Diving in Santa Teresa Di Gallura, Sardinia: Ultimate Guide
Planning your next dive trip to Northern Sardinia?
You’re going to love diving in Santa Teresa di Gallura. It’s not just beautiful above the water—what’s under the surface is absolutely next level. I spent 10 full days here, and I can tell you, this place is a hidden gem. Think wrecks, caves, crystal-clear waters, and marine life galore.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the top dive sites, what sea creatures to expect, who to dive with, where to stay, how to get there, and more. Let’s dive right in!
Santa Teresa Di Gallura Diving Overview
I spent 10 full days soaking up the sun and saltwater in Santa Teresa di Gallura, and like most of my holidays, scuba diving was the main event. I did several dives and was blown away by how peaceful and stunning the underwater scene is here.
There’s something pretty much for every diver level. We explored a shipwreck that sank during a storm (perfect for history lovers), saw massive groupers, schools of barracuda, and loads of gorgeous red gorgonians. I’m obsessed with those—they look like underwater fireworks.
This place is ideal for all levels. If you’re a beginner, there are calm spots perfect for learning. And if you’re more experienced, you’ll find thrilling wrecks and even a cave to explore. You can even do your scuba course here and still enjoy marine life while training.
And when you’re not diving? You can snorkel or just float in those famous Sardinian emerald waters. The food is incredible—fresh seafood, Italian pasta, and local wine. Add a chilled-out nightlife, lovely town center, and even an open-air cinema… and you’ve got yourself a perfect dive getaway.
Recommended Dive Center
If you want a stress-free and awesome dive experience, go with Blu Dive Center. Serenella and Freddy run the show, and they’re absolute legends.
I dove with them for several days and honestly, it was one of the smoothest, most enjoyable dive operations I’ve ever experienced. They’re super professional, incredibly friendly, and their crew of dive masters are knowledgeable and fun to be around.
They run 2-tank boat dives and offer everything from beginner courses to tec diving.
But let me tell you the best part: their dive boat has a lift.
Yes—a mechanical lift that brings you out of the water. No more awkward ladder climbs. Just position yourself on the lift, and up you go like royalty. After 12 years of diving, this was a first for me and I felt seriously spoiled.
Booking is easy, and everything is well-organized. I truly felt like I was in good hands. I give them 5 stars for the quality of service and could only highly recommend them to anyone diving in the area.
Best Diving Sites In Santa Teresa Di Gallura
The diving here gives you access to multiple diving areas:
✅ Marine Protected Area (MPA) of Capo Testa and Punta Falcone:
– Local dive heaven with wrecks, caves, groupers, and red gorgonians galore—perfect for all levels.
✅ La Maddalena Archipelago:
– A picture-perfect national park with reefs and dreamy island backdrops.
✅ Lavezzi Archipelago in Corsica:
– French flair meets Sardinian waters—think dramatic granite formations and big fish action.
But in this post, let’s focus on the spots I explored around the Marine Protected Area of Capo Testa and Punta Falcone.
1. Angelika Wreck
The Angelika Wreck is hands-down one of my favorite dives in Santa Teresa di Gallura. This long cargo ship sank during a fierce storm in 1982 and now lies peacefully on the seabed at about 22 meters deep. The wreck is split into two main sections—the bow and the stern—which makes the dive feel like exploring two wrecks in one.
Descending over the sandy bottom, I remember feeling that little rush of excitement as the dark shape of the wreck came into view. Goosebumps moment, for sure.
We circled both parts of the wreck, taking our time to explore around the exterior and even ventured a little inside with our torches. The structure is hauntingly beautiful—twisted metal, rusted beams, and openings that invite curiosity.
We saw massive dusky groupers cruising by like they owned the place, a few moray eels tucked into the steelwork, and a small school of silvery barracuda hovering between the two sections.
As with all wreck dives, be cautious of metal edges, and it’s easy to forget you’re still underwater when you’re in full explorer mode. But that little thrill? Totally worth it.
Bring a torch, take your time, and soak up the eerie beauty of this sunken time capsule.
2. Sifone Cave
This site is awesome. Near the Capo Testa area, Sifone Cave sits in stunning emerald-blue water. The dive starts along a rocky seabed full of life—groupers the size of small dogs, well-camouflaged scorpionfish, and plenty of nudibranchs if you look closely.
As you swim along the reef, you’ll find small tunnels and cracks teeming with marine life. Then comes the main event: the cave entrance. You enter underwater through a wide opening and slowly ascend inside the cave until you surface into a hidden air chamber.
Once inside, float on your back and look up—the ceiling is filled with dramatic rock formations, and the silence adds a magical vibe. Light rays enter from the cave mouth and dance on the walls.
On the way out, don’t forget to turn around and admire the view of the cave entrance—it’s gorgeous and feels like something out of a movie.
Overall, it’s a calm dive and a great intro to cavern diving—easy to navigate, shallow enough for Open Water divers, and visually stunning.
3. Munichedda
Munichedda is close to Rena Bianca beach, and it’s a biodiversity hotspot.
This site features large granite boulders and rocky overhangs. It’s a shallow dive—perfect for all levels—and absolutely buzzing with life. On a typical dive here, I saw schools of juvenile barracuda weaving through the rocks, as well as sleepy-looking groupers tucked into ledges.
If you’re into macro, this site is a goldmine for nudibranchs. On one dive, I counted almost five different species, including the sea cow nudibranch Peltodoris atromaculata.
Look inside the crevices and you may see shy moray eels. The dive ends with a scenic swim along a colorful patch of red gorgonians that sway gently with the current.
Best Time To Dive In Santa Teresa Di Gallura
The dive season runs from May to October. This is when you’ll get warm water, great visibility (up to 30 meters!), and calm seas.
July and August are the hottest months—great for warm water dives but also the busiest. If you prefer fewer crowds, go in May, June, or September. You’ll still get awesome conditions with fewer people on your boat.
Marine life is thriving all season long, and the water temps range from around 19°C in spring to 26°C in the peak of summer.
Where To Stay In Santa Teresa di Gallura
Here’s a quick breakdown of awesome places to stay—whether you’re saving or splurging.
Budget Option:
📍 Casa Brì Boutique Rooms – Stylish, spacious, and just 5 minutes from Rena Bianca Beach. Clean rooms, great showers, self-check-in, free WiFi, and even gluten-free breakfast. Easy, breezy, budget-friendly.
Check prices and book your stay at Casa Brì Boutique Rooms here.
Mid-Range Options:
📍 B&B La Torre Elite – Right by the beach with sunset views you’ll want to bottle. Aircon rooms, private entrances, WiFi, and parking.
Check prices and book your stay at B&B La Torre Elite here.
📍 Casa Le Vele by Holiday World – Great for families or groups. Two bedrooms, a full kitchen, balcony views, free parking. Homey and close to the beach.
Check prices and book your stay at Casa Le Vele by Holiday World here.
Luxury Option:
📍 Villa Bianca Luxury B&B Experience – An absolute seaside retreat perfect for you if you’re a couple or beach lover. Located just 2 minutes from Rena Bianca Beach, Villa Bianca offers luxury accommodations with stunning sea views, making it ideal for your relaxing coastal getaway.
Check prices and book your stay at Villa Bianca Luxury B&B Experience here.
How To Get There
The easiest way to get to Santa Teresa di Gallura is to fly into Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. From there, it’s about a 90-minute drive up the coast. You can rent a car (super handy if you’ve got dive gear in tow), or catch a bus or shuttle straight into town.
Already in Sardinia? It’s a scenic road trip from spots like Alghero or Cagliari, with plenty of photo ops along the way.
Coming from mainland Italy? You can also take a ferry to Olbia Port from cities like Genoa, Livorno, or Civitavecchia. Once in Olbia, it’s the same easy 1.5-hour drive north to Santa Teresa.
And if you’re traveling from Corsica, hop on the Bonifacio to Santa Teresa ferry—it drops you off right at the port. Quick, scenic, and super convenient.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to common diving questions.
Is scuba diving good in Sardinia?
Yes! Sardinia is one of the best dive destinations in the Mediterranean. Clear waters, colorful reefs, wrecks, caves—you name it.
What marine species can be seen in Santa Teresa di Gallura?
You’ll spot groupers, barracuda, moray eels, octopus, scorpionfish, nudibranchs, and more. Red gorgonians are everywhere, and the visibility makes it all pop.
When to dive in Sardinia?
May to October is the sweet spot. Go in July or August for warmest waters, or shoulder seasons for fewer crowds.
The Wrap Up: Diving in Santa Teresa di Gallura
So, is Santa Teresa di Gallura worth it? Absolutely. If you’re into wrecks, caves, clear water, and underwater life that actually shows up for the camera—this place delivers. It’s laid-back, unspoiled, and full of dive sites that’ll have you grinning through your regulator.
On land, you’ve got mouthwatering seafood, stunning sunsets, and some of the friendliest locals you’ll meet. It’s the kind of place where your surface intervals are just as dreamy as your dives.
Before you go, check out my post on 10 Ultimate Travel Planning Tips to Maximize Your Adventure to help you prep like a pro. And while you’re out exploring this slice of underwater heaven, don’t forget to keep it ocean-friendly—this guide on Sustainable Diving: Why It’s The Ultimate Path Forward breaks down easy ways to dive responsibly (and still have an epic time).
Ready to go? Pack your fins, charge your GoPro, and don’t forget to book that boat lift experience—you’ll never want to climb a ladder again 😉. Happy travels!
