PALMAGOLA - Ustica

Palmagola isn't about crushing depth or colossal pelagics; it’s a dive into a piece of history, right there in the shallows. This isn't just another wreck, it's a gunboat from World War II, broken into sections and scattered across a sandy seabed, lying at a ridiculously accessible 7 metres. We absolutely love that you can spend a solid hour just exploring the different pieces – a boiler here, a propeller shaft there, all slowly being reclaimed by the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal site for anyone who enjoys pottering about, really looking at the details. Look closely and you'll spot moray eels peering out from cracks, octopus camouflaged against the rust, and schools of damselfish flitting through the skeletal remains. Visibility here is usually fantastic, often pushing 25 metres, and the light play through the broken hull sections is just beautiful. Our tip? Go early in the morning before any boat traffic kicks up the sand. It’s a gentle, reflective dive, perfect for long bottom times and close-up photography.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.061500, 15.285277
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

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 PALMAGOLA

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 PALMAGOLA

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