Ponza, Lazio, Italy

Scoglio Rosso

Scoglio Rosso is one of the iconic dives of Ponza, the volcanic island in the Pontine archipelago of Lazio between Rome and Naples. The pinnacle rises from a sandy base around 45 metres to a top near 18 metres, with walls of dark volcanic rock that contrast with the encrusting orange Astroides calycularis and yellow Parazoanthus axinellae that cover the shaded faces. Below 25 metres, dense red gorgonian (Paramuricea clavata) fans cover the walls; yellow Eunicella cavolini fans dominate higher up. The exposed offshore position attracts pelagic species: barracuda and amberjack schools, dentex and the occasional tuna pass through. Resident species include dusky groupers, brown meagre, conger eels, octopus, moray eels and scorpionfish. Visibility regularly exceeds 25 metres in summer; currents around the pinnacle are moderate. The Pontine Islands are part of a future Marine Protected Area and Ponza is one of central Italy's most popular diving destinations.