HMT ARACARI - Ustica

The HMT Aracari is a brilliant little wreck, perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed dive in Ustica. We love that it’s so shallow, sitting at just 10 metres, which means plenty of bottom time to really soak it all in. You’ll find the remains of this old trawler spread out a bit, almost like a puzzle on the seabed, rather than a fully intact vessel. We think the best part is how the local fish have completely moved in. You’ll see schools of damselfish flitting through the metal frames and moray eels peeking out from beneath the larger sections of hull. It’s a fantastic spot for photographers, especially when the sun hits the sand just right, illuminating the wreck and the marine life around it. Head there in the late morning; the light is often spectacular. It’s an easy dive, suitable for pretty much anyone comfortable in the water, and a great way to experience a piece of history without the depth demands of some other sites.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.559166, 14.566667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
10m

Marine Protected Area: Arcipelago delle Eolie - area marina e terrestre

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 HMT ARACARI

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 HMT ARACARI

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