MICHELINA - Ustica

Michelina, off Ustica, is one of our favourite Mediterranean wrecks. She’s a proper old steamer, built way back in 1879, and when you drop down onto her, you really feel that history. We often see her bow pointing into the current, resting at 38 metres. What makes her special isn’t just the size-76.5 metres long-but how she’s come to life again. You’ll spend your whole bottom time swimming her length, passing cavernous holds and the skeletal remains of her superstructure. Look closely at the metalwork; you’ll find cracks and openings absolutely crammed with cardinalfish, their eyes reflecting your torch beam. Large groupers often patrol the deeper sections of the wreck, shy but curious, watching from the shadows. The light here can be incredible on a sunny day, shafts piercing the blue and highlighting the silty deck. It’s a dive for those who appreciate maritime history and the slow reclamation of the ocean. Just keep an eye on your depth and bottom time; 38 metres slips away quickly.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.196220, 15.232500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
38m

Marine Protected Area: Saline di Augusta

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 MICHELINA

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 MICHELINA

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