ATALIA

Best months: Jan–Dec

Protected Area

Fondali dell'Arcipelago delle Isole Egadi

Why dive here

With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - ATALIA offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 15°C.

Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 60+ species recorded

Water15°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 5m

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.

Typical ATALIA Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:3518:5413h 20m daylightGolden hour 18:19

ATALIA Wreck History

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.