Vadaro

Vadaro is a rock formation near Tropea, on the Capo Vaticano coast of Calabria, Italy, rising to the surface and extending down to a sandy bottom at around 20 metres depth. The rock can be circumnavigated underwater, and its northern face — the side oriented toward Tropea — descends to the sand in the form of a collapsed landslide, creating a jumble of stacked rocks with numerous crevices throughout.

The crevices and sheltered gaps between the rocks shelter octopuses, groupers, and whitefish, while schools of red mullet gather motionless on the seabed in the most protected spots when current runs through the passages between the rocks. In open water, particularly in September, amberjacks are regularly encountered. From the shallowest metres, the rocks are covered in sponges, clusters of tunicates, and sea stars, and the rocky bottom hosts large crustaceans including mantis shrimp and lobster.

Vadaro is accessible to both novice and experienced divers, as diving in the Capo Vaticano–Tropea area accommodates all levels. The site offers good visibility in clear water, with a rocky bottom throughout.