Ciao jackrabbit - that is a favorite area of the Tuscan coast for us so we highly approve!
Snorkeling + bike is a great combo - we love Elba in September, it is the best time when the weather is perfect and the summer crowds have started leaving the island so it isn't as crowded as it gets in the peak of summer.
Keep in mind that we are experiencing higher than normal temps this summer and the prediction is that it will continue through the fall and winter and through next year because of El Niño affecting climate patterns - so the averages I give you could be a bit off this year.
Water temp mid-September
Expect roughly 22–25°C along the Golfo di Follonica / San Vincenzo coast as well as Elba (generally, it's been around 26–27°C at the tail end of summer and cools gradually through September). Elba's eastern waters run similarly, sometimes half a degree warmer offshore.
Wetsuit?
At 23–25°C you really don't need a 3mm, most people snorkel comfortably in just a rash guard or swimsuit. That said, snorkeling means floating at the surface with minimal movement for extended periods. The wetsuit will keep you comfortable on windy days, protect you against minor jellyfish encounters, and allow you to stay in the water much longer without getting chilled. So I'd suggest to bring it, although call it optional rather than essential since you also have bike gear to contend with. You could pack lighter with long sleeve rash guards with neoprene shorts and plan for shorter swims.
Snorkeling near Follonica (Hotel Ausonia)
Hotel Ausonia is located in the center of Follonica, along the main promenade, where the beach is fine sand and very shallow -- not ideal for snorkeling directly off the shoreline. Por for snorkeling, so you'll have to head off in the bikes....
Torre Mozza (By Bike ~30 min / 8.5 km north): Ride north along the coastal pine forest path (to Parco della Sterpaia). Just off the beach lies a submerged ancient Roman road running parallel to the shore, creating a natural reef rich with sea bass, bream, and octopus.
Puntone / Cala Martina / Cala Violina (By Bike ~35 min / 9 km south): Head south towards Portiglioni/Cala Violina for rocky headlands and clearer waters. Cala Martina & Cala Felice are along the way after Puntone, before Cala Violina just past the Scarlino harbor. These are rocky coves rich in sea life and
Posidonia seagrass.
Snorkeling near San Vincenzo (Garden Toscana Resort)
The resort sits in front of the long, sandy dunes of Parco di Rimigliano. You'll have to bike to get to the nice snorkeling spots.
La Torraccia / Lo Stellino (By Bike ~20 min / 6 km south): Follow the shaded gravel cycle path through the pine woods south along Via della Principessa. At La Torraccia, a rocky outcrop called "Lo Stellino" sits right off the beach, offering great marine life among the rocks.
Golfo di Baratti (By Bike ~30 min / 9 km south): Continuing past Torraccia brings you to the Gulf of Baratti, where the rocky edges under the Populonia headland feature underwater seagrass meadows (
Posidonia) and varied marine life.
ELBA - Walking Distance snorkeing spots from Ferry Ports
Portoferraio: Walk 10–15 minutes (1 km) from the ferry pier to
Spiaggia delle Ghiaie or
Capo Bianco (20 min walk). Both sit inside a protected marine reserve established in 1971. It is famous for its white polished pebbles and turquoise water full of fearless fish. Note: "Lo Scoglietto" is the offshore islet within this reserve - you snorkel in the reserve off the beach, or take a boat/kayak to reach the islet itself.
Cavo: Walk 10–15 minutes north to
Capo Castello or
Cala delle Alghe, where rocky sea floors provide great visibility.
Rio Marina: Walk 10 minutes north to
Spiaggia del Porticciolo or south to
Sassi Neri / Luisi, where old iron-mining minerals give the seabed a unique metallic shimmer or the rocky coast surrounding
Spiaggia di Topinetti.
Buses on Elba & Bike Transportation in general
Autolinee Toscane (AT) buses connect all major towns (Line 117 links Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, and Cavo; Line 116 heads towards West Elba) on the island. It runs frequently in September as it is still high season.
Important: Standard bicycles are NOT allowed inside or on buses on Elba. If taking the bus, leave your bikes securely locked at the port or your accommodation.
I imagine you're moving to Follonica and to San Vincenzo and back to Piombino
by train -- make sure to pay for the
extra bike fee for the train, as it is required and not included in the standard fare. Most trains have a wagon at the end of the train with bike parking available but those often get full, so you might have to travel with the bike in the spaces you find.
Snorkeling Excursions in September in Elba
Yes, snorkeling boat excursions continue operating through September, though schedules become less frequent after mid-month.
From Portoferraio: Guided boat tours head directly to the Scoglietto Marine Reserve (operators like Freedome, Unicorno, or local diving centers).
From Cavo / Rio Marina: Centers such as EcoDiving Cavo Elba run boat excursions out to Isola dei Topi, Palmaiola Islet, and Sasso Rosso. Booking 1–2 days in advance is highly recommended.
Coastal Grottos Accessible from Land
Buca delle Fate (Mainland / near San Vincenzo): Located on the Piombino/Baratti promontory and you get there by bike+hike (~14 km bike ride from Garden Toscana Resort + a 20-minute downhill hike via Trail 301). It is a dramatic rocky cove with sea inlets and clear waters.
Capo Enfola & Sansone (Elba): Located west of Portoferraio (short bus ride or e-bike ride). Sansone features natural rock arches and small swim-through caves right at water level.
OK this took me a while to put together but hope it is helpful, let me know if you have more questions I can help with as you plan your trip.
Do you already have a place to stay at in Elba? make sure to book as soon as you can if you plan to make it there, and also look into the ferry schedule for the dates you're traveling.
