I've been here plenty of time. This place is simple paradise: the view, the peace, the sunset, the sea, the island with the Old House, the kayak... But most important the PEOPLE who go there! :)
Clean water, rocks/beach (choose whatever u like), a nice coast view and naltural underwater tunnels!Have fun!
Visited naples with my 13 year old son, so was looking for something a bit more fun for him. This hit the spot perfectly. Thanks to all the previous reviews we were prepared to struggle to find it, but it couldn't't have been easier. The hotel called them to make our reservation and was given quite detailed directions. We took bus 140 from Piazza Vittoria and got off at 'istitute DENZA' (passengers on the bus very willing to show us where), almost opposite the bus stop was a road 'via Tito Lucrezio Caro' walk 300m down this road (past tennis club) and on the left is a steep road/path down signposted to Gaivola. After a while you'll come across a left hand turn which has metal bars to stop bikes etc going down...take this turn which leads you down to the beach. Look across to your right and you'll see their building. The snorkel tour itself was excellent, both myself and my son really enjoyed it.
Following discovery on Trip advisor I booked a snorkelling tour in advance for myself and two children aged 10 & 15. I was glad I had! The land-based part of the park is tiny and people queue on stairs to be one of 100 people at a time allowed in and out of the heritage area. Those who don't (or can't be bothered queuing in the hot sun) are left with no option but to pack onto a small and very crowded beach and quay area - not very pleasant at all. NB it's a good 1km walk downhill (over cobbled roads, steps and footpaths) from the nearest parking and back uphill!The snorkelling tour (group of about 12) itself was amazing. It took about 90 mins and we were provided with shortie wet suits (surprising how cold you can get in shady water in the Med, even in August) and all equipment. Beach/water shoes are advised for walking across the rough concrete areas between the visitor centre and the water's edge. Our guide spoke great English and was able to explain the Roman history and the marine life to be seen. The assistant guide dived below the surface a number of times to point out certain features on the sea bed which helped bring the guide's explanations to life.Even though flotation devices were provided for the less able you need to be a moderately competent swimmer to enjoy the tour rather than be worrying about whether the currents will drag you against sharp rocks and urchins below the surface and a few members of the group actually felt sea-sick. However the staff were amazing and I would highly recommend this memorable and fascinating experience which was a highlight of our trip.
For those who share the same passion for the roman history, marine life and nature, I highly recommend this fantastic snorkeling tour!! We went there on our last day in Naples and we had the best experience ever!!!Although it took us 1.5 hours to get there ( with public transports), in the end it was worth it!
During our stay in Naples, we looked at this place with curiosity, we found it thanks to the driver who accompanied us, because in another way it is not easy to find.The Gaiola is a fairy tale, the place is lovely and the sea is beautiful but very hard to get there, the road is very narrow and is forbidden to go by car and also there are stairs inconvenient to do.Just arrived at the sea, there is no assistance and we knew that it is a natural reserve, that could be good but for nothing exploited, it could be so much more!
i liked it very much and it was a lovely experience! i mostly did it for my family but i will go there again for sure
Close to the city center, with nice people as tour guide, in a marvellous scenario. Me, my wife and our son went trought Roman sea ruines doing the best snorkeling of my life.My son (11 years old) got crazy!! Tour guides were so nice! At the end of the tour they offered use orange juice and preztels! It's possibile also to have a shower after the sea tour.Their English was great! German organization, Neapolitan style to interact with people. One of the best things I have ever done in Italy.W Naples, W Gaiola!! Fulvio
Came down to Naples with my boyfriend specifically to snorkel here at the Parco Sommerso di Gaiola (although we love any excuse to go to Naples!). It was a truly amazing experience and great mix of snorkeling and beach fun with an interesting archaeological tour. Would highly recommend this to anyone interested in snorkeling and archaeology. The staff were all nice, experienced, and helpful, and it was a great deal (20 euros per person including all the equipment).We will return!
This is a very nice place for nature lovers who want to escape the busy inner city of Naples. I wanted to do the guided snorkelling tour first. This was not possible as it was only on two days a week. When I asked if it's possible to snorkel there independently, I was told that it's possible to enter the protected area every day between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. It is necessary to bring an ID!I was there in the beginning of October, the water was fresh but still warm enough for snorkelling. The water is clear and there are lots of fish :)