI Scuba School International”
Language
English, Italian, French
Note
Good health conditions are required
Adventure Tips
Book in Advance
Spots fill quickly, especially in peak season—reserve your dive days ahead to guarantee availability.
Check Medical Clearance
Ensure you’re fit for diving with a basic medical check; some conditions require clearance before participation.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
Capture the underwater spectacle—many marine species are photogenic and fascinating to review later.
Dress for Changing Weather
Weather can shift quickly on the Ligurian coast; bring layers for comfort between dives and during the boat ride.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mediterranean grouper
- Seahorses
History
The Cinque Terre Marine Protected Area was established in 1997 to conserve its unique marine habitats and traditional fishing culture.
Conservation
Arbaspaa supports local environmental efforts by promoting responsible diving practices to minimize impact on fragile underwater ecosystems.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in La Spezia
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wetsuit
Keeps you warm and comfortable underwater, critical for prolonged exposure in cooler Mediterranean waters.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Mask and Snorkel
Provides clear underwater vision and breathing assistance during surface intervals.
Dive Computer
Helps track dive depth and duration for safety but available to rent if unfamiliar.
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin during boat rides and surface intervals from Mediterranean sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall specific