Pozzuoli Bay possesses some of the greatest underwater archaeological treasures in the world. Over centuries much has been lost or destroyed due to boat traffic, pilfering by divers, intense weather, tidal waves, etc. In the interest of protecting this cultural asset, two major areas have been designated national parks and are accordingly protected by the central government.

The park covers an area of 176.6 hectares of Pozzuoli Bay and is designated Zone B and C. Zone A is another Naples area park located at La Gaiola in Posillipo. The Baia park area is situated between the pier that closes the port of Baia to the south and the pier at Lido di Augusto immediately to the east. The park extends about 20.7 hectares from Punta del Epitaffio shore out into the bay.

Regulations are the same for all parks in regards to visiting. Taking, touching and/or damaging archaeological relics; spearfishing, the capture or even disturbance of animal species present; damaging flora; and discharging solid or liquid waste, contaminating the water, and dumping chemicals are specifically prohibited.

More restrictive are these prohibitions that apply to both Baia and Gaiola: bathing and swimming to include underwater diving, as well as boating and fishing of any type (the only exception is for residents, when using hook and line or rod fishing from the shore and with the proper permit).

Provisional Administrative Agencies:

Superintendent for the Archaeological Assets of the Province of Naples and Caserta
Piazza Museo, 19 - 80135 Napoli (tel. 081.440166 - fax 081.440013)

Area Port Captain:
Piazzale Pisacane, 80133 Napoli (tel. 081.2445111 - fax 081.2445347)

Carabinieri, Cultural Assets Protection Unit, Napoli:
Tel. 081.5783443 - fax 081.5784274

Guided underwater tours:
Sea Point Diving Center, Via Molo di Baia 14, 80070 Baia (tel. 081.8688868 - fax 081.8549763)
www.seapointitaly.it

Glassbottom Boat Tours:
Aliseo www.associazionealiseo.it
Departs from Baia port Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 15 March until 2 November.

What are some of the rules to observe while diving in Italy?
Although you may observe flagrant violations of these rules by locals and some of our American counterparts, it's wise to be prudent. If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't. This is a summary of general rules and regulations that may affect your diving excursion. Respect them. When in doubt, don't do it!

• Divers (snorkel or scuba) are required to tow a diver-down float that bears a red flag with a white diagonal stripe visible for not less than 300 meters at all times.
• Taking artifacts is prohibited. Significant finds should be reported to the Carabinieri (Police) or Guarda di Finanza (Coast Guard).
• Motorboat navigation is prohibited in swimming areas less than 200 meters from cliffs and 400 meters from the shoreline.
• Sailboating and windsurfing is prohibited in swimming areas 100 meters from cliffs and 200 meters from the shoreline.
• Fishing with scuba equipment is prohibited. Accordingly, the possession of spearfishing equipment or underwater guns and scuba gear simultaneously on the same person or boat is also prohibited.
• Killing any kind of sea birds such as sea gulls and others is prohibited.
• Use of nets for underwater fishing is prohibited.
• Trolling is prohibited within 3 miles (5.5 kilometers) from the shoreline and where depth is less than 50 meters.
• Possession and sale of any sea mammals including whale, dolphins, seals, turtles, and sturgeons is prohibited.
• Underwater fishing is prohibited for all persons under 16 years of age.
• Underwater fishing is prohibited at any distance less than 500 meters from beaches and swimmers, and at any distance less than 50 meters from outdoor port operations.
• Loading or keeping a loaded underwater gun out of the water is prohibited.
• Possessing and/or selling fish smaller than 7 centimeters is prohibited, except where the normal adult size does not exceed that length.
• Lobster fishing is prohibited during the period of 1 January to 30 April.
• Underwater fishing is prohibited during night hours.
• Daily fishing limit is no more than 5 kilograms and no more than one sea bass, whether line or underwater fishing.