Diving in Marina di Gioiosa

The Seahorse Pit and the Reef Ball

The Seahorse Pit

The sandy bottom, usually considered boring, can instead reserve interesting encounters as seahorses, here habitual and present in both species attested in Italy, Hyppocampus hyppocampus and Hyppocampus guttulatus.
It’s also common to meet different species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris and Octopus macropus) in their dens, fascinating flying gurnards (Dactylopterus volitans), big weever fish (Trachinus draco), numerous mullets (Mullus barbatus), camouflaged turbots (Bothus podas), and torpedoes and pearly razor fish (Xyrichthys novacula), locally called “surici”.

Depending on the season of the year, you can meet sea hares (Aplisya depilans), small barracuda (Sphyrena sphyrena) or large barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo). The bottom is moreover animated by anemones, sea slugs and starfish, including the large Marthasterias glacialis. If you are lucky, you can meet and photograph pelagic fishes such as the sunfish (Mola mola) or the eagle-ray.

Place Seahorses Pit – Marina di Gioiosa Jonica (RC)
Dive type From the shore (large beach)
Bottom type Gravel and sand
Depth (min/max) 0/40 m, with pit above 100 m deep
Current Absent or weak currents
Biodiversity Rich fauna typical of sandy seabed
Peculiarities Presence of a permanent seahorses colony.

The Reef Ball Marina of Gioiosa Jonica

The Reef Ball in Marina di Gioiosa Ionica is a one-of-a-kind initiative dedicated to protecting and preserving marine habitats, with a special focus on the Hippocampus colony, or seahorses. This species, increasingly rare in the Mediterranean and at high risk of extinction, has found an ideal refuge for reproduction and survival in the artificial reef.

An Area of Extraordinary Natural Interest

The Reef Ball was designed to repopulate this part of the Mediterranean, creating a protected environment that fosters marine biodiversity. Thanks to this innovative structure, the seabed has become a thriving habitat once again, attracting not only seahorses but also numerous other species that benefit from the new ecosystem.

Excursions with the Megale Hellas Diving Center

The Megale Hellas Diving Center invites you to explore this incredible marine area. During our diving excursions, you will have the chance to:

  • Admire seahorses in their natural habitat.
  • Discover the extraordinary biodiversity hosted by the Reef Ball, a true treasure for sea lovers.
  • Actively participate in a conservation project, helping to protect a unique piece of the Mediterranean.

Join Us to Discover the Reef Ball

Book your dive with the Megale Hellas Diving Center and be part of this adventure. Explore a one-of-a-kind ecosystem and join us in protecting the sea.