VETOR SECONDO - Ustica

Ustica offers some seriously good diving, and the *Vetor Secondo* is one of our favourite shallow wrecks. This old tanker ran aground back in '93, but time and weather have really transformed it. You’ll find the bow section completely out of the water, a stark, rusty reminder of its past, but slip beneath the surface and a whole new world opens up. The stern lies around five metres deep, perfect for a long, relaxed dive or even a snorkel. We love how the metal has softened with marine growth; it’s not jagged and broken, more like a lived-in reef. Look for schools of juvenile barracuda shimmering around the structure, darting in and out of the holds. The light quality here is incredible, especially mid-morning, with shafts piercing through the water column and illuminating vibrant nudibranchs clinging to the corroded hull. It’s an easy dive, suitable for anyone, and offers a fantastic chance to really get to know a wreck intimately without any depth concerns.

Location
Ustica, Italy, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.991665, 12.411667
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 VETOR SECONDO

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 VETOR SECONDO

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical maximum depth for recreational diving at Vetor Secondo?
The typical maximum depth for recreational diving at the Vetor Secondo wreck is 5 meters. This shallow depth makes it accessible for many divers, offering a unique opportunity to explore a historical tanker vessel.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Vetor Secondo?
Divers at Vetor Secondo can expect to explore the impressive remains of a tanker vessel, measuring 58.5m x 8.5m. This significant wreck, classified as showing a portion of its hull or superstructure, provides a fascinating underwater feature to discover. While specific marine life details are not provided, wrecks commonly serve as artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is diving at Vetor Secondo, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Vetor Secondo is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 5 meters is appealing, the intermediate rating suggests it might present certain challenges that make it less suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or experience. Divers should ensure they have the necessary skills for wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to dive at Vetor Secondo for optimal conditions and visibility?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions and visibility at Vetor Secondo is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on seasonal diving conditions in the Italy region, please refer to our When to Dive resource.
Are there any specific diving certifications required or recommended for diving at Vetor Secondo?
While the data does not explicitly state specific certification requirements for Vetor Secondo, its classification as an intermediate wreck dive suggests that divers should possess a foundational certification like Open Water Diver, along with good buoyancy control. For enhanced safety and enjoyment when exploring wrecks, a Wreck Diver specialty certification is highly recommended.
What are the typical current conditions and water visibility like at Vetor Secondo?
The provided data does not include specific details regarding the typical current conditions or water visibility at the Vetor Secondo dive site. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators in Ustica Island for the most up-to-date information on these conditions.