Bellatrix
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.
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
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.
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
Jonio Pro-Dive Catania
JALA A.S.D.
DNA DIVERS
A.S.D. JONICA DIVING SCHOOL
Sea Spirit Diving Resort
EXPLORER X S.R.L.S.
Reviews for Bellatrix
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)
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
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