Like everything else in Italy, the diving is "magnifico". With brilliant blue water, caves, and wrecks to explore, there's no end to all the wonderful sights there are to see. Trapani itself is located along Sicily's west coast and traditionally, people here rely on the Mediterranean Sea for their livelihoods. While fishing and canning are still present, today's seaside economy relies more on tourism. Diving is becoming more popular, and new dive sites are being explored in the area. For now, here are five of Trapani's best dive sites to whet your appetite for more.
Venus Lake
Not a freshwater lake, as the site's name suggests, but a natural saltwater pool formed from massive boulders that fell from the surrounding cliffs eons ago, Venus Lake is connected to the ocean via a shallow passage as well as by a subterranean tunnel formed of more natural boulders. Here, you'll find small fish and crabs, along with spectacular underwater rock formations that point the way toward a canyon where maximum depth of 25 meters can be attained. From there, you can explore the coast, or make your way back into the lake.
Cala Rossa Shoal
Home to curious conger eels, and with crabs, shrimp, and lobsters in abundance, Cala Rossa Shoal is located in the Gulf of Tonnara, just a few hundred meters from shore. Rising up from the seabed 25 meters below the surface to its peak at a depth of just about 5 meters, this site is outstanding for photography, with a wall on one side that features some small caves; plus there are plenty of fish in attendance, including some groupers, snapper, bream, and others.
Chimney Cave
One of the most popular sites Zingaro reserve has to offer, Chimney Cave has two entrances, with the deeper being at 35 meters, and the shallower being at 18 meters. Home to colorful red and white Parapandulus Shrimp, and an outstanding place for macro photos as well as some truly exceptional silhouette and sunburst shots, the site's inner caverns are partially lit from outside. To enjoy this site, you'll need to be certified to dive in overhead environments.
Spring Water Cave
After descending to a depth of 14 meters along a coastal wall, you'll find yourself facing Springwater Cave's large entrance. As you make your way into the main chamber, you'll enter the halocline, where swirling salt and fresh water meet; once all the way into the cave, you'll be diving in crystal clear fresh water. Here, there are magnificent stalactites and stalagmites, and you'll be able to see everything since you can surface inside and breathe fresh, clean air while shining your light on the huge rock formations. On the way back to the entrance, you'll be greeted by ever lightening shades of blue, until you finally make your way out of the cave's mouth and back up the wall to the surface.
Capua Wreck
Lying at a depth of 39 meters, just a few hundred meters offshore, the Capua Wreck is mostly intact and is sitting upright on its keel. Visible from just a few meters beneath the surface, the wreck dates back to WWII and still holds heaps of old ammunition boxes; some of which are open. Here, you'll find swirling clouds of anthia as well as moray eels and lobsters, red mullets, big conger eels, and more. Covered in a tapestry of colorful sponges, sea fans, and corals, the ship's upper portion is accessible at a depth of 28 meters.
With so much to offer underwater, Trapani is also an outstanding place to see some of Italy's famous old architecture. Popular attractions include several historic churches and a Basilica dating back to the 1300's, the Baroque Palazzo della Guidecca, and plenty of beaches, dining opportunities, and marvelous hotels. Visit between May and November for warmer water temperatures; come between December and April for off season specials and fewer tourists. Whenever you come, you'll find Trapani is unforgettable.