Levanto Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Excursions

Levanto’s clear Mediterranean waters might just be the best-kept secret for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Cinque Terre area. Spots like Punta Mesco show off vibrant underwater scenery and a surprising amount of marine life. Diving centers such as Punta Mesco Diving Center and Lisca di Pesce run guided excursions, so whether you’re new to diving or already have a few certifications under your belt, you’ll find an adventure that fits.

You’ll find tours that mix things up—kayaking with snorkeling, or boat tours with aperitivo, for instance. Most excursions keep groups small, so you actually get some attention (and space). Prices usually start around $62 for a 1.5-hour snorkeling session, often taking you into little coves and protected spots where the fish are out in force.

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Spring feels like the sweet spot: water’s warming up, but the crowds haven’t taken over yet. Operators like KAI Nature Experiences and Zunami focus on eco-friendly tours, doing their best to keep the marine ecosystem healthy. Whether you’re eager to dive deep or just float and watch the show with a snorkel, Levanto’s underwater world is waiting.

As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.

Overview of Levanto Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Excursions

Levanto sits on the Italian Riviera and offers genuinely fun underwater adventures. The water’s clear, the marine life is diverse, and there are options for both newbies and seasoned water lovers.

Why Levanto Is the Ideal Base

Levanto’s location on the Ligurian coast, just north of Cinque Terre, means you get easy access to top dive spots without the chaos of the more touristy villages. The bay is calm and protected, making it great for exploring below the surface. Plus, the facilities are better and it’s just less crowded.

Punta Mesco is a highlight, with diving spots that include underwater caves, colorful fish, and some wild rock formations.

A few trusted diving centers run the show here:

Punta Mesco Diving Center
Lisca di Pesce Diving Center
Diving Cartura

Levanto’s relaxed vibe is a win for families and solo travelers. You can easily mix in hiking, beach days, or day trips to nearby towns.

Key Differences Between Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Snorkeling in Levanto is simple—grab a mask, snorkel, and fins, and you’re set. No big learning curve, and it’s good for all ages and most swimming abilities.

Guided snorkeling tours usually run about 1.5 hours and start at $62 per person. Groups stay small, and the guides know their stuff—many are marine biologists.

Scuba diving, on the other hand, needs proper certification and gear. You get to explore deeper waters and hit up the protected marine zones near Cinque Terre.

A typical diving excursion includes:

Gear rental
Boat ride to the dive site
Pro guidance
Safety rundown

Visibility here often hits 15-20 meters. Summer brings warmer water, but spring and fall offer more peace and quiet.

Top Scuba Diving Experiences in Levanto

Levanto’s clear waters and marine diversity make it a solid pick for divers of all skill levels. The natural scenery is a bonus.

Guided Dives and Certified Tours

5Terre Diving, right in Levanto’s center, runs professional guided tours for all certification levels. They keep groups tight—usually 4-6 divers—so you don’t feel lost in the crowd.

One of their most popular deals? Two guided dives with equipment rental for €120. Beginners can try out the “Discover Scuba” session in Levanto Bay, where you’ll spot colorful Mediterranean fish in shallower waters.

Certified divers can check out the Monterosso underwater cliffs, diving down to 18-30 meters. Expect groupers, octopuses, and some pretty wild sponges.

Between April and October, water temps range from 18-25°C (64-77°F)—pretty comfortable with a 5mm wetsuit.

Wreck and Cave Diving Sites

Levanto and the Cinque Terre coast have some fascinating wreck and cave dives for those with a bit more experience.

The “Bonassola Caves” site, just north of Levanto, features a network of underwater tunnels where sunlight slices through the water in blue beams. Guides lead you through the passages for a truly surreal experience.

If you’re into wrecks, the “Monterosso Merchant” site has the remains of a 19th-century trading ship at 25 meters. It’s now an artificial reef, packed with scorpionfish and moray eels.

These advanced spots require at least an Advanced Open Water cert and solid buoyancy control. Dive centers usually run trips to these sites a couple of times a week, depending on the weather.

Most operators offer underwater photography, so you can actually prove you saw that octopus.

As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.

Snorkeling Excursions in and Around Levanto

Levanto’s snorkeling is easy to access and surprisingly rewarding. The water’s clear, and you can spot a good range of marine life without diving deep.

Best Snorkeling Spots on the Ligurian Coast

The coastline near Levanto has some standout snorkeling spots. Sant’Andrea cove is a favorite, with clear water and rocky outcrops where colorful fish hang out. Protected areas between Levanto and Cinque Terre often offer up to 15 meters of visibility on calm days.

Monterosso Bay is another go-to, with a mix of sandy and rocky bottoms—great for spotting sea bream and maybe an octopus if you’re lucky. More adventurous snorkelers can try the little caves between Levanto and Bonassola for a different underwater scene.

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Top picks:

Sant’Andrea cove (great for beginners)
Blue Bay near Vernazza (for intermediates)
Punta Mesco marine reserve (for experienced snorkelers)

Family-Friendly Snorkeling Tours

Levanto has plenty of tours that work for families with kids. Group sizes are small—usually 6-8 people—so guides can keep an eye on everyone. Most family tours include gear rental and a quick intro before you hit the water.

Levanto’s main beach is shallow and a good starting point for younger snorkelers. Many operators offer half-day trips with flexible timing for kids’ attention spans.

Family tour highlights:

1.5-hour guided trips starting at €60 per person
Boat tours with multiple swimming stops
Fun educational bits about local marine conservation
Underwater photos to take home

How to Book an Excursion

Booking a scuba or snorkeling trip in Levanto is pretty straightforward. Most providers have a few options—online, in person, or even over the phone.

Checking Availability and Secure Booking

Start by checking out the main diving centers in Levanto: Punta Mesco Diving Center, KAI Nature Experiences, and Lisca di Pesce Diving Center. Each has a website with schedules and availability.

Online booking is common, either directly or via platforms like GetYourGuide. If you’re coming in peak season (June-September), it’s smart to book 3-5 days ahead. Off-season? Sometimes you can get a spot last minute.

You’ll need to provide:

How many people are coming
Your preferred date and time
Your diving certification level (for scuba)
Any special requests or gear needs

If you prefer talking to a real person, most centers take bookings by phone or email too.

Payment Options and Policies

Levanto’s dive centers are flexible with payment. Most take:

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
PayPal
Bank transfer
Cash (if you book in person)

Online bookings usually require a 20-30% deposit. You’ll pay the rest before or on the day of your trip, depending on the provider.

Cancellation policies can vary, but generally:

Full refund if you cancel 48+ hours ahead
Partial refund (50-75%) if you cancel 24-48 hours ahead
No refund if you cancel less than 24 hours ahead

If weather cancels your trip, you’ll get a full refund or can reschedule.

Credit Card and Reservation Hold

When you reserve, most centers put a hold on your credit card instead of charging it right away. This holds your spot and helps avoid no-shows.

The hold is usually €20-50 per person and gets applied to your final payment when you check in.

Arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure. Most centers will ask you to:

Show the card you used to book
Sign a liability waiver
Provide proof of certification (for scuba)

Need to change your date or add someone? Just reach out to the center—most are flexible with 48+ hours’ notice, but peak season changes might cost extra.

As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.

What to Expect on Check-In and Arrival

Check-in for your Levanto diving or snorkeling trip is pretty standard and helps set you up for a safe, fun time. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes before you get in the water.

Preparation and Equipment Briefing

Plan to show up about 30 minutes early. You’ll need to show your ID for equipment rental. Some places prefer cash, so bring euros if you’re not staying nearby.

The staff will help fit your gear—mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, and a life vest if you want one. For snorkeling tours (starting at $61.79), all the basics are included.

If you’re new to this, staff will walk you through clearing your mask and how to breathe through the snorkel. They’re patient and used to helping beginners.

Safety Protocols and Orientation

Your guide will go over safety basics:

Local water conditions and currents
Marine life you might spot
Hand signals for underwater
What to do in an emergency

Groups stay small to keep things personal. You’ll also get a rundown on the area’s geography and what to expect from the Mediterranean environment.

Guides explain where you can swim and what to avoid. They’ll set expectations for visibility and tides that day.

Managing Special Requests

Levanto’s dive centers are good about handling special needs if you let them know early. Got dietary restrictions for longer tours? Give them a heads-up at least a day in advance.

For gear:

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Prescription masks are available with notice
Special fins can be arranged for ankle/foot issues
Extra-large or small wetsuits can be reserved

Certified divers needing specific equipment or those with mobility challenges should contact the center before arrival. Families with kids are welcome, but some activities have minimum age limits.

Photographers can ask guides for tips on the best spots for underwater shots.

As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.

Sanitation Measures and Health Precautions

At Levanto Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Excursions, your health and safety are a priority. We stick to strict cleaning protocols and follow health guidelines so you can focus on having fun.

Covid-19 and Ongoing Protocols

Even though most Covid-19 rules have relaxed since 2025, we’re still keeping a few measures in place:

Smaller groups (max 6-8 per guide) for distancing
Health screening before boarding
Hand sanitizer everywhere—at the center and on boats
Masks optional during briefings or indoors

We recommend booking ahead to avoid crowds at check-in. If you’re feeling sick, just let us know—we’ll reschedule you at no extra charge.

Our staff gets regular health checks and stays updated on Italian health guidelines.

Equipment Disinfection Procedures

We clean and disinfect all gear between users:

First rinse to get rid of salt and debris
Soak in professional disinfectant for at least 10 minutes
Second rinse with fresh water
Air dry in a clean, ventilated spot

Masks, snorkels, and regulators get extra attention. We use medical-grade disinfectants safe for dive gear.

If you’d rather bring your own mask or snorkel, go for it. Our team checks all equipment daily for cleanliness and function.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Levanto isn’t just about diving and snorkeling. The whole coastal area is packed with scenic hiking trails and charming towns—perfect for rounding out your trip.

Hiking Trails Near Levanto

The Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) stands out as one of Cinque Terre’s most iconic trails. This coastal route links all five villages and offers those classic sea views everyone raves about. You’ll need a Cinque Terre Card for some sections—last I checked, it was around €7.50 for a day.

If you’re after something quieter, check out the Levanto to Monterosso trail. It’s about 3 kilometers and usually takes 1.5 hours, give or take. Expect some steep bits, but the sweeping views of the Ligurian Sea make the effort worth it.

The Levanto Valley Trail gives you a change of scenery, winding through olive groves and vineyards. This inland path shows off the region’s agricultural side and, honestly, you’ll run into way fewer tourists.

Exploring Monterosso and Bonassola

Monterosso is the biggest of the Cinque Terre villages, just a bit south of Levanto. Its beach is the longest stretch of sand around—ideal if you want to chill out after a swim or some snorkeling. You might want to stop by the 14th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista, with that striking black and white striped façade.

Head north from Levanto to reach Bonassola, which you can get to via a flat 2-kilometer converted railway tunnel path. No cars, just bikes and walkers. The beach in Bonassola feels quieter, less hectic than the main Cinque Terre spots.

Both towns have some truly great places to eat, especially if you’re into seafood. Anchovies and pesto are local staples—don’t skip them. Bonassola’s Café delle Rose does a focaccia that’s hard to beat, while Monterosso’s Miky Restaurant serves up fresh seafood with a sea view that’s tough to top.

As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.

Local Cuisine and Refreshment Options

Levanto’s diving and snorkeling go hand in hand with good local food and drinks. Most tours include Ligurian specialties, giving you a taste of what the area does best.

Where to Enjoy Focaccia and Pesto

A lot of diving excursions in Levanto serve up focaccia and pesto on board. That thin, olive oil-rich bread is basically made for scooping up Liguria’s famous basil pesto. Some boat tours bring these out during breaks or as a little aperitif.

You’ll often get prosecco with your snacks if you’re heading out from Levanto’s harbor. Salty focaccia, fragrant pesto, and a glass of something bubbly—pretty great way to recharge after a swim.

Prefer to stay on land? Bakeries near the diving center bake up fresh focaccia all day. If you’re thinking of souvenirs, the little shops along Via Garibaldi offer pesto tastings and jars to take home.

Breakfast and Post-Excursion Meals

If you’re diving early, most cafés in Levanto open by 7:00 AM. Expect espresso and pastries—enough to get you going without weighing you down.

After you’re back on dry land, there are plenty of spots near the harbor for a meal. Pasta al pesto, local olives, and a glass of regional wine just seem to hit the spot after a day at sea.

Some tour packages mention an optional lunch, usually at a local restaurant. These places serve fresh seafood—often caught that morning—and pair it with local wines. If you’re just after a quick bite, small eateries around the dive shop do sandwiches and light meals using local ingredients. It’s nothing fancy, but it really hits the mark when you’re hungry from all that activity.

Wellness and Relaxation After Water Activities

After a day spent exploring Levanto’s underwater world, you’ll probably want to take it easy for a bit. The Ligurian coast has some solid wellness options and countryside retreats if you’re looking to unwind.

Wellness Centers and Spa Treatments

Levanto’s got a handful of wellness spots where you can treat tired muscles. Local spas focus on salt-based treatments that go hand-in-hand with time in the sea. Many hotels offer massages aimed at helping you recover after all that swimming or paddling.

For something more unique, try an algae wrap using ingredients straight from the Ligurian Sea. These treatments are meant to detox your skin and replenish minerals after your underwater adventures.

Treatments typically run between €40-90. Some favorites:

Deep tissue massage (60 min)
Seawater hydrotherapy
Thermal mud applications

If you’re thinking about booking, it’s smart to reserve 1-2 days ahead, especially once summer rolls around.

Agriturismo Experiences in Liguria

The hills around Levanto hide some wonderful agriturismi (farm stays) where you can actually get a taste of rural Italian life. These are mostly family-run places, and they feel worlds away from the buzz of the seaside—think olive groves, vineyards, and all those little details that make the countryside special.

A lot of these agriturismi serve up meals made with ingredients straight from their own gardens or fields. Expect classic Ligurian dishes—pesto pasta, focaccia, maybe a glass (or two) of local wine. If you’re curious, some even offer cooking classes so you can try your hand at making regional favorites.

You’ll find a mix of accommodation styles, from super rustic to surprisingly fancy, with prices usually landing somewhere between €70 and €150 per night. A few names worth checking out:

Agriturismo La Sorgente (gorgeous vineyard views)
Il Poderetto (they make their own olive oil)
Fattoria del Sole (all about organic farming)

Most of these spots sit about 15-30 minutes from Levanto. So, you can spend the day diving or exploring, then come back to the quiet of the countryside in the evening—kind of the best of both worlds, honestly.

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As always, check out our curated list of tours and excursions on GetYourGuide.com.