Scuba-sites in Italy

Ustica (Sicilia)

Diving in Ustica

The sea of Ustica, full of big and small rocks, is particularly suited for diving and underwater photo. The reefs with their caverns and shoals entertain an endless variety of fishes and of shellfishes and the rays of sun filtering through the clear waters form fantastic plays of light in the hollow of the caves. J. Y. Cousteau told that Ustica was one of most beautiful Islands he has never seen. A particular mention deserves the first Archaeological submarine Museum: a run along underwater reefs placed at - 10,- 20 m. Ustica is a Marine Reserve.

The Exhibition

The international Exhibition of Submarine Activities is the greatest event of the season. Since 1959 it has been a recurrent appointment for researchers, scientists and divers from all over the world. Within the Exhibition, Ustica gives hospitality to important sports events, meetings and exhibitions on archaeology, underwater photography, cinema and television, specialized publishing trade and sectorial figurative arts, as well as to specialistic stages on submarine subjects. Since the second edition of the Exhibition, several personalities from different parts of the world, conspicous for important activities and for their love for the sea and its secrets, have been awarded the prize "Tridente d'Oro" every year. Since 1984 the island has been the centre of the international Academy of Submarine Sciences and Techniques, formed by all the winners of the "Tridente d'Oro" to carry out studies and researches on the various interdisciplinary areas of submarine activities.

How to get to Ustica.

Ustica is connected to Palermo by motor-ships and hydrofoils: the crossing lasts 2.45 hr. and 1.15 hr. respectively. The motor-boat service takes place daily in summer, five days in seven in winter. In summer the island is also a port of call for hydrofoils in their course from Napoli. In Palermo motor-ships and hydrofoils sail from the Maritime Stationquay Vittorio Veneto, while at Ustica they berth in the port facing east which is fit for small and medium tonnage boats with not more than five meters draught.

More informations on Ustica (in italian).

Back to Sicilia

Chart of USTICA with some dive sites:

A Zone: Integral marine reserve. Sailing, drop anchor and fishing are absolutely forbidden. Diving is allowed only in two zones reacheable by land.
B Zone: General marine reserve. Diving, U/W photograpy and sailing are allowed. Fishing is forbidden.
C Zone: Partial marine reserve. Fishing is allowed (without SCUBA).

List of some dive-sites:

1: Archaeological Museum (start) (max depth -20m)
2: Punta dell'Arpa (max depth -45m)
3: Grotta dei gamberi (max depth -42m)
4: Grotta della Falconiera (max depth -25m)
5: Punta Omo Morto (max depth -15m)
6: Submerged reef of Colombara (max depth -42m)
7: Reef and tunnel of Medico (max depth -30m)

Reports on Diving at Ustica (in english & italian).

Diving Centers:

1:Profondo Blu
(PADI)
via Cristoforo Colombo
90010 Ustica (PA)
Tel/Fax +39 91 8449600/609/433

2:Diving World Ustica
Hotel Stella Marina
90010 Ustica (PA)
Tel +39 6 8077469
Fax +39 6 8088990

3:Barracuda Diving Center Ustica
(ANIS, CMAS, FIAS, FIPS, PADI, SSI)
Villaggio Punta Spalmatore
90010 Ustica (PA)
Tel/Fax +39 91 8449132

Katuma diving center
via Petriera 7
90010 Isola di Ustica (PA)
Tel. +39 0918 449216, 0380 8449216

Hyperbaric Chambers:

Centro Iperbarico Ospedale Civico
via Petriera
Ustica
Tel. 091 8449.380/.369