FULMAR TRADER (POSSIBLY) - Ustica

Okay, so the Fulmar Trader. What a beast. We love a good shipwreck, and this one, sitting upright in Ustica’s blue, is a proper dive. Drop down and you’re immediately enveloped by the scale of it. This isn't some scattered debris field, it’s a whole ship, almost 100 meters long, resting in the sand at 35 meters. The bridge area is our favourite, often swarming with schools of barracuda, their silver bodies flashing in unison as you approach. We’ve seen giant groupers here too, territorial old souls peering from shadowed doorways. Exploration is key; you can really get a sense of its past as a working vessel. We always recommend bringing a good torch. The deeper sections of the deck, even with Ustica’s generally good visibility, can feel quite moody, which adds to the atmosphere. While it’s deep, the lack of strong current here makes it approachable for confident advanced divers. Just keep an eye on your bottom time.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.159000, 13.377717
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
35m

Marine Protected Area: Capo Gallo

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 FULMAR TRADER (POSSIBLY)

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 FULMAR TRADER (POSSIBLY)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving the Fulmar Trader wreck?
The Fulmar Trader (Possibly) wreck is typically found at a depth of 35 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those comfortable with deeper wreck explorations.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to encounter at the Fulmar Trader dive site?
Divers exploring the Fulmar Trader (Possibly) can expect to encounter the substantial remains of a motor vessel, measuring 101.8m x 14m. This wreck, which sank in 1976 after a fire, is classified as a dangerous wreck, offering a unique historical exploration. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various marine species over time.
How challenging is the Fulmar Trader dive, and is it suitable for divers with an Open Water certification?
The Fulmar Trader (Possibly) dive is classified as intermediate difficulty. Given its depth of 35 meters, it is generally not suitable for divers holding only an Open Water certification, as this depth typically exceeds their recommended limits. Divers should possess advanced certifications and experience for this type of dive.
When is the optimal season or time of year to dive the Fulmar Trader for the best conditions?
The provided data does not specify an optimal season or time of year for diving the Fulmar Trader (Possibly) wreck. For general guidance on diving in Ustica Island, it's often best to consult local dive operators or refer to our When to Dive section for typical regional conditions.
What specific diving certifications are recommended or required to dive the Fulmar Trader?
To dive the Fulmar Trader (Possibly), which is an intermediate difficulty dive at 35 meters, an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent is highly recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training and experience for deeper wreck dives. Proper diving equipment and experience with similar conditions are also crucial.
What are the usual current conditions and underwater visibility at the Fulmar Trader dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the usual current conditions or underwater visibility at the Fulmar Trader (Possibly) dive site. Divers are advised to check with local dive centers in Ustica Island for real-time conditions before planning their dive.