Variglioni dei Cavoli
- Trail Conditions: Diving
The Site
In the south-east of Isola dei Cavoli there are several granite rocks continuing under the water with irregular silhouettes.
From here, several routes develop between the surface and the bottom, quickly sloping down to over 40m. The big piled-up boulders form cavities, deep fissures with changes of altitude and peaks rich in tafoni and other forms of erosion. The diving activity is usually carried out at 25m.
Main features
From the first meters of depth, the complexity of the landscape is enriched by the passage of shoals of flathead gray mullets, salema porgies, and barracudas quickly sneaking away among the big blocks. As soon as you reach the shady areas, you will be amazed by the bright colors of the sponges and the yellow cluster anemones. Also sea fans and gorgonians contribute to add color.
Everywhere you will meet the long arms of the purple starfish (Ophidiaster ophidianus): they seem black until the light gives the opportunity to observe the red color characterizing them.
Among the blocks, big groupers swim slowly and sometimes find shelter in the large cavities, so that you can observe them for a long time. Here it is easy to meet brown meagers, less used to swim in open waters, where on the contrary the dentexes are widespread, looking for preys.
