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Do you know what snorkeling is? It is a simple but fascinating aquatic activity that involves swimming on the surface with mask, snorkel and fins to get a closer look at the marine world and its fascinating inhabitants. You don’t need scuba tanks or diving licenses: you just need to know how to swim and have a minimum of confidence in the water to dive into an extraordinary world of fish, seaweed, reefs, and shells.
Have we intrigued you? Well you should know that you don’t have to fly to the Maldives or reach Australia’s coral reefs: there are incredible places near Rome where you can snorkel! Less than two hours from the city, Lazio hides coves, marine reserves and amazing seabeds, where the Mediterranean shows itself in all its splendor.
So here are the 10 most beautiful places to snorkel in Lazio, perfect for a day trip or a marine weekend among nature, history and crystal clear waters.
Capocotta – Marine Reserve of the Litorale Romano
Also known as the Galapagos of the Mediterranean, Capocotta is a perfect snorkeling destination near Rome. Located on the Lazio coast between Castel Porziano and Torvaianica, it is part of the Litorale Romano nature reserve. Its clear waters and sandy seabed, interspersed with small posidonia meadows, provide ideal habitats for colorful fish and small crustaceans. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a rejuvenating dip just a few kilometers from the capital.
Gianola Blue Oasis – Scauri (LT).
Located within the Riviera di Ulisse Regional Park, the Blue Oasis is a protected area managed by the WWF. Here, snorkeling turns into an educational experience: you can swim over rocky seabeds, underwater springs and observe octopuses, starfish and sometimes turtles up close. The transparency of the water and the richness of the marine habitat make it one of the most fascinating places to snorkel in Lazio.
Torre Astura – Nettuno
An enchanted corner where history and nature merge and it is possible to observe a truly rich flora and fauna. Torre Astura, with its ancient tower on the sea, is one of the last stretches of coastline in Lazio still characterized by unspoiled nature and well-preserved dune environments. The waters are clear and calm, and swimming is a pleasure.
Bufalara – Sabaudia
Wild, wide and often uncrowded, Bufalara beach is ideal for those seeking tranquility and clean waters. Located south of Sabaudia, it is a protected stretch where nature is the protagonist. The seabed, mostly sandy with a few scattered rocks, is home to small schools of fish and marine life perfect to discover with mask and snorkel.
Torre Paola – Sabaudia
At the foot of Mount Circeo, Torre Paola overlooks a scenic beach with turquoise waters and sloping seabed. Here snorkeling can be combined with kayaking to explore ravines, caves and coves accessible only from the sea. The views are spectacular and the marine wealth surprising, with urchins, mollusks and small cephalopods populating the area.
Serapo Beach – Gaeta
One of the most beautiful beaches in Lazio, Serapo is perfect for those seeking easy but rewarding snorkeling. Just a few strokes from shore is the famous “Nave di Serapo,” a wreck-like rock formation outcropping around which schools of fish and marine flora are concentrated. The water is clear and the seabed offers excellent visibility.
Riviera of Ulysses – Gulf of Gaeta
The coastal stretch between Scauri, Gaeta and Sperlonga offers an incredible variety of marine environments: cliffs, caves, clear sands and protected areas. It is one of the most interesting spots to snorkel near Rome, especially within the Riviera di Ulisse, a regional marine reserve where you can find greenhouse fish, moray eels, octopuses and seahorses.
Cala Chiaia di Luna – Ponza
Cala Chiaia di Luna is one of Ponza’s iconic places. Accessible by sea, this sickle-shaped bay framed by high tuff walls is perfect for a dream dive. The turquoise waters, the play of light among the rocks and the fish swimming among the seaweed make this an unforgettable experience for any snorkeling lover.
Scogli “Le Formiche” – Ponza
A paradise for those looking for rich and wild seabeds. The small reefs known as “Le Formiche” offer underwater channels, caves and ravines where gorgonians, groupers, moray eels and other Mediterranean wonders live. You don’t have to be a diver to appreciate their beauty: even by snorkeling you can enjoy breathtaking views of marine life.
Shoals of Tor Paterno – Ostia
Last but not least: the Secche di Tor Paterno are the only completely submerged marine reserve in Lazio. Located off the coast of Ostia, they are accessible by boat with guided excursions. The rocky shoals, covered with Mediterranean corals and seaweed, are home to an impressive biodiversity: the ideal place also for those who want to take a snorkeling course in Rome with a certified guide.