KERKIS (POSSIBLY) - Ustica

The Kerkis is a dive that always leaves us scratching our heads a little – in the best possible way. This isn't a deep dive, peaking at about four metres, but it’s a wreck that begs for a long, slow exploration. We love just how much of the ship is still here, considering it’s been down since 1976. You can trace the outline of its 103-metre length, making out the bow, the stern, and parts of the superstructure. What really gets us about the Kerkis is how the light plays on it. With it being so shallow, the sun filters through the surface, illuminating sections of the hull in shifting patterns. It’s a beautiful place to spend an hour, just finning gently along, peering into the shadows. We often spot schools of juvenile barracuda darting through the rusted metal, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a completely different vibe from Ustica’s deeper volcanic reefs, offering a tangible connection to the island’s maritime history. Our favourite time to visit is mid-morning, when the sun is high but the crowds haven't quite arrived yet.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.212532, 15.315667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Capo Milazzo

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 KERKIS (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 KERKIS (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