Baiae Archaeological Park Naples
Explore a submerged Roman city, a protected marine area with ancient villas and mosaics, accessible by diving or glass-bottom boat.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best underwater visibility
Baiae Archaeological Park Naples
Best Time
Best underwater visibility

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a submerged Roman city, a protected marine area with ancient villas and mosaics, accessible by diving or glass-bottom boat.
"It's a truly unique historical dive, offering a glimpse into a Roman city lost to the sea."
🌊 Calm Seas for Best Views
Water clarity is key! Check the forecast for calm days for optimal underwater visibility.
🤿 Dive Gear Check
Some dive shops have inconsistent gear maintenance. Consider bringing your own mask.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Submerged Roman City
Underwater
Explore the ghostly remains of ancient Roman villas, mosaics, and streets beneath the waves. A truly unique historical dive.

Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Harbor of Baia
See the submerged city without getting wet! The Cymba boat offers an immersive viewing experience through underwater windows.

Archaeological Museum
Baia
Discover artifacts and gain context for the underwater ruins, with stunning views over the bay.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Underwater Views
Dive Gear & History Insights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Calm Seas for Best Views
Water clarity is key! Check the forecast for calm days for optimal underwater visibility.
🤿 Dive Gear Check
Some dive shops have inconsistent gear maintenance. Consider bringing your own mask.
🛥️ Glass-Bottom Boat Option
The Cymba boat offers a unique way to see the ruins without diving.
🏛️ Museum for Context
Visit the local museum for artifacts and a better understanding of the site.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Calm Seas for Best Views
Water clarity is key! Check the forecast for calm days for optimal underwater visibility.
🤿 Dive Gear Check
Some dive shops have inconsistent gear maintenance. Consider bringing your own mask.
🛥️ Glass-Bottom Boat Option
The Cymba boat offers a unique way to see the ruins without diving.
🏛️ Museum for Context
Visit the local museum for artifacts and a better understanding of the site.
🚆 Easy Train Access
Take the train from Naples to Baia for a convenient journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baiae Archaeological Park is a unique and fascinating site, offering a rare glimpse into a submerged Roman city. Visitors are captivated by the underwater ruins, especially when visibility is good. While the historical significance is undeniable, some reviewers note that dive gear maintenance can be an issue, and the marine life is not the main attraction. The glass-bottom boat tour is a popular alternative for those not diving.
"It was a unique and interesting experience. We got to see the archaeological underwater park and swim among fish. A perfect mix of history and adventure 👍☺️ highly recommended!"
Olga Nikolajenko
"Great experience however low visibility on the day we went Aug 10th. You do see ruins. The Roman floors are the best thing to see. This dive shop is difficult to locate as it is at a resort on the beach side of the railroad so you have to walk through the pedestrian tunnel to get there. Park in the parking lot for the beach goers North of it and walk back."
Lance Fulford
"Good experiance, did not see a lot. But glad we did it. Very nice people"
Sanne Papa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Baiae by train from Naples. The journey is straightforward, and from the Baia train station, it's a short 5-10 minute walk to the harbor where tours depart.
While driving is an option, many visitors find taking the train from Naples to be a more convenient and less stressful way to reach the park.
For divers, taking the train to Baia is a popular and easy option. The harbor is accessible, and dive operators are located there.
Yes, public transport, specifically the train from Naples, is a well-regarded method for reaching Baiae.
Absolutely! Baiae is easily doable as a day trip from Naples, with train travel making it a convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on specific ticket prices can vary. It's best to check the official website or contact local tour operators for the most up-to-date pricing for boat tours, diving, or museum entry.
For boat tours and diving excursions, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary depending on the season and specific attractions (museum vs. underwater park access). It's advisable to check the official park website or inquire with tour operators for current hours.
Yes, options typically include glass-bottom boat tours, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions, each with its own pricing. The archaeological museum may have separate admission.
Access to the underwater park is usually part of a guided tour or dive package. You'll typically pay for the tour or dive, which includes access to the submerged ruins.
🎫 🐠 Underwater Experience
Yes, snorkeling is possible at Baiae, allowing you to see some of the shallower ruins. However, for a more immersive experience and to see deeper structures, diving is recommended.
The dives at Baiae are generally quite shallow, typically around 5-8 meters (15-25 feet) deep, making it accessible for various skill levels.
While the primary draw is the ancient ruins, you may encounter some marine life. However, the focus is on the historical structures rather than abundant sea life.
Due to its shallow depths and clear waters on calm days, Baiae is often considered suitable for beginner divers. Many dive centers offer introductory dives.
Guides at Baiae often uncover mosaics that are covered by sand and pebbles to protect them. This process of uncovering the ancient floors adds a special element to the dive.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The most unique photo opportunities are underwater, capturing the submerged ruins. Above water, the archaeological museum offers beautiful views of the bay.
Yes, you can take photos from the glass-bottom boat. The underwater viewing area also provides opportunities for unique shots of the submerged city.
Absolutely! Many visitors capture stunning underwater photos and videos of the ruins. Ensure your equipment is waterproof or in a protective housing.
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules posted at the site or by tour operators.
For underwater photography, visibility is key, so calm sea days are best. Above water, late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the bay views.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Baiae was a luxurious resort town for wealthy Romans, known for its thermal baths and opulent villas. It was submerged due to seismic activity and volcanic phenomena.
Baiae was submerged over centuries due to bradyseism, a geological phenomenon causing the land to rise and fall.
You can see the remains of villas, thermal baths, nymphaea (water features), and even parts of the ancient city's infrastructure, both above and below the water.
While both are ancient Roman sites near Naples, Baiae was a resort town, whereas Pompeii was a bustling city. Visiting Pompeii first can help with identifying structures underwater at Baiae.
Baiae offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the Roman elite and the impact of geological forces on ancient settlements. It's a significant underwater archaeological site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the archaeological museum offers a land-based experience, the main draw of Baiae is its underwater nature. For younger children, the boat tour is likely the most suitable activity. Ensure you check the sea conditions beforehand, as a calm sea is essential for a good viewing experience for all ages.
🤿 Scuba Divers
It's advisable to research dive centers beforehand and consider bringing your own mask. Some divers recommend doing two dives to fully explore different areas of the park, as some sections are more interesting than others. The historical context provided by dive guides significantly enhances the experience.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Visiting the Archaeological Museum before or after your exploration of the underwater park will provide crucial context and help you identify the structures you see. Understanding the phenomenon of bradyseism that submerged the city adds another layer of fascination to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Submerged City
When diving or snorkeling, you'll encounter the foundations of villas, mosaic floors, nymphaea, and parts of the ancient infrastructure. The shallow depths, typically around 5-8 meters, make it accessible for many skill levels. Some dive operators even assist in uncovering mosaics that are covered by sand and pebbles, adding a special touch to the experience. It's recommended to visit on days with calm seas for the best visibility and to truly appreciate the scale and detail of the submerged city.
For those who prefer to stay dry, the Cymba glass-bottom boat offers an excellent alternative. This boat features a special underwater viewing room where you can sit and look directly into the water, providing a clear view of the ruins below. The nearby Archaeological Museum also provides valuable context, displaying artifacts recovered from the site and offering panoramic views of the bay.
Practicalities for Your Visit
When it comes to dive gear, while many dive shops provide equipment, some travelers have noted that the maintenance can be inconsistent. If you have your own mask, bringing it along is a good idea for a more comfortable fit. For those interested in the history, booking a guided tour or a dive with an operator that provides historical context is highly recommended. This will significantly enhance your understanding and appreciation of the site.
It's also worth noting that while Baiae is a fascinating historical site, some visitors compare it to other ruins in Italy. However, the unique underwater aspect sets it apart. Planning your visit around days with calm seas is crucial for the best underwater viewing experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit