MARINETA - Ustica

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.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.499832, 16.583166
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
4m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Staletti

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 MARINETA

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 MARINETA

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