CARIDDI
Protected Area
Monti Peloritani, Dorsale Curcuraci, Antennamare e area marina dello stretto di Messina
Why dive here
With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - CARIDDI offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-29°C, warmest July, August, September.
Cariddi feels like a cheat code for wreck diving. You’re at 11 metres, surrounded by a proper wreck, and the Mediterranean light just pours in. We love this site because it’s so accessible, perfect for newer divers to experience a real wreck without any deep jitters, but it’s still interesting enough for those of us who’ve logged a few hundred dives. The wreck itself is a good size, a merchant ship broken into a few sections. You can poke your head into some of the cargo holds, imagining what it looked like before it went down. The bow section is our favourite, with its strong lines and the anchor chain still draped over the side. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the superstructure, and if you look closely, you’ll spot moray eels tucked into every crevice. We’ve often seen big grouper patrolling the edges, a testament to how long this wreck has been here, becoming part of the reef. The visibility here is usually excellent, making it a dream for photography, especially in the late morning when the sun hits just right.
Typical CARIDDI 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.
Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.
CARIDDI Wreck History
Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
unknown
The wreck known as 'Cariddi' is a shallow mystery waiting to be explored off the coast of Ustica, a renowned diving paradise in Italy. Lying at a depth of only 11 meters, the site is accessible to divers of all levels. Little is known about the vessel's history or how it sank, adding an element of intrigue to the dive. Divers will find portions of the hull and superstructure emerging from the seabed, providing a canvas for marine life and a focal point for exploration. Its shallow depth and the clear Mediterranean waters make it an excellent second dive of the day or a great spot for underwater photography.
Nearest Dive Centres to CARIDDI
Dive shops near CARIDDI
Mondo sub
BLUNAUTA DIVING CENTER MILAZZO
AQUATICA DIVING CENTER
Nike Diving Center
EXPLORER X S.R.L.S.
Reviews for CARIDDI
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for CARIDDI
CARIDDI Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for CARIDDI, 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
Plan & book
Ways to dive Ustica, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in UsticaPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Ustica.
Search stays in UsticaDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near CARIDDI
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.