AMICIZIA - Ustica

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.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.215668, 15.215834
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
17m

Wreck History - AMICIZIA

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.

Marine Protected Area: Saline di Augusta

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Ustica

Nearest Dive Centres to AMICIZIA

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for AMICIZIA

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