The reserve contains the 'Christ of the Abyss,' a submerged bronze statue located at a depth of 17 meters near San Fruttuoso.
The sea floor reaches depths of up to 500 meters within the protected boundary.
The area is home to 'pre-coralligenous' communities, which are among the most structurally complex habitats in the Mediterranean.
The Posidonia oceanica meadows found here are vital for carbon sequestration and coastal erosion protection.
The reserve is part of a special conservation area under the European Union's Habitats Directive.
The Area Marina Protetta di Portofino is a protected marine zone spanning the coastline of Camogli, Portofino, and Santa Margherita Ligure. It encompasses a highly biodiverse ecosystem featuring red coral colonies and extensive posidonia oceanica meadows. The reserve is divided into three distinct zones—A, B, and C—which enforce varying levels of protection, ranging from total exclusion to regulated diving and boating. Its underwater topography is defined by steep rocky cliffs that drop into deep water, creating a habitat for groupers, dentex, and moray eels. Established to conserve the unique Mediterranean maritime environment, the park provides a rare sanctuary for endemic species. Scientific research is actively conducted here to monitor water quality and biological health. The protected area covers roughly 1,200 hectares of sea surface. Strict regulations govern fishing and anchoring to preserve the benthic communities.
Above water: The coastal cliffs from a boat near the San Fruttuoso Abbey; Below water: The Christ of the Abyss statue.
Obtain a permit from the managing body before conducting any recreational scuba diving or underwater activities in designated zones.
Use designated mooring buoys rather than dropping anchors to avoid damaging fragile seabed ecosystems.
Visit the San Fruttuoso bay for snorkeling to experience the clear water and diverse marine life visible from the surface.
Do not attempt to dive or boat without checking current zoning restrictions, as enforcement and fines for violating Zone A are strict.
Zone A (the core area) is strictly closed to all navigation, diving, and fishing year-round.
No fishing, no removal of biological specimens, no anchoring in protected zones, and no waste disposal in the sea.
