Small groups · 2.5 hours

Snorkelling over the sunken Roman villas of Baia, near Naples

At Baia, in the Campi Flegrei (the Phlegraean Fields west of Naples), the Roman villas that once stood on the shore ended up underwater because of bradyseism, the slow sinking of the volcanic ground. Today they lie about four metres down and you can see them clearly from the surface: all you need is a mask. You head out by boat from Baia harbour in a group of no more than eight, with guide and gear included, and in two and a half hours you swim over the floors, walls and streets of a Roman town now lived in by fish.

4.9(79 reviews on Viator) Baia harbour

Snorkelling over the sunken Roman villas of Baia, near Naples — Photo: Ruthven, CC0 · credits

Duration

2.5 hours

Group

up to 8

Languages

English, Italian

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Days

every day

Start

Baia harbour

What you’ll do

You meet at Baia harbour and board the boat with the guide, who explains on the way what happened here: the Roman resort town of luxury, the volcanic activity of the Campi Flegrei, and the bradyseism that over the centuries pulled the coast below sea level. You’re given a mask and gear and arrive above the underwater park.

Then you get in and snorkel over the remains of the villas: at no more than four metres deep, you can make out the structures from the surface without diving down. The guide points out what you’re looking at and the marine life that has settled around it. The group is eight people at most, so nobody gets left behind in the water and there’s time to ask questions. Then it’s back on board and back to the harbour: about two and a half hours in all, with commentary in Italian or English.

Who it’s for

For anyone who can swim and wants to see something with no equal around Naples, as a couple, with friends or with teenagers who are comfortable in the water. The group is eight at most, so the guide keeps an eye on everyone. Less suited to anyone uneasy in open water or wanting to stay on board: swimming is the whole point here.

Local tip

Go on a calm, sunny day, when the water is clearest and the ruins are easiest to see. Swimsuit on underneath, a towel, sun cream and a spare towel. While you’re in Baia, add the Castello Aragonese and its archaeological museum of the Campi Flegrei. Book a few days ahead, there are only eight places.

What’s included

Boat + guide + gear.

Price, availability and details come straight from Viator and are kept up to date. If you book through us, we get a small commission; it costs you nothing extra.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need snorkelling or diving experience?

You just need to be able to swim and feel comfortable with a mask and snorkel: the remains are no more than four metres down and visible from the surface, with no diving involved. Gear is included and the guide stays with the group, which is eight people at most.

How long does it last and where does it leave from?

About two and a half hours, including the boat ride, the explanations and time in the water. You leave from Baia harbour, in the Campi Flegrei, and return to the same spot. Commentary is in Italian or English.

What happens if the sea is rough?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before with a full refund. If sea conditions don’t allow the trip or make the water cloudy, you’re usually offered another day: it’s worth booking early in your stay to leave some margin.

Read before you go

from€35Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

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