Diving in Lombardy’s lakes

Freshwater diving enthusiasts will enjoy these seven ideas for discovering the underwater treasures in Lombardy’s lakes

Calm on the surface, the hidden depths of these lakes hide a host of underwater treasures.

With its four main lakes (Como, Iseo, Maggiore and Garda), plus many other smaller lakes, Lombardy is an absolute treasure trove of underwater panoramas for freshwater diving enthusiasts.

The lake bottoms, as well as offering interesting varieties of fish, are also home to military wreckages and archaeological and industrial relics, as well as boats and old ships with many stories to tell. If the wreckage give rise to underwater myths and legends, the natural rock formations of the ecosystems in the lakes offer caves, gorges, and hidden corners that will arouse the curiosity of underwater speleologists. For expert divers as well as for those who want to get to know the lakes from a different perspective, here is a brief guide to the most interesting dives in Lombardy.

1.Tremosine Wall, Lake Garda — In Tremosine Sul Garda (BS), the rocky ridge, sunken less than 200 metres away in the crystal clear waters, offers a fantastic wall dive to more expert divers. Surrounded by perch, some 40 metres from the surface, there is an old handcart of the type used to build the Gardesana road in the 1930s. It is on this road, at the fork leading up to Tremosina, before the tunnel, that you can park in one of the areas on the right before walking about 50 metres to the old harbour, where your dive can begin. Just a few strokes northwards and you will find this relic of industrial architecture in its extraordinary setting. @inlombardia - istockphoto

2. Località al Pra, Lake Garda — Località Pra de la Fam di Tignale (BS) has a splendid diving location for everyone to enjoy. You arrive there from the port of Tignale or the beach opposite the bar. Both points offer the same underwater panorama, with excellent visibility, shoals of fish (pike, perch, eels) and, visible at just 12 metres, above all at night, the remains of the stone used to build the Gardesana road. It is best to park along the road, near the bar, in the same place as the surfers who traditionally come here at the weekend. @inlombardia - istockphoto

3. Pinnacolo, Lake Como — It is only possible to find the Pinnacolo, a charming little spot near Bellagio (CO), using geographic coordinates (45°58'24.2"N 9°16’05.2”E). It is reached by boat, which can be moored between two small houses with recognisable architecture. This marks the start of the dive, which goes down to 50 metres, and is suitable for all divers. Legend would have it that the lake contains the wreck of a sailing boar but if you don’t see it, you can still admire the schools of perch living among the interesting rock formations and the rock pinnacle, which projects upwards from the lake bed, creating a breathtaking effect. @inlombardia - istockphoto

4. Baia di Piona, Lake Como — Those who are not too confident in the cold currents and dark, magnetic beds of the lake, will enjoy the solution offered by Baia di Piona (CO). Just a few km from Colico, Piona Underwater Park offers a platform for a first dive, and a deeper structure from which to observe local wildlife. This underwater ecosystem includes some exclusive attractions: the Cousteau house, inspired by the explorer’s diving bell, the Comballo di Piona, the wreck of a merchant ship, and the remains of a Roman quarry. A great opportunity to practice and to explore the lake, confidently and safely. @inlombardia - istockphoto

5. Ronco delle Monache, Lake Maggiore — At km 42.7 along the road that runs alongside the Lombardy shoe of the lake, there is a view with unparalleled beauty. The beach of Ronco delle Monache (VA), with its precious 15th century fresco, offers a handy diving spot at its southern end. Less than 20 metres down, a wide rock ridge stands out in an underwater panorama, where different fish swim among the rocky bays and fissures that, under lamplight, range from red to black. Then the deeper you go, the clearer the waters become, but it is important to signal your presence in the water, according to the local by-laws. @inlombardia - istockphoto

6. Laveno Mombello Sasso Galletto, Lake Maggiore — Sasso Galletto is a solitary white stack that emerges from the lake, while under the water, it offers a peculiar underwater panorama. With caves, ravines, spires and secret passages the underwater world here is full of places for enthusiasts to explore. Leave your car on the Laveno-Luino coast road, just a few km from Laveno Mombello, where you will find a steep track down to the lake, where you can dive, remembering to leave your surface marker buoy. Sasso Galletto is a very popular diving spot, especially on Sundays. Don’t miss the chance to go back more than once to explore all its different facets. @inlombardia - istockphoto

7. Punta Corno, Lake Iseo — Between the municipalities of Predore and Tavernola Bergamasca is Punta Corno, a rocky limestone cape with a sheer drop into the lake. Its stunning walls, a sheer drop over the water, do not go unnoticed and are popular with divers due to their underwater treasures. The caves, ravines, and depths are home to burbot, particular lake fish that can be seen at some depth, and whose mating ritual is a unique spectacle. This area of Lake Iseo is excellent for underwater speleology, thanks to the wartime and industrial wreckage that populate the clear fresh water. @inlombardia - istockphoto

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