SNORKELING ITINERARY

SNORKELING ITINERARY: AMONG THE ROCKY FUNDS

BETWEEN CAPONEGRO (AVOLA) AND CIRICA (ISPICA)

There are over 90 kilometers of coastline of the Terre dei due Mari. From Avola to Pozzallo to the incredible beaches of fine sand alternate beautiful rocky coasts, with high cliffs that rise above the sea. They often hide caves and rock coves, whose waters are blue and limpid. It is no coincidence, in fact, that lovers of "snorkeling" seek places away from sands and fluvial contributions, because being devoid of sandy suspension the waters of the sea are also more clear and clean, thus ensuring excellent visibility. These places become the perfect destination to explore small rocks and small caves, admiring submerged flora and fauna without necessarily being experienced divers. The places designated for snorkeling are numerous and scattered throughout the coast.

CAPONEGRO
Beautiful seaside resort north-east of Avola. A splendid rocky inlet, with a small iron ladder that facilitates entry into the water. Large rocky blocks also allow the support of the equipment during the dressing. Non-sandy seabed, rich in rocks encrusted with balanidae, limpets and sea urchins, fauna rich in crustaceans (above all crabs) and small fish of the coast. It is not uncommon to come across octopuses and morays hidden among rocks.

VENDICARI
The rocky coast of the Vendicari Wildlife Oasis can only be reached from the main access doors of the Reserve. Bathing is not prohibited, but fishing does. Masks and fins are allowed but not equipped with knives, compressed air guns or rubber bands. Only pure snorkeling. The protected area extends to the whole area above and below the coast. The sea of Vendicari is clear and clean. In the most sandy part of the seabed there is an incredible prairie of Posidonia Oceanica, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, covering an area of almost 30 square kilometers. A real oxygen lung for these waters, it acts as a protection and nourishment for many animal species that live there: fish, molluscs, bivalves (among which the very rare "Pinna Nobilis") and the solitary seahorse.

ISLAND OF CAPOPASSERO
Just outside the center of Portopalo, from a small beach under the Terrace of the two Seas, you can head to the Island of Capo Passero, only if equipped with good fins. Until recently, the island was joined to the mainland by a sandy isthmus. The whole coast under the island is jagged and full of submerged caves. Where the waters of the sea break on the rocks and get oxygen, it is not uncommon to come across shoals of bream, bass, sole and some grouper.

CIRICA
After passing Porto Ulisse, in the territory of Ispica, we arrive at the Marza area. Here the breakwaters have created little beaches, leaving some caves dry but allowing them to arrive at the large flagships. The sea of this coast is among the bluest and clearest in the Mediterranean. The Secche di Circe, a few hundred meters from the coast, have been the cause of incredible shipwrecks in the past, so it is not rare to come across archaeological finds so encrusted with time that they have completely merged with the submerged natural heritage. Among green algae, false coral and sponges furtively hide moray eels, octopus, bream and needlefish. While among the rocks the rockfish are camouflaged in their colorful liveries.