Plongée à Ustica — Italy

Ustica was Italy's first marine protected area (1986), and the decades of protection show — massive groupers approach divers without fear, and the volcanic topography creates caves, arches, and walls covered in colorful sponges. The Mediterranean visibility here regularly exceeds 30m.

Score
57.6
Visibilité
20–40m
Température
15–26°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
Back to directory
World Class
Intermediate
Ustica
ItalyMediterranean
57.6

SCORE

38.7000°N

13.1833°E

Ustica was Italy's first marine protected area (1986), and the decades of protection show — massive groupers approach divers without fear, and the volcanic topography creates caves, arches, and walls covered in colorful sponges. The Mediterranean visibility here regularly exceeds 30m.

Italy's First Marine Protected Area

Visibility20–40 m
Temperature15–26°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$70
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML56.0CH32.0VIS88.0SV42.0TMP50.0DA62.0OP73.0TS66.0GT48.0VAL60.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

56.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
80
Megafauna Encounters
0
Reef Fish Abundance
90
Macro Life
60
Endemic Species
55
Marine Life Diversity
56.0
Coral & Reef Health
32.0
Visibility & Conditions
88.0
Dive Site Variety
42.0
Water Temperature
50.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
66.0
Getting There
48.0
Value & Cost
60.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

wreckpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

snorkeling the marine reservehiking the island circuitArchaeological Museumswimming in natural poolssunset at Rocca della Falconiera

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Torre di Santa Maria
  • Villaggio Preistorico (Bronze Age village)
  • Rocca della Falconiera

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber60 km — ARNAS Civico Chamber, Palermo
Nearest Hospital5 km

Small clinic on island; hydrofoil to Palermo (1.5 hrs) for hospital and chamber; helicopter available

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Orca Diving Ustica

PADI

4.7
140 reviewsNITROX

Alta Marea Diving

SSI

4.6
100 reviewsNITROX