wreck

Log This Dive

JUPITER

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.