Introduction
The island of Elba is a paradise for those who love adventure, the sea and photography. The colours of the Mediterranean change constantly in hidden coves, on golden beaches, on sheer cliffs and in the depths of the sea. For photographers – especially those who want to shoot underwater – Elba offers a unique mosaic of landscapes, colours and shapes. To enjoy this experience to the full you need a strategic base that combines comfort, family‑run hospitality and immediate access to the best diving and snorkelling sites .
We are the staff of Hotel Giardino, a long‑established property immersed in a 30,000 m² park in the beautiful bay of Lacona. Our mission is to make you feel at home on Elba, guiding you to the most suggestive sea beds and the lush nature surrounding our hotel . This detailed guide, full of questions and answers, summary tables, practical advice and curiosities, explains where to practise underwater photography on Elba, how to prepare yourself and why Hotel Giardino is the ideal base for exploring this wonderful island . You will find information on the best diving centres, on diving and snorkelling sites, on recommended equipment for underwater photography and on the best seasons for diving, as well as suggestions on what to visit around our hotel . We have collected our guests’ most frequently asked questions and prepared thorough answers to help you plan your photographic holiday. Finally, there are summary tables to make it easy to compare diving centres, dive sites and recommended equipment .
Why choose Hotel Giardino as a base for underwater photography
An oasis in the Gulf of Lacona
Hotel Giardino stands in the centre of the Gulf of Lacona, one of the most loved stretches of coastline on Elba. The hotel is immersed in a 30,000 m² park of pines and Mediterranean scrub: here nature is the protagonist and every guest can regenerate in contact with greenery . In the park you can stroll among the scents of rosemary and myrtle, relax in the shade of the pines or find a secluded corner for reading or meditation. This large area also offers tranquillity and privacy – precious elements for those who wish to rest in a peaceful environment after a dive .
The location is strategic: the sea is less than 100 metres away. A footpath running alongside a protected dune system leads to the splendid Lacona beach, one of the largest on Elba, famous for its golden sand, gently sloping seabed and services such as pedal‑boat, kayak and SUP rental . As we remind visitors on our home page, ours is “a holiday just a few steps from the beach of Lacona” and is located in Località Lacona, Capoliveri.
A structure designed for underwater photographers
Besides its location, the hotel is designed for those who love to explore the sea:
- Simple and functional rooms: all rooms have air conditioning, flat‑screen TVs, private bathrooms with shower and hairdryer and a safe; many have independent entrances and balconies or patios with direct access to the garden . This ensures privacy and comfort after diving.
- Bike storage and services for sports enthusiasts: we have a covered and secure bike storage facility and provide maps of hiking and mountain‑bike trails . Many photographers enjoy exploring the island by bike before immersing themselves in the water.
- Free Wi‑Fi: there is free Wi‑Fi in the common areas (dining room, bar and relaxation area), useful for backing up photos to the cloud or sharing them with friends .
- Genuine cuisine and hearty breakfast: we offer a buffet breakfast with local products and homemade pastries to provide the energy needed for a day of activity; at lunch and dinner we serve typical dishes and outdoor barbecues, with particular attention to fish specialities .
- Family welcome: our staff work with passion and provide advice on diving centres, routes, rentals and the best times to shoot; guests on travel portals appreciate the hospitality, room cleanliness and friendliness of the staff .
- Dog‑friendly and parking: pets are welcome and we have a large car and motorcycle park .
Distances and central position
Hotel Giardino lies at the heart of the island: Marina di Campo, Capoliveri, Porto Azzurro and Portoferraio are only a few kilometres away. From Lacona you can reach the north, south, east and west coasts in a short time, giving you a wide choice of dive spots and the possibility to vary your excursions according to the weather and wind conditions . The central location also allows you to enjoy the nightlife, restaurants and shops of the main villages while remaining immersed in nature.
Respect for the environment
We love our island and ask our guests to respect it. Do not damage dunes, plants or animals, do not leave rubbish and respect sea conditions and local rules. When choosing souvenirs, prefer local crafts and food to support the local economy. Share your knowledge and experiences with other travellers: respect and awareness make your holiday more authentic and help preserve the island .
Underwater photography on Elba: technical advice and equipment
Why Elba is a paradise for underwater photographers
Elba’s crystal‑clear waters offer exceptional visibility – up to 40 metres on calm days – and an extraordinary biodiversity. Red gorgonians, yellow sponges, barracuda, nudibranchs, groupers and even historic wrecks such as the Elviscot in Pomonte (12 m deep) can be photographed . The island has shallow sites accessible by snorkelling as well as challenging dives for experienced photographers. The combination of underwater landscapes and land scenery means you can create unique photographic stories.
Fundamentals: how to take great underwater pictures
When shooting underwater you should move closer to your subject to reduce backscatter from suspended particles. Use external lighting – a strobe or LED lamp – positioned at approximately 45 degrees to restore true colours and minimise shadows . Remember that water absorbs colours: red disappears first, followed by orange and yellow, so you will need artificial light or filters at depth. Compose your images carefully: shoot from below to give depth and presence; in macro photography focus on the eyes; use diagonals and the rule of thirds to guide the viewer’s gaze . Look after your equipment: check and lubricate O‑rings, rinse everything in fresh water after each dive and carry a maintenance kit. Finally, control your buoyancy and breathing – stable positioning prevents blurry shots and avoids stirring up sediment or damaging the seabed .
Recommended equipment
Equipment can vary according to your level and budget:
- Action cameras with underwater housing and a dome port allow wide‑angle half‑air/half‑water shots. A red or magenta filter restores colours at depth .
- Compact or mirrorless cameras in a housing are versatile and easier to travel with than bulky DSLRs. Interchangeable lenses let you switch between wide‑angle and macro; select glass or acrylic domes accordingly .
- Wide‑angle lenses (fisheye or rectilinear) capture the environment, gorgonians and wrecks; macro lenses let you get close to tiny creatures .
- Video lights and strobes provide at least 1,000–3,000 lumens and adjustable beams; a pair of arms enables flexible positioning .
- A dive computer, surface marker buoy and safety accessories such as a signalling whistle and knife are essential for safe diving .
FAQ on equipment
Are action cams enough? Yes, modern action cams can produce good results. Use a red filter and a dome for split‑level shots; add a small lamp for subjects close to the lens .
Can I use a DSLR underwater? You can, but mirrorless cameras are lighter and easier to handle. DSLRs require large housings; if you are travelling, a compact or mirrorless system is more practical .
Do I need a red filter at shallow depths? Up to about 5 metres, natural light is sufficient; deeper down, a red or magenta filter restores warm tones .
Which lamps are recommended? Choose at least 1,000–3,000 lumens with adjustable beam; for video and photography, two lamps or a strobe improve colour balance and reduce shadows .
How do I look after my housing? Rinse it in fresh water after every dive, lubricate the O‑rings, avoid exposing it to direct sunlight and always test the seal before entering the water .
The main diving centres on Elba
Elba has many diving centres offering courses, guided dives, equipment hire and refills. Below is an overview of the most important ones. Opening months and prices may vary; it is advisable to contact the centres directly to check availability.
| Diving centre | Location | Courses & languages | Opening period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sottolonda Diving Centre | Lacona beach (Golfo di Lacona) | PADI courses from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster; Italian, English, German; inclusive diving and instructor for people with disabilities | March–October | Accessible beach entry; dives on the Elviscot wreck, Punta Morcone, Capo Fonza, Punta Nera; approx. €45 per dive |
| Talas Diving Centre | Lido di Capoliveri | PADI and SSI courses; Italian, English, German; nitrox fills | April–October | Slow‑diving philosophy to appreciate every detail; guided snorkelling; near Capoliveri old town |
| Diving in Elba | Portoferraio, Biodola and Procchio | PADI/SSI courses; Italian, English, French and German | April–October | Two boats, flexible dive plans; offers night dives and excursions to Pianosa |
| Stefano Sub Diving Centre | Porto Azzurro – Naregno | PADI courses up to Instructor; Italian, English, German | March–October | Family atmosphere; dives around Reale, Capo Calvo and Liscoli |
| OmniSub | Barbarossa (Porto Azzurro) | SSI/PADI courses; Italian, English, German | April–October | Focus on biodiversity and sea caves; warm‑water showers and bar on the beach |
| Biodivers Elba Sea Academy | Reale (Porto Azzurro) | CMAS/PADI courses; Italian and English | May–October | Eco‑centre dedicated to marine biology; educational courses and citizen science |
| Aquanautic Elba | Morcone (Capoliveri) | SSI/PADI courses; Italian, German, English | April–October | Boat equipped with lift; dives around Punta Morcone and Capo Stella |
| Elba Diving Centre | Marciana Marina | PADI courses; Italian, French, English | May–September | Historic centre since the 1960s; daily trips to the north‑western coast |
| Spiro Sub | Marina di Campo | PADI courses; Italian, English | May–October | Friendly staff; dives to Capo Enfola, the Elviscot wreck and the plane wreck |
| Sub Now | Marina di Campo | CMAS courses; Italian, English, German | April–October | Small groups; specialises in the southern sites such as Capo Fonza and Fetovaia |
| Bolle d’Azoto | Cavo | CMAS courses; Italian | May–September | Technical dives and caves along the Cavo coastline |
Many of these centres also organise snorkelling excursions, night dives and trips to the islands of Pianosa and Capraia. They usually provide tanks, weights and boats; you should bring your own mask, fins and camera unless otherwise arranged.
Dive and snorkelling sites for underwater photography
Elba boasts dozens of spectacular sites for diving and snorkelling. The table below summarises some of the most famous ones with their characteristics. A few are best tackled by experienced divers due to depth and currents. Use common sense and rely on qualified guides.
| Site | Zone | Type | Depth (approx.) | Difficulty | Photographic highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relitto Elviscot | Pomonte (west coast) | Wreck | 12 m | Easy | 1969 cargo ship lying on its side; wonderful light rays penetrate the hold; home to barracuda and groupers |
| Formiche della Zanca | North‑west of Marciana | Wall/reef | 15–48 m | Difficult | Vertical walls covered with red gorgonians, coloured sponges and lobsters; macro for nudibranchs; strong currents |
| Franata delle Cernie | Scoglietto di Portoferraio | Slope | 7–25 m | Moderate | Marine reserve rich in groupers, amberjacks and dentex; spirograph worms for macro shots |
| Punta di Fetovaia | South‑west | Wall/barge wreck | 20–45 m | Medium‑hard | Red gorgonians, scorpionfish and a small barge at 45 m; wide‑angle recommended |
| Secca di Capo Fonza | South‑central | Pinnacles | 4–40 m | Medium‑hard | Coral branches, lobsters, dentex and barracuda; caves and overhangs; bring a torch |
| Relitto aereo di Punta Nera | Golfo di Campo | Plane wreck | 12 m | Easy | BN‑2A Islander; intact fuselage encrusted with sponges and bryozoans; ideal for wide‑angle |
| Secca di Santa Lucia | Scoglietto di Portoferraio | Rocks | 6–25 m | Moderate | Three rocks covered with colourful spirographs and Parazoanthus; perfect for macro |
| Capo Sant’Andrea | North‑west | Wall | 15–35 m | Moderate | Walls draped in red gorgonians and yellow sponges; moderate currents; macro and wide‑angle |
| Secca di Fetovaia | South‑west | Boulders | 15–35 m | Moderate | Labyrinth of boulders with red gorgonians; inhabitated by moray eels, groupers, octopuses; great visibility |
| Capo Enfola | North | Wall/posidonia | 10–35 m | Moderate | Walls with orange sponges and red gorgonians, meadows of posidonia; sightings of moray eels, lobsters and corvinas |
| Punta delle Cannelle | East of Capraia | Wall | 15–40 m | Difficult | Vertical wall with black corals, spirograph worms and lobsters; strong currents |
| Capo Calvo and Liscoli | East coast | Wall/scree | 10–30 m | Moderate | Posidonia and colourful sponges; good for macro |
| Capo Vita | North‑east | Slope | 20–40 m | Difficult | Covered with yellow and red gorgonians; possible encounters with seahorses, nudibranchs and sunfish |
Many other sites (including the barge wreck at Fetovaia, the Santa Lucia & Capo Calvo technical dives and full‑day excursions to Pianosa and Capraia) offer additional opportunities and should be chosen according to your experience .
Highlights and tips for selected sites
- Relitto Elviscot: The wreck of a small cargo ship rests on the seabed at 12 metres. Go at midday when the sun’s rays penetrate the openings and create dramatic beams; use a wide‑angle lens and experiment with backlighting. Schools of barracuda patrol the area and groupers hide inside .
- Formiche della Zanca: This site is exposed to currents and is suitable for experienced divers. The walls are covered with red gorgonians and sponges; look for lobsters in the cracks and nudibranchs on overhangs. Macro and wide‑angle lenses are both useful .
- Franata delle Cernie: A protected marine reserve where you can shoot groupers, amberjacks and dentex in crystal‑clear water. Macro enthusiasts will enjoy photographing spirograph worms emerging from the sand .
- Capo Fonza: A labyrinth of pinnacles and caves inhabited by lobsters, moray eels and dentex. Bring a torch to explore the caves and a wide‑angle lens to capture the gorgonians .
- Plane wreck of Punta Nera: An easy dive suitable for beginners. The fuselage is intact and is covered with sponges and encrusting organisms; photograph the propellers from below for a dramatic effect .
Activities near Hotel Giardino
Beaches and snorkelling spots
The Gulf of Lacona offers varied beaches: Lacona itself has a long crescent of golden sand and a gently sloping seabed – ideal for families and snorkellers . Nearby Laconella is a small bay with crystalline water and white pebbles; behind it is a dune system protected by the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Capo di Stella is a promontory that closes the gulf to the east; its southern side has wild coves accessible by kayak or sup. .
Villages and towns to explore
Elba is rich in history and culture. Capoliveri, perched on a hill, is famous for its narrow streets, its festival of the grape and its lively evening atmosphere; it overlooks some of the island’s most beautiful beaches . Porto Azzurro has a seafront lined with bars and restaurants and the Spanish fort of San Giacomo; boat trips depart for the coves of the eastern coast . Portoferraio, the island’s main town, features Medici bastions, picturesque alleys and the residences of Napoleon .
Hiking, biking and kayaking
Photographers who love nature can explore trails such as the Anello di Lacona, a circular route around the gulf; the Capo di Fonza trail along the coast; and the Monte Orello route, which climbs through woods and offers views of the archipelago . Bring your mountain bike or e‑bike – the hotel has secure storage – or rent one locally . Kayak excursions to sea caves like those at Punta della Madonna and Punta Fetovaia let you combine landscape photography with underwater shots .
Events and nightlife
From spring to autumn Elba hosts festivals and events. Food lovers can enjoy the Sagra del Totano in October and the Festa dell’Uva in September. Concerts, markets and outdoor cinema evenings animate the towns during summer .
Frequently asked questions
When is the best period for underwater photography on Elba? From May to October the water temperature ranges from 19 °C to 26 °C and visibility is excellent. June and September offer calm seas and fewer boats; winter dives are possible with a drysuit .
Do I need a diving certificate to take photos underwater? Yes, you need a certification (e.g., PADI Open Water) to dive with tanks. All the centres mentioned offer courses; snorkelling does not require certification .
Can I get my certification during my holiday? Intensive courses lasting 3–5 days allow you to obtain an Open Water Diver licence; theory lessons are mixed with pool sessions and open‑water dives .
What wrecks can I photograph? Besides the Elviscot and the BN‑2A Islander plane, experienced divers can explore the barge at Fetovaia and technical wrecks at Santa Lucia and Capo Calvo .
Where are the best sites for macro photography? Try Formiche della Zanca, Secca di Santa Lucia, Secca di Fetovaia & Capo Enfola and Capo Vita for colourful nudibranchs, seahorses and spirograph worms .
Can I bring my bike? Yes, the hotel has a secure bike storage; nearby trails include the Anello di Lacona, Monte Orello and the Capoliveri mines path .
Is there parking? Can I bring my dog? The hotel has a large free car park and pets are welcome by prior arrangement .
What are the check‑in/out times? Check‑in is from 14:00 and check‑out by 10:00; luggage storage is available for early arrival or late departure .
How long does a dive last? How many dives can I do per day? A recreational dive lasts about 45–60 minutes; centres usually organise two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon. To avoid decompression sickness, leave at least 18–24 hours between your last dive and a flight .
Do you have tips for beginners? Choose a qualified diving centre; bring essential equipment (mask, fins, computer, SMB); respect depth limits and buoyancy; avoid alcohol and stay hydrated; equalise your ears frequently; plan sufficient rest before flying .
Itinerary suggestions
Below is an example of a seven‑day itinerary that combines photography, diving and relaxation. Adapt it to your level and interests.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon/Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Lacona, check‑in at Hotel Giardino, briefing with dive centre | Relax on Lacona beach and short snorkelling session |
| Day 2 | Dive at the Elviscot wreck (Pomonte) | Visit Marciana and enjoy sunset at Monte Capanne |
| Day 3 | Dives at Formiche della Zanca and Capo Enfola | Evening in Portoferraio, stroll through the Medici fortifications |
| Day 4 | Dive at Capo Fonza and Plane wreck of Punta Nera | Afternoon relaxing at Laconella beach |
| Day 5 | Snorkelling and diving at Secca di Fetovaia and Secca di Santa Lucia | Dinner in Porto Azzurro, night stroll along the harbour |
| Day 6 | Full‑day excursion to Pianosa or Capraia with two dives | Return to Lacona and barbecue at the hotel |
| Day 7 | Morning hike on the Anello di Lacona or kayak to the caves of Punta della Madonna | Check‑out and departure |
Creative photography and storytelling
Underwater photography is not just about documenting species; it is also about telling stories. Try to create a narrative: take a series of images that follows the journey from boarding the boat, entering the water, descending into the blue, discovering the reef or wreck and returning to the surface. Photograph divers interacting with each other and with the environment (always ask for consent) . Macro photography allows you to reveal the “invisible” world of tiny creatures such as nudibranchs, seahorses and spirograph worms. When photographing wrecks, research their history: note the year they were built, the circumstances of their sinking and the lives that were saved . Use a dome to experiment with half‑water shots that show the surface and the world below .
Good storytelling evokes wonder and respect; it encourages people to protect the sea. The Hotel Giardino photo‑tour guide recommends action cams with a dome and a torch to balance the colours .
Conclusions
Elba is a jewel of the Mediterranean that offers emotions in every season. Underwater photography is a way to know its hidden soul and to take home unforgettable memories . Thanks to the privileged position of Hotel Giardino in the heart of the Gulf of Lacona you can easily reach the best diving centres and explore fascinating wrecks, walls draped in gorgonians and banks inhabited by pelagic fish . Our hotel offers comfortable rooms, a large park, a family welcome and all the services needed by photographers: equipment storage, Wi‑Fi, technical advice and contacts with professional guides.