BIRILLO
Protected Area
Fondali di Taormina - Isola Bella
Why dive here
With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - BIRILLO offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-29°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Birillo, a tug sunk deliberately in 1955, lies quietly off Ustica’s coast, making for a truly special deep dive. It’s not just a pile of metal; this wreck has become a proper home for the local residents. We love dropping down onto her decks, the structure still very much intact, despite the decades underwater. As you descend, the visibility often plays tricks, creating an almost eerie approach, then suddenly she’s there, a dark silhouette against the blue. It’s a dive that rewards good buoyancy and a calm approach. The bow points towards shore, and you can explore the wheelhouse and engine room, if you're qualified and careful. Our favourite part is lingering around the stern, where damselfish and sea bream dart in and out of the rust-coloured metal. Keep an eye out for moray eels tucked into every crevice; they’re often curious. This isn't a dive for beginners, but for experienced wreck divers, the Birillo offers a real sense of history and discovery, especially in the quieter morning hours before the boat traffic picks up.
Typical BIRILLO Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Maximum depth 55m exceeds recreational limits (40m). Technical diving certification and equipment required.
Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
BIRILLO Wreck History
Year Sunk
1955
Vessel Type
tugboat
Cause
unknown
For the technically trained diver, the wreck of the tugboat Birillo offers a compelling deep dive in the famously clear waters of Ustica, Italy. The vessel sank in May 1955 and now rests upright on a sandy seabed at 55 meters. This depth puts it beyond the reach of recreational divers, preserving it for those with the skills and equipment to explore safely. The Birillo is a small but fascinating wreck, with its powerful, compact shape still clearly discernible.
Descending through the deep blue of the Mediterranean, divers will see the tugboat emerge from the depths below. Its deck, wheelhouse, and towing equipment provide plenty of features to investigate. The clear water offers fantastic visibility, and the wreck is often patrolled by large amberjacks and dentex. As a non-dangerous wreck, it presents a straightforward and deeply rewarding technical dive that combines a piece of mid-century maritime history with the stunning marine environment of the Ustica marine reserve.
Nearest Dive Centres to BIRILLO
Dive shops near BIRILLO
Sea Spirit Diving Resort
EXPLORER X S.R.L.S.
Nike Diving Center
A.S.D. JONICA DIVING SCHOOL
DNA DIVERS
JALA A.S.D.
Reviews for BIRILLO
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for BIRILLO
BIRILLO Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for BIRILLO, 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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