1 Secca del Papa (Pope's Shoals)
depth:	-15 to -45 mt
difficulty:	intermediate to advanced
currents:	generally mild but sometimes strong
type:	shoals with gorgonians that grow from the bottom at -45/40 mt
The name of “Secca del Papa” comes from the nearby standing rock formation on the island of Tavolara, which resembles a pope. The dive is in fact close to that island about 500mt westward. It represents the most known dive sites in the park and one of the most requested dives in the Mediterranean sea. It is formed by a series of calcareous pinnacles emerging from a sandy seabed of about -40/45m and reaching -15m. The western slope of the shoal is characterized by a vertical wall which is not exposed much to the light and which is entirely colonized by an animal benthos. Toward the bottom, from -25m you can find the red sea fans of Paramuricea Clavata, here with wonderful yellow streaks. The several holes and nooks give shelter to brown meagres, forkbeards, and big moray eels. Beyond the wall you can reach the deepest pinnacles, where several groupers conceal among the gorgonians. You will also see big dentex/snappers on the prey and barracudas mid-water. It is not rare to meet greater amber-jacks and bonitos. There are 2 buoys for the divers and different ways to explore this area. Papa1 has rocks that reach -15mt and allow for longer and more extended dives. Papa2 has its shallowest point around -24mt so this dive is recommended with Nitrox to allow a longer recreational dive time. While Papa1 is more lively with groupers Papa 2 is formidable for the beauty of the gorgonians and for excellent wide angle photo shooting. A “MUST DIVE” if you visit this area of Sardinia!