AMICIZIA
Protected Area
Saline di Augusta
Why dive here
With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - AMICIZIA offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 15°C.
Amicizia isn't your average Mediterranean wreck. This old cargo ship, sunk intentionally in the 1980s, sits upright and largely intact at a comfortable 17 metres. It’s an ideal spot for anyone who wants a relaxed dive, maybe even their first wreck, without sacrificing character. We love how the deck is still open in places, letting you peer into what were once holds, now just dark pockets where groupers hide. The best time to dive Amicizia is mid-morning, just as the sun gets high enough to really illuminate the bridge and bow. You’ll often find schools of damselfish shimmering around the mast, and we’ve seen some surprisingly large moray eels tucked into crevices along the hull. Look closely at the deck plating; it's practically encrusted with colourful sponges and small anemones. The wreck also sits on a sandy bottom, so if you're patient, you might spot an octopus camouflaged near the stern. It's a gentle dive, perfect for just cruising around, soaking in the history, and enjoying the way the light plays through the structure.
Typical AMICIZIA Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
AMICIZIA Wreck History
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown
Resting in the famously clear waters of Ustica, the wreck known as the Amicizia is an accessible and intriguing dive. Lying at a shallow depth of just 17 meters, the history of this vessel and the story of its sinking are largely a mystery. Its name, Italian for "friendship," offers a poignant contrast to its fate. While its identity is uncertain, it is believed to be a cargo vessel that met its end under unknown circumstances. Today, its hull and superstructure are a playground for divers of all levels, offering a fantastic introduction to wreck diving in the Mediterranean. The structure has become a thriving artificial reef, attracting schools of damselfish, curious octopus, and other local marine life that have made this friendly wreck their home.
Nearest Dive Centres to AMICIZIA
Dive shops near AMICIZIA
GESTIONE MARE DIVING & CHARTER
Jonio Pro-Dive Catania
JALA A.S.D.
DNA DIVERS
A.S.D. JONICA DIVING SCHOOL
Reviews for AMICIZIA
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for AMICIZIA
AMICIZIA Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for AMICIZIA, sourced from NOAA buoy data - nearest station: Open-Meteo grid (38.72, 13.18) (0km away)
August Averages
Sea Temperature
15.49°C
60°F
Air Temperature
27°C
81°F
Wind Speed
5.68 m/s
11.0 knots
Atmospheric Pressure
1013.3 hPa
Based on 5 years of monitoring data · Data sources: NOAA NDBC
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