What is the diving like?
The water is very clear, and also cold. Temperatures of between 7 and 10 degrees are normal. The river has carved its way through stone for millions of years - leaving large, smooth stone walls, glittering in the sunlight.

The water here is never deeper than about 10 meters (if you are lucky), but you should be aware that because this is a river, there is current, and conditions can be dangerous. See notes later in this document regarding this. You can expect to see trout and various other types of fish.

There are actually many different dive sites in the area, the best way to find them is to go with a group that knows where they are, or to get detailed instructions from someone who knows the area (such as the hotel). A short description of each site will be given here.

How do I get there?
Head towards the Gotthard tunnel. Go through the tunnel, and at Bellinzona South follow the signs for Locarno. Pick up the signs towards Gordola, then Gordemo, then eventually Via Valle Verzasca. Drive into the valley and after a while you'll come to the town of Vogorno. You'll see the hotel on your right as you enter the town. Total driving time is around 2.5 - 3 hours

Where should I stay?
The hotel Pizzo Vogorno is centrally located and offers reasonable accommodation for divers. It can get busy however, book early to avoid disappointment. They don't have a website, but they can be reached by phone at +41 91 745 1256. If they are full, ask them to recommend another hotel in the area.

Where are the dive sites?

Römerbrücke (Roman bridge)
You may have seen this famous bridge appear in many photos. This site is located just a few minutes drive from the hotel, or a 25 minute walk. The maximum depth is around nine metres, and the best way to dive this site is to head approximately 150 metres upstream where you will find a small waterfall. To get back, simply ride the current, enjoying the view along the way.

Amsler Becken (Blackbird basin)
This site is ten minutes walk from the hotel or a very short journey by car. You'll have to carry your gear down a hill, and the entrance is a large basin area. Here you can swim against the current for about 200 metres - but beware, you will have to swim hard and there is often a very strong current. Here you'll find larger overhangs and rock formations than at the Römerbrücke.

Bignasco / Maggia valley
This site is in an adjacent valley, near the town of Bignasco, approximately 30 km from Vogorno. The site is divided into three sections. The first section is 150 metres long, approximately 9 metres deep. At the end of this section you'll have to walk through the riverbed for another 150 metres - a little tiring. The second section is also approximately 150 metres long, and around 12 metres deep. Climb a small ridge about 1 metre high at the end of the second section, and you'll enter the third section, with a depth of 6-8 metres. In this section you can find a waterfall. If you feel like being tumbled around, swim into it, and it will spit you straight out. After this you can make your way back to the beginning again.

Is there a dive base or compressor nearby?
There are no dive bases nearby; however just outside the Hotel Pizzo Vogorno is a filling station that is part of the Luftverbund. If you have a U-key, you can refill at this station (for information about the Luftverbund visit their website, or check the information elsewhere on zurichdivers.com)

When is the best time to go?
In late spring to early autumn. You might also want to phone a local hotel and ask them about the water level in the river, and what the conditions are like. When the weather is nice this is a great place to be.

What about equipment?
The water can be a little cold, but your dives will never be long. Therefore a 7mm wetsuit with hood should be sufficient. Many divers use wetsuits for these dives, though many also use dry suits if they have them. Other equipment should include safety equipment such as a safety line.

Are there any pre-requisites?
There are no pre-requisites as such to dive in the river, and no permission is required. However, if you have never dived in rivers before, or this is your first time to the region it is strongly recommended that you go with a group that knows the various sites. Some dive schools offer trips to this region combined with a Drift Diver or River and Current course. Weather conditions can change and the inexperienced could quickly find themselves in a dangerous situation. Caution is strongly advised. That said, many divers enjoy this river every year, go with a group, go with experienced divers or professionals and you will have a great time.

Is there anything else I should know?
Apart from the important safety information already mentioned there is no other critical information to know apart from the fact that in the summer months many divers visit this site. It is well worth getting up early to ensure that you get parking spaces at the various sites.