ARTURO VOLPE - Ustica

The Arturo Volpe is a surprisingly accessible wreck, considering its size. She's a big old cargo steamer, 86 metres long, that ran aground in heavy weather back in '73. Now she sits with her bow in just ten metres of water, her stern pointing towards the deep. This shallow depth makes her a favourite of ours for a relaxed second dive or for divers who want the wreck experience without the nitrogen narcosis. We love finning along her deck, peering into the holds where schools of damselfish hover, glinting in the shafts of light. Her superstructure is still largely intact, offering easy penetration for those keen to explore – just be mindful of your buoyancy. Look out for moray eels tucked into crevices and big groupers patrolling the deeper sections of the stern. It's a proper shipwreck dive, but gentle enough for newer wreck enthusiasts. Go early to avoid the crowds, as it can get busy in summer.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.265667, 15.654333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Wreck History - ARTURO VOLPE

Year Sunk
1973
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The Arturo Volpe was a steamship built in 1950 in Flensburg, Germany. For over two decades, it served as a workhorse of the seas, transporting goods across the Mediterranean. In February 1973, while on a passage from Novorossisk, Russia, to Pozzuoli, Italy, the vessel's long career came to an abrupt end. It ran aground on the rocky northeastern coast of Ustica, a small island known for its clear waters and dramatic underwater topography.

Today, the Arturo Volpe rests in a shallow grave, with its highest point just 10 meters below the surface. This makes it an incredibly accessible and popular dive site, perfect for novice divers and those on their second dive of the day. The wreck is broken into two main sections, allowing divers to easily explore its decaying structure. Over the years, it has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, teeming with damselfish, groupers, and moray eels that have made the ship's rusted hull their home.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Scilla

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 ARTURO VOLPE

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 ARTURO VOLPE

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth for diving the Arturo Volpe wreck?
The maximum depth for diving the Arturo Volpe wreck is 10 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Arturo Volpe dive site?
Divers exploring the Arturo Volpe wreck can expect to see the remains of a substantial steam ship, measuring 86.3m x 13.1m. This vessel, built in 1950 and sunk in 1973, still shows portions of its hull and superstructure. Specific details about marine life are not provided in the current data for this site.
How challenging is the Arturo Volpe wreck dive considered to be?
The Arturo Volpe wreck dive is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. This classification suggests it's suitable for divers with some experience beyond entry-level.
What diving certifications are required to dive the Arturo Volpe wreck?
While the Arturo Volpe wreck dive is rated as intermediate difficulty, specific certification requirements are not detailed in the provided data. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is a prerequisite for most dives, but it's always best to consult with local dive operators in Ustica Island for precise requirements.
Are there strong currents at the Arturo Volpe dive site, and how do they affect the diving conditions?
The provided data for the Arturo Volpe dive site does not include information regarding the presence or strength of currents. Therefore, we cannot comment on how currents might affect diving conditions at this specific wreck. Divers should always check current conditions with local dive centers before planning their dive.
What are the optimal conditions or time of year to dive the Arturo Volpe wreck for the best visibility?
The available data for the Arturo Volpe wreck does not specify optimal conditions or the best time of year for visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section, but local knowledge from dive operators in Ustica Island would be most accurate for this specific site.