Dancing with Gorgonians: My Deep Dive at Picchi di Pablo

There's something magical about descending into crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, especially at a site as renowned as Picchi di Pablo off Elba's pristine coast. As an avid diver, I'm always excited to share my underwater adventures with fellow diving enthusiasts.

This dive particularly stood out to me - and not just because of the perfect conditions (27°C air temperature and a brilliantly sunny day that had me grinning before I even hit the water). At 19°C, the water was inviting, and the visibility? Simply spectacular.

As I descended along the famous twin pinnacles that give Picchi di Pablo its name, I couldn't help but marvel at the site's unique topography. Every meter revealed new surprises, and I was grateful for my advanced certification that allowed me to fully explore this gem.

The real show began at 30 meters, where I encountered what I can only describe as an underwater forest - a mesmerizing garden of gorgonian fans swaying gently in the current. These magnificent creatures, with their deep red hues, created an almost otherworldly landscape. I carefully noted the depth (38m at its deepest) and my air consumption (170 bar) in my digital logbook, ensuring I could revisit these details later.

During my 55-minute bottom time, the biodiversity was nothing short of extraordinary:

• A curious lobster peeking from its rocky shelter

• Schools of snappers

• Majestic barracudas patrolling their territory

• And of course, those stunning gorgonian fans that seemed to dance in the gentle current

What makes Picchi di Pablo truly special isn't just its famous features - the twin peaks descending to 35 meters, or the cave with its resident shrimps (though these are certainly highlights). It's the way the site surprises you with something new at every turn. While I didn't spot the rare moonfish this time (there's always next dive!), the walls were teeming with life, from tiny invertebrates to moray eels hiding in the crevices.

For fellow divers planning to visit:

• This is an advanced dive site - make sure you're properly certified

• The twin pinnacles offer excellent orientation points

• Keep an eye on your depth and air - it's easy to get carried away by the beauty

• The site can be enjoyed at various depths, but the gorgonian garden below 30m is a must-see

• Consider bringing a camera - the visibility and marine life make for extraordinary photos

As I surfaced after this memorable dive, I immediately logged all the details in my digital logbook. These moments are precious, and having a reliable way to record them (along with exact GPS coordinates for future visits) makes each dive even more special.

Want to share your own Picchi di Pablo experience or planning to visit? I'd love to hear your stories. Download Octologs and join our community of passionate divers - your underwater adventures deserve to be remembered in detail.