ARIANNA - Ustica

Arianna, now she's a different sort of wreck dive. You're not going deep here, she’s practically in a bathtub, sitting at a maximum of three metres. This ex-American minesweeper, later a motor vessel, caught fire and was beached just east of Palermo Harbour entrance back in 1980. Our favourite thing about her is the sheer accessibility – grab a mask and snorkel if you like, though we always prefer a tank for a closer look. What you'll find is a surprisingly intact hull, softened by decades of growth. Sunlight filters right through, illuminating schools of juvenile damselfish flitting through rusted portholes. We've spent ages just watching octopus disappear into crevices, their eyes following us as we fin gently by. It’s an incredibly tranquil experience, perfect for photographers wanting to play with ambient light or new divers getting their first taste of a genuine wreck. Just watch out for the occasional curious sea urchin clinging to the metal.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.116665, 13.383333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
3m

Wreck History - ARIANNA

Year Sunk
1980
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
fire

The Arianna had a history of service long before her dramatic end. Originally built as a tough and resilient American minesweeper, she was designed to clear dangerous naval minefields. After her military career, she was sold into civilian service and, by 1980, was owned by Mediterranea Recuperi Srl. On August 4th of that year, while on a short voyage from Trapani to Palermo, disaster struck. A fire ignited onboard and quickly grew beyond the crew's control.

A rescue attempt was made to tow the burning vessel to safety, but the damage was too extensive. The crew was forced to beach the Arianna just east of Ustica, where she was consumed by the flames and sank. Lying in an incredibly shallow 3 meters of water, the wreck is now a prime site for snorkelers and those taking their very first breaths underwater. Sunlight floods the site, revealing the skeletal remains of the former warship, which now provide a home for small fish and crustaceans, offering a unique and accessible glimpse into maritime history.

Marine Protected Area: Capo Gallo

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 ARIANNA

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 ARIANNA

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