JUPITER - Ustica

The Jupiter wreck sits in the shallows just off Ustica’s northern coast, a real treat for a relaxed second dive or even a snorkel. This isn't a deep, challenging wreck, but we love it for its accessibility and the way the light plays on the structure. The tug went down in 1943, and after all these years, it's become a thriving home for all sorts of Mediterranean critters. You'll find the Jupiter's remains spread across a sandy bottom, broken but still recognisable. Sunlight filters through the water, illuminating schools of damselfish that dart in and out of the twisted metal. Look closely, and you'll spot moray eels peering from crevices, octopuses camouflaged against the hull, and vibrant nudibranchs grazing on the algae-covered sections. It's an excellent site for photographers, especially macro enthusiasts, given the abundant small life and the shallow depth allowing for longer bottom times. We'd suggest going in the late afternoon; the light is softer then, really bringing out the colours of the sponges and anemones that cling to the wreck.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.468555, 15.904512
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Zona costiera fra Briatico e Nicotera

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 JUPITER

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 JUPITER

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