Diving and snorkelling in Taranto: the Ionian seabeds, the King's Baths at San Pietro in Bevagna, the petrified forest of Torre Ovo and the wrecks. Underwater archaeology.
History
The sea of Taranto hides an extraordinary heritage beneath the surface. Beyond seabeds rich in life, the Ionian coast is a genuine submerged museum, where underwater archaeology and nature intertwine, giving divers and snorkellers unique experiences.
What to see
A few metres from the shore of San Pietro in Bevagna lie the famous "King's Sarcophagi" (or King's Baths), Roman-era marble slabs resting on the seabed, equipped with underwater information panels and reachable even by snorkelling. On the same promontory lie the remains of an ancient Greek-Roman port.
Off Torre Ovo, at a depth of a few metres, hides the striking "petrified forest": a cluster of monoliths almost two metres tall, formed over millennia by the action of microorganisms. Remains of ancient vessels have also been found here.
The seabeds around the Cheradi Islands, with their Posidonia meadows, and the rocky stretches of the southern coast offer ideal snorkelling environments, rich in fish and marine life. Several local diving centres organise guided dives.
Did you know…
- The 'King's Baths' at San Pietro in Bevagna are Roman marble slabs with underwater panels.
- At Torre Ovo lies a 'petrified forest' of underwater monoliths.
- The seabeds of the Cheradi Islands host vast Posidonia meadows.
- Taranto's seabeds hold remains of Greek-Roman ports and vessels.
Practical information
| Hours | Guided dives follow the diving centres' calendars. Free snorkelling always possible in safe conditions. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free snorkelling at no cost. Guided dives and diving-centre boat trips for a fee. |
| Accessibility | Snorkelling is accessible to many; dives require certification and a diving centre. |
| Getting there | The main sites lie along the Ionian coast: San Pietro in Bevagna (Manduria's marina) and Torre Ovo (towards Maruggio). |
Not to miss
★ PremiumTaras Sub Diving Center
📍 Via Lido Bruno, 82, Campomarino di Maruggio
Courses for beginners and outings to the Second World War wrecks.
★ PremiumSub Murena Diving
📍 Via Pesca Mazzisciata, 1, Taranto
Sea baptisms and outings to the Cheradi Islands, also for families.
★ PremiumAbyss Apnea Italia
📍 Via Dietro la Piantata, Leporano Marina
Freediving courses for all levels, suitable even for those who can't swim well.
★ PremiumDive Blu Taranto
📍 Via S. Bonaventura, 1/H, Taranto
A shop and course centre for freediving and scuba diving, quality equipment.
Addresses for guidance: names, management and hours may change. Always check before visiting.
Full listing
Indicative list compiled from public sources. To be featured among our partners, contact us.
Tips for your visit
- For the King's Baths, mask and fins are enough: they lie a few metres from the shore.
- Rely on a diving centre for dives on the archaeological sites and wrecks.
- Respect the seabeds: the Posidonia meadows are a protected ecosystem.