Isola dei Cavoli

Isola dei Cavoli is an advanced dive site off the small granite island of the same name, southeast of Villasimius in Sardinia's Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area. The island's underwater flanks plunge steeply to 38 meters, creating dramatic wall and boulder landscapes where currents from the open Mediterranean concentrate marine life. Massive gorgonian forests — some of the densest in Sardinia — cascade down the granite walls in shades of red, yellow, and white. The deeper zones harbor precious red coral colonies and large slipper lobsters. Pelagic species including barracuda, amberjack, and occasionally eagle rays cruise the blue water beyond the wall. The island's exposed position means conditions can be challenging, but the exceptional biodiversity fostered by the MPA's strict protection makes Isola dei Cavoli one of the most spectacular dive sites in southern Sardinia.