Bellatrix - Ustica

Bellatrix isn’t just a wreck dive, it’s a history lesson resting on the seabed. We love pulling up to the buoy and knowing we're about to drop into something truly special. This isn't one of those perfect, intact wrecks, but a scattered field of wartime machinery that tells a story. You'll find yourself gliding over the remains of an old Liberty ship, torpedoed during World War II. The metal plates are draped in colourful sponges, and we always spot moray eels peering from the darker crevices. As you descend, the sheer scale of the debris becomes apparent. Twisted girders and broken sections of hull provide fantastic hiding spots. We’ve had incredible encounters here with large schools of barracuda, their silver bodies flashing as they swirl around the taller structures. The stern section is particularly interesting, with some of the larger machinery still discernible. Take your time to explore the various pieces, the smaller details are what make Bellatrix so captivating. It’s a dive that rewards slow, inquisitive exploration, perfect for divers who appreciate both history and the subtle beauty of a reef reclaimed by the sea.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.533134, 15.125771
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Bellatrix

Year Sunk
1971
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
storm
Tonnage
400 GRT

The Bellatrix was a small merchant cargo ship that met its fate in 1971. Caught in a violent storm while navigating the waters off the island of Ustica, the vessel was overwhelmed by the immense power of the Mediterranean Sea. Despite the crew's efforts, the Bellatrix foundered and sank, coming to rest on a sandy slope not far from the coast. Her loss was a tragedy of the sea, a common story for the many merchant vessels that have plied these ancient maritime routes for centuries.

Now, the Bellatrix is one of Ustica's most beloved wreck dives. Sitting in the famously clear waters of the marine reserve, the wreck begins at a depth of around 20 meters. Divers can explore the largely intact structure, swimming through the cargo holds and around the pilot house. The wreck has become a magnificent artificial reef, attracting large groupers, moray eels, and dense schools of damselfish. Its manageable depth and the vibrant life that surrounds it make the Bellatrix a classic Mediterranean dive, offering a perfect blend of history and nature.

Marine Protected Area: Area marina protetta Isole Ciclopi

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 Bellatrix

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 Bellatrix

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