PAVLOS V (POSSIBLY) - Ustica

Ustica offers a lot, but for us, the Pavlos V is where it’s at. This isn't just a sunken ship; it’s a colossal piece of history, resting at a comfortable 30 metres. We love how the sheer scale of the tanker hits you. At 179 metres long, it’s an underwater city, colonised by everything from curious scorpionfish tucked into crevices to barracuda patrolling the deck. Dropping down, the bow looms first, then the vast midships stretch out into the blue. The fire that sank her in '78 left a dramatic, twisted landscape, especially around the engine room, which is our favourite area to poke around. You'll find crabs scuttling amongst the pipes, and often schools of damselfish flitting through the open hatches. We’d suggest a slow, methodical dive here to really appreciate the structure. The visibility in Ustica is usually excellent, making the Pavlos V a truly immersive experience, perfect for experienced wreck divers who appreciate a dramatic, historical site.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.041000, 12.508333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m

Marine Protected Area: Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani - area marina e terrestre

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 PAVLOS V (POSSIBLY)

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 PAVLOS V (POSSIBLY)

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