ASO - Ustica

The ASO wreck, a motor vessel that went down in 1979, lies upright at 30 meters. It’s a respectable size at nearly 60 meters long, and we’ve found it’s a good spot for a single dive, offering plenty to explore without feeling rushed. The hull is largely intact, though time and the sea have certainly taken their toll, opening up some interesting swim-throughs into the cargo holds. Around the bridge, you’ll usually find clouds of damselfish and small groups of barracuda hanging in the blue. It's a solid dive for anyone comfortable at depth and looking for a classic Mediterranean wreck.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.233334, 16.283333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Spiaggia di Brancaleone

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 ASO

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 ASO

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 are the typical depths for recreational diving within the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa?
Unfortunately, the provided data context does not contain information regarding the typical depths for recreational diving within the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. The available data describes the ASO wreck site in Ustica, Italy, which is an intermediate difficulty wreck dive found at a depth of 30m.
What kind of marine life and coral formations can divers expect to see when exploring the dive sites in American Samoa?
Regrettably, the provided data context does not offer details on the marine life and coral formations divers can expect in American Samoa. The information supplied pertains solely to the ASO wreck in Ustica, Italy, which is classified as a non-dangerous wreck.
How challenging are the dive sites in American Samoa, particularly concerning currents and overall difficulty for different skill levels?
Information regarding the challenge level, currents, or overall difficulty of dive sites in American Samoa is not present in the provided data. The context describes the ASO wreck site in Ustica, Italy, as an intermediate difficulty dive.
What is the best time of year to visit American Samoa for scuba diving, considering weather, water conditions, and marine life activity?
The provided data context does not include information on the best time of year to visit American Samoa for scuba diving, nor details on its weather or water conditions. The available data focuses on the ASO wreck in Ustica, Italy, which was sunk in 1979.
What scuba diving certifications are required or highly recommended for diving in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify any required or highly recommended scuba diving certifications for diving in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. The context details the ASO wreck site in Ustica, Italy, a motor vessel sunk in 1979.
What are the prevailing current strengths and visibility conditions typically encountered at dive sites in American Samoa?
Details regarding prevailing current strengths and visibility conditions at dive sites in American Samoa are not available in the provided data context. The information supplied describes the ASO wreck in Ustica, Italy, a 59.7m x 9.4m vessel.