MARINETA

Best months: Sep

Protected Area

Fondali di Staletti

Why dive here

With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - MARINETA offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-29°C, warmest July, August, September.

Best timeSep

WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit

Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 60+ species recorded

Water15-29°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 4m

Marineta, just off Ustica’s coast, isn’t your typical deep wreck dive. We’re talking shallow, really shallow, barely 4 metres at its deepest point. This is the bow section of the *Alaya M*, a large cargo vessel that went down back in ‘93. We love it because it’s so accessible, a perfect introduction to wreck diving, or just a really relaxing second dive of the day. Even though it’s shallow, there’s plenty to explore. The metal hull is encrusted with sponges and a surprising amount of soft coral for the Med. You can swim right over the deck, spotting damselfish darting in and out of the corroded superstructure. On a sunny day, the light filters through the water, creating these shimmering patterns on the wreck, almost like it’s still moving. It’s usually calm here, but if there’s a westerly chop, it can stir up a bit of sediment. Our favourite time to visit is late morning, after the initial rush, when the sun is high and you get the best visibility. This site really shines as a macro spot, so bring your camera and keep an eye out for nudibranchs tucked away on the metal.