Rigoletto Wreck - Ustica

The Rigoletto Wreck just off Ustica is one of those Mediterranean dives that really sticks with you. It's a cargo ship, sunk during World War II, lying broken in two pieces, which always makes for interesting exploration. We usually descend right onto the main section, where the bow points towards the shore, and you can already feel the history settling around you. The wreck itself is a playground for divers. Penetrating the holds is possible if you're comfortable in overhead environments, and we’ve spent many minutes finning through the darker spaces, imagining the cargo it once carried. Sunlight filters through gaps in the hull, illuminating schools of tiny silversides that flicker like disco balls. Outside, moray eels are almost guaranteed, peeking from every crevice, and the resident groupers aren't shy about checking you out. Look for the nudibranchs too; they add splashes of vibrant colour against the rusted metal. What we love about the Rigoletto is how accessible it feels, yet still offers enough complexity for seasoned divers. The water here is usually incredibly clear, so the visibility allows you to take in the sheer scale of the wreck, even from a distance. It's an ideal dive for anyone who appreciates maritime history woven into a thriving artificial reef. Try to hit it in the morning before any wind picks up, the light really brings out the textures of the encrusted metal.

Location: Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 38.186275, 15.567659
Type: wreck

Marine Protected Area: Monti Peloritani, Dorsale Curcuraci, Antennamare e area marina dello stretto di Messina

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)

Nearest Dive Centres to Rigoletto Wreck

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

loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
Salema (Sarpa salpa) - Reef Fish
Wrasse (Coris julis) - Reef Fish
Ornate Wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) - Reef Fish
Painted Comber (Serranus scriba) - Reef Fish
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - Reef Fish
mauve stinger (Pelagia noctiluca) - Jellyfish
Blue-white Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) - Whales & Dolphins
Damsel fish (Chromis chromis) - Reef Fish
Scarlet Coral (Balanophyllia (Balanophyllia) europaea) - Hard Corals
Garrupa (Serranus cabrilla) - Reef Fish
Bushy Coral (Cladocora caespitosa) - Hard Corals
Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense) - Reef Fish
Mediterranean tapeweed (Posidonia oceanica) - Seagrass & Algae
Sunset cup coral (Leptopsammia pruvoti) - Hard Corals
Common Spiny Lobster (Palinurus elephas) - Crabs & Lobsters
Yellow Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) - Reef Fish
Pink Sea Fan (Eunicella verrucosa) - Soft Corals
Boarfish (Capros aper) - Reef Fish
Bellowfish (Macroramphosus scolopax) - Reef Fish

Recommended Packing List for Rigoletto Wreck

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