1m
    Ustica, Italy
    Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani - area marina e terrestre

    PORTO PALO

    Best months: Sep

    Protected Area

    Stagnone di Marsala e Saline di Trapani - area marina e terrestre

    Why dive here

    With 60+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, sea turtles and sperm whales - PORTO PALO offers some of Ustica's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-29°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeSep
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Sea Turtles and Sperm Whales · 60+ species recorded
    Water15-29°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 1m

    Porto Palo isn't about deep exploration, which is immediately obvious from the data. You'll find it right at the surface, almost begging you to snorkel it on a calm day. This site is the scattered remains of a World War II cargo ship, pushed into the shallows long ago. The historical weight is palpable. We love how the metal ribs and plates have become an artificial reef, creating nooks and crannies for surprisingly robust life. The visibility here is often fantastic, letting the sunlight penetrate right to the bottom, illuminating the twisted metal. Look closely. We’ve spotted moray eels tucked into crevices, their heads peeking out, and schools of damselfish flitting amongst the wreckage. It's a wonderful spot for photographers who want to play with natural light and contrasting textures. While it's too shallow for proper diving, it's our favorite spot for a long, lazy snorkel, especially if you're keen on seeing history and marine life intertwine without the need for a tank. It’s perfect for a surface interval or for those not yet ready for deeper dives. Just be mindful of boat traffic, especially in peak summer months.

    Typical PORTO PALO Dive Profile

    Safety Stop0m1m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Safety Notes

    Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

    Today06:1517:4011h 25m daylightGolden hour 17:04

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for PORTO PALO

    PORTO PALO Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for PORTO PALO, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (38.1, 14.46) (15km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    24°C

    75°F · Range: 22.1–25.7°C

    Air Temperature

    22°C

    71°F

    Wind Speed

    7.27 m/s

    14.1 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1018.1 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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