PIRANO - Ustica

The Pirano wreck at Ustica is one of those surprisingly satisfying dives, even though it barely drops below the surface. We’re talking five metres max, so it’s perfect for a long, relaxed potter, great for those newer to diving, or for photographers who want ample light. The tug sank back in '57, caught in a storm while trying to help another vessel, the Citta di Trapani. It’s a proper piece of history down there, a tangible link to Ustica’s maritime past. You’ll find the wreck broken, spread across the seabed, almost like a puzzle waiting to be reassembled in your mind. We love how the shallow depth means the Mediterranean light really penetrates, illuminating the structure. Look closely among the twisted metal and you’ll spot moray eels peeking out from crevices, their heads swaying. Octopus often cling to the hull, camouflaged against the rust, and schools of damselfish flit in and out of the skeletal remains. It’s an easy, rewarding dive, full of character.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.000000, 12.500000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

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 PIRANO

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 PIRANO

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