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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths for scuba diving at Kerkis (possibly)?
The Kerkis (possibly) wreck site offers a shallow diving experience, with a typical depth of 4 meters. This makes it accessible for many divers to explore the remains of this historic motor vessel. You can find more details about this site on its DivePlnr page.
What marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to encounter at Kerkis (possibly) dive site?
The primary underwater attraction at Kerkis (possibly) is the wreck of a motor vessel, which sank on February 12, 1976. This substantial wreck, measuring 103m x 13.4m, offers a fascinating historical exploration for divers. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided data, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various marine life over time.
Is Kerkis (possibly) considered a difficult dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Kerkis (possibly) is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive site. While the depth is shallow at 4 meters, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests that divers should possess adequate experience and training for wreck diving. Divers should be comfortable with the challenges associated with exploring such sites.
When is the best time of year to dive at Kerkis (possibly) for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Kerkis (possibly) for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the region, you might consult resources on when to dive in Ustica Island, Italy.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for Kerkis (possibly) dive site?
Given that Kerkis (possibly) is an intermediate dive site and classified as a "Dangerous wreck," it is highly recommended that divers have appropriate training and certifications for wreck diving. While a basic open water certification might allow access due to the shallow depth, advanced wreck specialty training would be beneficial for safely exploring this site.
How strong are the currents and what is the typical visibility at Kerkis (possibly) dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the strength of currents or typical visibility at the Kerkis (possibly) dive site. Divers planning to visit this wreck should consult local dive operators for the most current conditions and forecasts.