BYBLOS - Ustica

The Byblos is a peculiar wreck, sitting upright in just nine meters of water. We’re talking about a huge ship, 96 meters long, deliberately run aground in 1992. You drop onto the stern, which is surprisingly intact, and can swim forward along the deck. The light penetration here is fantastic, illuminating the growth that's taken over the metalwork. You’ll see damselfish darting between the railings, and sometimes a big grouper peeking out from under a plate. Our favorite part is the sheer scale of it, visible even from the surface. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best visibility, before any boat traffic stirs up the sand. It’s an easy dive, perfect for extended bottom times and a proper look around. For photographers, the way the sunlight slices through the water onto the superstructure creates some dramatic shots.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.182316, 13.224816
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
9m

Wreck History - BYBLOS

Year Sunk
1992
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The M/V Byblos began its life far from the warm Mediterranean waters where it now rests. Built in 1963 at the Krasnoye Sormovo shipyard in Gorky, Russia, it was originally a 'Baltiyskiy' class cargo vessel, a workhorse of the Soviet merchant fleet. After decades of service under various names, including Samar and Baltuyskiy, it was owned by the Capitol Shipping Co. for its final voyage. In November 1992, while en route from Fos, France, to Beirut, Lebanon, the ship was deliberately grounded on the shores of the island of Ustica.

Today, the Byblos offers a fantastic and incredibly accessible wreck dive. Lying in just 9 meters of water, the vessel is suitable for divers of all levels, and even snorkelers can get a commanding view from the surface. The deliberate grounding means the ship is largely intact and sits upright, making navigation straightforward. Divers can explore the ship's deck, peer into its cargo holds, and observe the rapid colonization by vibrant Mediterranean marine life, which has transformed this piece of Cold War history into a thriving artificial reef.

Marine Protected Area: Area naturale marina protetta Capo Gallo - Isola delle Femmine

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 BYBLOS

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 BYBLOS

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