About This Dive Site
The Dolomite Quarry Reservoir, located near the town of Ala in Trentino, offers a unique freshwater scuba diving experience amid the stunning Dolomites landscape. This flooded quarry features dramatic drop-offs, intact machinery remnants from past mining operations, and crystal-clear waters reaching depths of up to 40 meters. Visibility often exceeds 10 meters in summer, revealing colorful freshwater fish, algae-covered walls, and geological formations unique to the dolomite rock. Popular with PADI-certified divers, the site draws enthusiasts for its accessibility from shore and proximity to hiking trails like Sentiero delle Aquile. Follow PADI Standard Safe Diving Practices; always dive with a local guide from centers like Diving Center Ala for site-specific intel on currents and depth profiles.
Safety Considerations
Cold water temperatures (8-15°C even in peak summer) demand drysuits to prevent hypothermia, a leading risk per Divers Alert Network (DAN) reports. Altitude at 300 meters requires adjusted no-decompression limits using dive computers like Suunto Zoop Novo. Low visibility from silt kick-up is common near the bottom; maintain neutral buoyancy to adhere to Leave No Trace principles underwater. Strong winds can create surface chop, increasing boat handling challenges. Check forecasts via MeteoTrentino; dive only in calm conditions (winds under 10 knots). Buddy system is mandatory; signal issues with three pulls on the line. Pre-dive briefings must cover emergency ascent protocols due to potential entanglement in old quarry gear.
Essential Gear
Beyond standard scuba kit (regulator, BCD, cylinder), pack a 7mm neoprene drysuit (brands like Bare or Waterproof), dive computer with altitude algorithm, surface marker buoy (SMB) from Halcyon, lift bag for artifacts recovery training, and redundant air source like Oceanic Inflator II. Include dive lights (e.g., Scubapro Nova 850L) for shadowy quarry interiors and a signaling mirror. Lakeside changing mats prevent gear contamination.