PRUDENZIA - Ustica

The Prudezia, a small motor vessel, rests upright at 28 meters just off Ustica’s coast. It’s not one of those massive freighters that feel like a labyrinth, but that's precisely why we love it. The wreck is compact enough to appreciate the entire structure on a single dive, its stern sitting slightly higher than the bow. Sunlight still reaches down, dappling the deck where nudibranchs often cling, their colours muted against the rust. What makes Prudezia a standout is the way the Mediterranean has completely reclaimed it. Barracuda often hover in shimmering schools just above the wheelhouse, and we've spotted moray eels peeking from every shadowed nook and cranny. Inside the hold, if you fin gently, you might disturb clouds of glassfish, their tiny bodies reflecting the light. Our favourite part? The propeller, still intact, encrusted with sponges and tube worms, a real testament to how quickly life takes over. This site is perfect for those who appreciate the quiet dignity of a wreck and the way marine life transforms man-made objects into new homes. Dive it first thing in the morning; the light is best, and you avoid any boat traffic.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.549187, 12.715430
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Marine Protected Area: Fondali di Capo San Marco - Sciacca

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 PRUDENZIA

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 PRUDENZIA

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