10-30m
    Ustica, Italy
    Area marina protetta Isole Ciclopi

    Bellatrix

    Best months: Sep

    Protected Area

    Area marina protetta Isole Ciclopi

    Why dive here

    With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - Bellatrix offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-29°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeSep
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 60+ species recorded
    Water15-29°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 10-30m

    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.

    Typical Bellatrix Dive Profile

    5m10mSafety Stop0m10m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    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.

    Today06:0417:3011h 26m daylightGolden hour 16:55

    Bellatrix Wreck History

    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.

    Nearest Dive Centres to Bellatrix

    Dive shops near Bellatrix

    View all dive centres in Ustica

    Reviews for Bellatrix

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Bellatrix

    Bellatrix Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Bellatrix, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (38.1, 14.46) (15km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    24°C

    75°F · Range: 22.1–25.7°C

    Air Temperature

    22°C

    71°F

    Wind Speed

    7.27 m/s

    14.1 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1018.1 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Ustica, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Ustica

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Ustica.

    Search stays in Ustica

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Bellatrix

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Ustica