ATALIA - Ustica

Atalia, just off the coast of Ustica, is a beautiful, accessible wreck, perfect for divers who appreciate history without needing extreme depths. What you see now are the distributed remains of a steamship, sunk in 1917, scattered across a shallow seabed. It’s less about penetration and more about an archaeological wander through history, with fragments of the ship’s structure, plates, and machinery spread out in an almost artistic fashion. We love how the light plays on the metal, even at this shallow depth, and the way the sea has reclaimed it. You’ll find plenty of life making these metal bones their home. Expect to see vibrant damselfish darting between the pieces, small scorpionfish camouflaged against the rust, and often, a moray eel peeking from a sheltered spot. Because it’s so shallow, around 5 meters, it's a fantastic site for extended bottom times and ideal for photographers, or just for leisurely exploration. Our favourite part is spotting the unexpected, like an old porthole frame half-buried in the sand. We’d suggest going in the morning; the water is usually calmer then, and the light is just perfect for illuminating the wreck's every detail.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.934166, 12.254167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - ATALIA

Year Sunk
1851
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
unknown

Lying in the crystal-clear waters off the island of Ustica, the remains of the ATALIA are a portal to a bygone era of maritime travel. This steamship met its end in June 1851, a time when steam power was revolutionizing global trade and travel. The specific circumstances of its sinking are lost to history, but its scattered remains tell a story of a vessel that has rested on the seabed for over 170 years, slowly being reclaimed by the Mediterranean.

At a shallow depth of just 5 meters, the ATALIA is an incredibly accessible dive, perfect for beginners, snorkelers, and photographers who can take advantage of the abundant natural light. Don't expect an intact ship; this is an archaeological dive site. Divers can explore a wide field of wreckage, including hull plates, machinery, and other fragments of the 19th-century vessel. The site is now a vibrant habitat for local marine life, with colorful fish darting between the historic remnants, creating a beautiful juxtaposition of history and nature.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali dell'Arcipelago delle Isole Egadi

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 ATALIA

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 ATALIA

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