In the search of Atlantis

The package includes: 1 full day or 2 day excursion with dinner and 1 overnight stay in motor boat with environment guide as programme, transfers on the Island of Elba, insurance, technical assistance during the excursions.

This “Whale Watching” itinerary apart from offering the chance of meeting the mammals that populate this marvellous stretch of water called the “Cetacean Sanctuary” during the trip, is also unforgettably exciting.

About 12,000 years ago, the level of the sea was much lower, about 120 metres, and Elba, Pianosa and a strip of land which extended to the south were joined to the mainland of Italy.  Then as a result of the thaw, at the end of the last ice age, the sea level rose by about 120 metres, putting a lot of land, and all of what was on it, underwater.  With the rising water the archipelago, as we know it today, was formed.  From the strip which once extended for 70 km from Elba only one small piece of land has remained above sea level, being a long way from Elba (about 50 km) it is called Scoglio d’Africa (large rock).  About 10 km before the rock there is, however, a vast shallow area called “Sommiti” which is from 50 to 6 metres below sea level.  This is our Atlantis! A unique place where even adults become kids, we can swim with goggles and flippers 50 km from Elba and below us is a beautiful and pristine seabed full of unforgettable colours.  We become fascinated by the magic of the colours below us during the trip there: the dark blue sea suddenly becomes emerald green leaving us open mouthed.  After this marvellous stop for a swim we finally get to the Scoglio d’Africa (or Africella) a piece of land the size of two tennis courts with a lighthouse for night time signalling.  Here too a swim with goggles is a must.