The Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia lets you dive over the remains of a Roman coastal town near Bacoli, on the Bay of Naples. Centuries of ground movement in the Campi Flegrei gradually submerged part of the ancient shoreline. Underwater, you can see Roman floors, intricate tiles and mosaics, with fish swimming among the ruins. Dives stay within 5 metres, but visibility can be low, so the detail you see depends on conditions. Tours run seasonally, with weather affecting availability.
How the Roman shoreline went underwater
Baia was a Roman resort town with villas and thermal baths along the coast. Since the fourth century, gradual ground movement in the Campi Flegrei has lowered parts of the ancient shoreline beneath the sea. The underwater archaeological area preserves remains of that lost coast, while the Archaeological Park of Baia on land contains further Roman remains.
The submerged setting gives the dive its focus: this is a visit to archaeological remains under the water, not a tour of the land-based park. Conditions affect how clearly you can see them. Visibility has been low on some days, so underwater details may be harder to make out.
What you can see on a dive
Roman floors are among the notable details beneath the surface, alongside tiles and mosaics. The ruins are now part of a marine setting, where fish swim among the archaeological remains. The protected area also includes the nymphaeum of Punta Epitaffio, which once adorned a Roman dining room; the statues associated with it are not all available to view underwater.
The dive stays above 5 metres, and licences are checked. Underwater signs explain different areas, so take time to read them where conditions and the group allow. Tours are seasonal, with weather affecting whether they run.
The dive shop can be difficult to locate from the road. It is on the beach side of the railway; from the beachgoers’ parking lot to the north, walk through the pedestrian tunnel to reach it.
Perguntas frequentes
How deep is the dive at Baia?
The dive does not go below 5 metres.
Do I need a diving licence?
Divers’ licences are checked.
Can you see the statues underwater?
Not all of the statues can be visited at the site. Roman floors, tiles and mosaics are among the underwater details you can see.
Are tours available all year?
Tours are seasonal, and weather affects availability.
