Punta Manara

Punta Manara is a deep reef dive off Sestri Levante on the Ligurian coast of Italy. The seabed is canyons, walls and rocks, and it differs in both biology and shape from the nearby Portofino promontory. Minimum depth is 30 m and maximum depth 50 m, with most dives averaging 35 to 50 m.

Long ridges of rock run parallel to each other from the point out toward open sea, rising 3 to 5 m from a muddy bottom. The coralligenous areas are extensive, so several routes are possible. Gerardia savaglia is found here. The ridges suit diver propulsion vehicles well.

Conditions are demanding. Current is variable and visibility is very variable, often poor and hard to predict, though the water can occasionally be clear. The dive is for experienced divers with good underwater navigation, and a normoxic trimix qualification is required. A 21/35 trimix is the recommended mix.