TRABIA - Ustica

Trabia is one of our favourites in Ustica, a site that tells a story. This isn't some deep, technical wreck, but a shallow, accessible one, topping out at just 12 metres. We love it because it’s a living history lesson, the remains of an old merchant ship sunk in the 1940s. You can still make out the bow and stern sections, even some of the cargo holds, now colonised by a vibrant Mediterranean ecosystem. Swim through the skeletal remains of the hull, and you’ll find schools of damselfish flitting through the beams. Moray eels peek from shadowed crevices, and often, we spot octopus camouflaged against the encrusted metal. The light plays beautifully through the superstructure, especially in the late morning, painting shimmering patterns on the sandy bottom. It’s an easy dive, perfect for photographers or anyone who wants a relaxed exploration without feeling rushed by depth limits. We’d suggest going early to avoid any boat traffic, letting you really soak in the atmosphere.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.013134, 12.521350
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
1m

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 TRABIA

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 TRABIA

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