In Italy, several large reserves have been established, but the Tuscan Archipelago is the first great Marine Park. It is the most extensive protected area in all European waters. The great diversity of the Archipelago is due to the variety of coastline and the seabed. The largest part of underwater life is concentrated in the incredible yellow, light blue and red coral, which is one of the most threatened marine species. The rare red coral Corallium rubrum can be found here. The Tuscan Archipelago has seas of extraordinary beauty. Rare fish like the swordfish, the tuna fish and the sun fish all live here.

Here are a few descriptions of some of the dive sites around Elba:

Lo Scoglietto - Closest site to Portoferraio, just outside harbour, this location offers 3 possible dives. A sloping reef to 25m, very common to see large groupers, eels and dentex. A reef and small wall (max. 17m) with a very beautiful purple gully smothered in colour and often with large Scorpion fish. A deeper (36m) wall dive absolutely covered in colour and corals and also many lobsters. You can also find shark eggs (mermaid's purses) at certain times of the year.

Secca di Santa Lucia - Near Portoferraio, a pinnacle of depth 9-25m. Difficult to find but covered in static life and huge numbers of reef fish. Good for nudibranchs, pelagic fish and eels. Can also see barracuda and eagle rays.

Pomonte Wreck - West coast, the "Elviscott", wrecked in 1978, carrying timber to Marseilles. Lies in only 15m of very clear water and is very intact so can also be enjoyed by snorkelers. Nice long dive, due to lack of depth, lots of life and very photogenic. Can also be penetrated fairly easily.

La Corbella - South coast, very nice reef with lots of fish (octopus common here), leading to beautiful coral gardens at 30m+, full of big red gorgonian sea fan corals. Small statue of bear (symbol of Berlin) placed at 22m by visiting German divers.

Secca di Fonza - South coast - pinnacle/wall dive of depth 7-40m. Beautiful vertical wall with masses of fish and covered in gorgonian coral. If caught at right time, can rival a red sea dive.