ARIADNE - Ustica

Ariadne is our pick for a shallow wreck dive in Ustica, perfect for getting a feel for the island’s history without needing to go deep. She’s a motor vessel, ran aground in ’79 after her engine failed in rough seas, and now lies broken up across the seabed at a consistent 8 metres. What we love about her is how accessible she is; you can spend a full hour just poking around the scattered hull plates and machinery. The stern section, though fairly broken, still gives you enough structure to imagine her former shape, with some large beams creating swim-throughs you can easily navigate. Sunlight filters down, illuminating clouds of damselfish that dart in and out of the darker spaces. You’ll spot moray eels tucked into the crevices, their heads peeking out, and we’ve often seen schools of barracuda hanging just off the wreck, silhouetted against the surface. It’s a site that proves you don’t need extreme depths for a compelling wreck dive, and it’s a great spot for photographers keen on natural light.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.233334, 15.233334
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
8m

Wreck History - ARIADNE

Year Sunk
1979
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm

On March 5, 1979, the motor vessel Ariadne was on a commercial passage from Cephalonia, Greece, to Barcelona, Spain. While navigating the waters near the volcanic island of Ustica, her engine failed, leaving her adrift and powerless against the building seas. The storm's relentless force pushed the helpless ship against a coastal breakwater, where it was battered and quickly sank. Fortunately, the incident was not a tragedy for those aboard; all seven crew members and one passenger were rescued safely.

Today, the wreck of the Ariadne rests in just 8 meters of water, making it a fantastic and accessible dive for all experience levels, including trainees and snorkelers. Its shallow depth allows for long, relaxed bottom times and excellent natural light, which illuminates the wreckage and the vibrant marine life that has claimed it. Divers can explore the scattered remains of the hull, now transformed into a thriving artificial reef within Ustica's famed marine protected area. It serves as a perfect introduction to the joys of wreck diving in the crystal-clear Mediterranean.

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 ARIADNE

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 ARIADNE

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