LCT 353 - Ustica

We’ve seen our share of WWII wrecks, but the LCT 353 in Ustica is a favourite for its sheer accessibility and the way the sea has reclaimed it. This isn’t a deep, dark dive, but a sun-drenched exploration of history. The landing craft sits in just five metres of water, perfect for a long, relaxed bottom time, even for newer divers. What you get here is a sense of time passing. The wreck itself is a skeletal structure now, a frame of metal that aircraft fire twisted back in '43. Sunlight streams through the openings where the deck once was, illuminating schools of damselfish that dart between the corroded bulkheads. You can easily swim through what remains of the tank deck, imagining the scene it once held. We love watching the moray eels peer out from under the collapsed plating – they’re almost always there, curious but shy. It’s a great spot for photographers too, especially in the late morning light when the shadows play across the metal and the water shimmers above.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.057056, 15.277778
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali del Plemmirio

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 LCT 353

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 LCT 353

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