CAPITANO ANTONIO - Ustica

The Capitano Antonio is one of Ustica's true standout dives, not just because it’s a wreck, but because of how it rests. You drop onto the stern, which sits upright at 26 metres, a silent sentinel in the blue. This isn't just a pile of metal; it’s a proper motor vessel, sunk in 1968, and the story of its fate feels palpable as you fin past the bridge. We love that you can still make out so much of its original structure – the wheelhouse, the cargo holds – all now cloaked in a beautiful tapestry of Mediterranean sponges and colourful encrusting corals. Our favourite part is always the bow, which collapsed onto its port side. It creates these fantastic caverns and swim-throughs, perfect for spotting groupers lurking in the shadows. Look closely, and you’ll often find scorpionfish camouflaged against the rust, or playful octopuses peeking from crevices. Visibility here is usually excellent, often pushing 30 metres, which lets you appreciate the entire scene as you descend. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light filtering through the water onto the wreck is just something else. It's a dive that really suits those who appreciate both history and healthy marine life, offering a tangible link to the past while buzzing with present-day ocean activity.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.526268, 16.590300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
26m

Wreck History - CAPITANO ANTONIO

Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The history of the Capitano Antonio is shrouded in the murky depths it now calls home. This motor cargo vessel met its end on the rugged coastline of Ustica, near the point known as Punta Omo Morto. While the exact year of its sinking is not well-documented, it is widely believed the ship was caught in a violent storm. Laden with a heavy cargo of large marble blocks, it was driven onto the rocks and sank, spilling its valuable payload onto the seabed.

Today, the Capitano Antonio offers a fascinating dive into a submerged time capsule. The wreck lies at a depth of 26 meters, broken into two main sections with the bow and stern resting apart. Divers can explore the skeletal remains of the hull, now draped in sponges and soft corals. The most unique feature of the dive is the scattered cargo of white marble blocks, which create a stark, almost surreal contrast against the dark volcanic rock of the seabed. The wreck is a popular haunt for moray eels, groupers, and schools of damselfish, making it a classic Ustica dive site.

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Staletti

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 CAPITANO ANTONIO

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 CAPITANO ANTONIO

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