VERCELLI - Tabarka

The Vercelli, near Tabarka, is one of our favourite Mediterranean wrecks. She was a steamer, sunk in 1943, and lies at a very manageable 15 metres. We love how accessible she is; it’s a brilliant site for newer wreck divers, but still interesting enough for those who’ve spent a lot of time poking around sunken ships. Her sheer size is impressive, a full 100 metres long, and you can swim alongside the hull, feeling the cool shadow it casts. Look into the cargo holds; we've seen schools of juvenile barracuda shimmering there, catching the light from above. The superstructure is a jumble, home to moray eels peering out from gaps and octopus tucked away in crevices. Sometimes, if you hit it right with the thermocline, you get these incredible light rays cutting through the water and illuminating the bow. It’s not a vibrant coral garden, but the sense of history is palpable, and the marine life that has claimed her is fascinating to observe. We'd suggest going in late morning; the light penetration is usually best then.

Location
Tabarka, Tunisia, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.200000, 10.283333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
15m

Marine Protected Area: Lagune de Ghar El Melh et delta de la medjerda

Best Time to Dive in Tabarka

The warmest water temperatures in Tabarka occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.5°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.8°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 18.8°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 22.7°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 26.7°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 25.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 22.6°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 16.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Tabarka

Nearest Dive Centres to VERCELLI

Marine Life in Tabarka

Home to 162 recorded species including 104 reef fish, 20 sharks & rays, 7 octopus & squid, 6 other, 5 whales & dolphins, 4 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for VERCELLI

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°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 depth range for recreational scuba diving in Vercelli?
The Vercelli wreck in Tabarka, Tunisia, is situated at a depth of 15m. This makes it an accessible dive for many recreational divers. As a sunken steam ship vessel, it offers a unique exploration opportunity at this depth.
What kind of marine life or underwater features can divers expect to see in Vercelli's dive sites?
Divers exploring Vercelli will primarily encounter the impressive structure of a sunken steam ship vessel. This wreck, measuring 100.9m x 14.3m, offers a fascinating underwater feature to explore. Our current data does not specify particular marine life, but wrecks often become artificial reefs attracting various species over time.
How would you rate the difficulty of diving in Vercelli for beginners versus experienced divers?
Diving the Vercelli wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. While experienced divers will find it a rewarding exploration, its classification as a "Dangerous wreck" suggests it might present challenges beyond a typical beginner's comfort level. Beginners should gain more experience before attempting this site.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Vercelli for optimal conditions?
Specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions at Vercelli is not provided in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive section. Local dive operators can also provide up-to-date seasonal recommendations.
Are there any specific diving certifications required to dive in Vercelli, beyond standard Open Water?
While our data does not explicitly state specific certifications required beyond standard Open Water for Vercelli, its classification as an "intermediate" and "Dangerous wreck" dive suggests that advanced certifications, such as Advanced Open Water or Wreck Diver, would be highly beneficial. Always dive within your training and experience limits to ensure safety.
What are the typical water currents and visibility conditions like at Vercelli's dive locations?
Our current data context does not provide specific details regarding the typical water currents or visibility conditions at the Vercelli dive site. Divers should always consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions before planning their dive. Understanding these factors is crucial for a safe and enjoyable wreck dive.