The statue in the bay
The Christ of the Abyss (Cristo degli Abissi) is a bronze figure in the bay of San Fruttuoso. It was lowered into the sea in 1954. The statue lies at a depth of about 17 m. Ask a dive centre about the depth for your own dive.
The sculptor was Guido Galletti, and the idea came from Duilio Marcante. The arms point upward, a pose made for the view from below, where divers look at it.
Can you see the statue?
No sighting is guaranteed.
The statue is a diving site. Seeing it from the surface, while snorkelling or from an ordinary boat, depends on the water and cannot be promised. Do not book a trip on the expectation of a clear view. The reserve rules decide where you may enter the water, and the rest of this page sets them out.
The bay is also the setting of the abbey of San Fruttuoso, which you can visit for €10 in 2026. See the San Fruttuoso page for hours and routes.
Our pick: a boat tour past the Christ of the Abyss
This short boat ride names the statue among its highlights and has snorkelling gear on board. A view from the surface is not promised, so ask before booking.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat trips to San Fruttuoso and diving
Boat trips to the bay and guided water activities, with live prices and availability.
Snorkelling and diving in the marine reserve
The rules by zone.
Zone A
Swimming and every underwater activity are forbidden. Do not enter the water here.
Zones B and C
Swimming and snorkelling follow local orders and stay out of the marked exclusion areas. Diving and free diving are allowed in zone C under local limits. Zone B needs a permit from the reserve authority.
Moorings and boats
At the mooring fields, boats tie up with permission, and there is no free anchoring and no underwater activity. The mooring fields at Punta Chiappa and San Fruttuoso are closed for the season in 2026. Motor boats keep to 5 knots.
Nature
Do not take or disturb sea life. Spearfishing is forbidden in the whole reserve.
Individual dive permit fees in 2026
Administrative fees, not the price of a guided dive.
| Permit | Non-residents | Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | €15 | €10 |
| Weekly | €35 | €25 |
| Monthly | €45 | €40 |
| Yearly | €120 | €90 |
These fees do not include equipment or a guide. Diving, free diving and snorkelling are not one legal category, so ask the reserve authority or a dive centre what applies to your plan. For most visitors, a boat trip to the bay and a walk to the water's edge is the simpler option.
Planning a visit to the bay
How the pieces fit.
Most visitors come by boat from Camogli, a ride of about 30 minutes that costs €17 return for an adult in 2026. Others walk from Portofino, 4.3 km one way, and take the boat back. Both ways end in the same small bay, where the abbey stands above the water.
The statue itself is not a stop on a land route. Without diving gear, you will see the bay, the abbey and the water around it. If diving is the reason for your trip, ask a dive centre about the conditions and the permit before you travel. In winter, fewer boats run, and sea conditions can stop them. Check the timetable of your day.
Christ of the Abyss: frequently asked questions
How deep is the Christ of the Abyss?
About 17 m. Ask a dive centre about the depth for your dive.
When was it placed in the bay?
In 1954.
Can I see it while snorkelling?
It is not guaranteed. Visibility depends on the water, and snorkelling follows the zone rules of the reserve.
Do I need a permit to dive?
Zone B needs a permit from the reserve authority. Zone C allows diving under local limits. Individual dive permits cost €15 a day for non-residents in 2026.
Is there a copy of the statue?
A small bronze reproduction of the design was given to a museum in Assisi in 1960.