Diving in Ustica

Explore 122 dive sites in Ustica, Italy. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Ustica

The warmest water temperatures in Ustica occur in January, averaging 15.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 15.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 15.5°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • February: 15.5°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • March: 15.5°C (air: 13.6°C)
  • April: 15.5°C (air: 15.0°C)
  • May: 15.5°C (air: 18.5°C)
  • June: 15.5°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 15.5°C (air: 26.4°C)
  • August: 15.5°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • September: 15.5°C (air: 24.9°C)
  • October: 15.5°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • November: 15.5°C (air: 18.6°C)
  • December: 15.5°C (air: 15.3°C)

Marine Life in Ustica

Home to 63 recorded species including 41 reef fish, 4 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 3 hard corals, 3 crabs & lobsters, 2 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Ustica

Ustica has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Ustica

Based on average water temperature of 15.5°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 15°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Ustica

  • Riserva naturale orientata/integrale Isola di Panarea e scogli viciniori - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Riserva naturale marina Isole Egadi - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Area marina protetta Isole Ciclopi - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Riserva naturale regionale delle Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Area marina protetta Isola di Ustica - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Riserva naturale orientata/integrale Isola di Stromboli e Strombolicchio - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Vendicari - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Riserva naturale integrale Isola di Lachea e Faraglioni dei Ciclopi - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Riserva naturale orientata Laghetti di Marinello - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Riserva naturale orientata Capo Gallo - Regional/Provincial Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Area naturale marina protetta Capo Gallo - Isola delle Femmine - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Plemmirio - Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance (Barcelona Convention) (IUCN Category Not Assigned)
  • Area marina protetta Plemmirio - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Fondali Scogli di Isca - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zona costiera fra Briatico e Nicotera - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Pizzo Calabro - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Capo Vaticano - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali Capo Cozzo - S. Irene - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Capo S. Giovanni - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Capo Spartivento - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Calanchi di Palizzi Marina - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fiumara Amendolea (incluso Roghudi, Chorio e Rota Greco) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa Viola e Monte S. Elia - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Spiaggia di Brancaleone - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Spiaggia di Pilati - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali da Punta Pezzo a Capo dell'Armi - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Scilla - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saline di Marsala - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dell'Arcipelago delle Isole Egadi - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali del Golfo di Custonaci - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dell'isola dello Stagnone di Marsala - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Capo Gallo - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dell'isola di Ustica - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Laguna di Oliveri - Tindari - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isola di Panarea e Scogli Viciniori - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isole di Stromboli e Strombolicchio - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Taormina - Isola Bella - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dell'Arcipelago delle Isole Eolie - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Capo San Marco - Sciacca - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isole dei Ciclopi - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Acicastello (Isola Lachea - Ciclopi) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Isola dei Porri - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali Foce del Fiume Irminio - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Brucoli - Agnone - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Vendicari - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dell'isola di Capo Passero - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa Viola - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Arcipelago delle Egadi - area marina e terrestre - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani - area marina e terrestre - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Monti Peloritani, Dorsale Curcuraci, Antennamare e area marina dello stretto di Messina - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Arcipelago delle Eolie - area marina e terrestre - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Biviere di Lentini, tratto mediano e foce del Fiume Simeto e area antistante la foce - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali del Plemmirio - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saline di Augusta - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Area marina protetta Capo Milazzo - Natural Marine Reserve and Natural Protected Marine Areas (IUCN Category IV)
  • Banchi di Marettimo - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali dello Zingaro - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Area Marina di Capo Passero - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Capo Zafferano - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Capo Milazzo - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Torre Salsa - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Saline di Augusta - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fondali di Isola delle Femmine - Capo Gallo - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Palinuro Seamount - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Ustica - Nearest Airports

  • Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), Catania - 87 km away, approx 110 min travel time
  • Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO), Palermo - 110 km away, approx 135 min travel time
  • Lamezia Terme Sant'Eufemia International Airport (SUF), Lamezia Terme (CZ) - 196 km away, approx 228 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions and visibility like for scuba diving in Ustica throughout the year?
While specific year-round visibility data is not provided, Ustica offers excellent diving conditions. The best water temperatures for diving are around 15.49°C, typically experienced during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. For more details on diving in Ustica, explore our comprehensive guide.
What kind of unique marine life can divers expect to see in Ustica, especially compared to other Mediterranean dive spots?
As Ustica is recognized as Italy's first marine protected area, it is known for its well-preserved underwater environment. While specific unique marine life species are not detailed in the provided data, divers can generally expect a vibrant ecosystem typical of protected Mediterranean waters. For a broader understanding of marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Which are considered the absolute best dive sites in Ustica, and what makes them stand out?
Ustica boasts 122 dive sites, offering a diverse range of underwater experiences for intermediate divers. Notable sites include the unique Ferdinandea volcano, a pinnacle dive, and numerous fascinating wrecks such as MICHELINA and TESEO. These sites highlight the island's rich volcanic geology and historical significance.
Is Ustica suitable for beginner scuba divers, or is it primarily for more experienced divers?
Based on the available information, the listed dive sites in Ustica are primarily categorized as 'intermediate' difficulty. This suggests that while beginners with proper training might find some areas suitable, the main attractions are geared towards divers with some experience. With 25 dive centres, there are likely options for various skill levels, but the prominent sites require intermediate certification.
What's the easiest way to get to Ustica for a diving trip, and what are the travel options from mainland Italy or Sicily?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not include specific information on travel options or the easiest way to get to Ustica from mainland Italy or Sicily. We recommend consulting local travel guides or contacting one of the 25 dive centres on the island for the most current transportation details.
When is the best time of year to go diving in Ustica to experience optimal conditions and marine life?
For optimal water temperatures, the best time to go diving in Ustica is during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3, when temperatures average 15.49°C. While specific marine life behavior patterns are not detailed, these months typically offer comfortable conditions for exploring the island's 122 dive sites. For more general advice on seasonal diving, visit our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific dive sites in Ustica that are particularly known for caves, wrecks, or unique geological formations?
Absolutely, Ustica, being a volcanic island, offers unique geological formations such as the Ferdinandea volcano, a prominent pinnacle dive. The island is also renowned for its numerous wreck sites, with over 20 listed, including popular dives like MICHELINA, TESEO, and CITTA DI SIRACUSA. These sites cater to intermediate divers seeking diverse underwater landscapes.
How do seasonal changes in Ustica affect the diving experience, such as water temperature and marine animal behavior?
Based on the provided data, the best water temperatures for diving in Ustica are consistently 15.49°C during Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. While specific details on how seasonal changes affect marine animal behavior are not available, divers can expect these months to offer comfortable conditions. For general information on seasonal diving impacts, consider exploring our When to Dive resource.