Scuba Diving in Ustica, Italy:
A Sea to Sky Adventure

Tucked away in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ustica is a small volcanic island with a big reputation among divers. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic underwater landscapes, and welcoming Sicilian culture, it offers a diving experience that feels both adventurous and authentic.

Just 60 km north of Palermo, the tiny volcanic island of Ustica is often called the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean. Declared Italy’s first marine reserve in 1986, Ustica has become a bucket-list destination for divers seeking crystal-clear water, dramatic volcanic seascapes, and thriving marine life.

At Sea to Sky, we design curated trips that blend underwater exploration with cultural discovery. In August 2025, I travelled with a small group of six divers – Martin and Sue from America, Bruce and Jo with their children Reg and Dotty, plus my wife Filomena and myself – to explore the best dive sites in Ustica with our trusted partners at Blue Diving Ustica.

Our underwater adventures were made seamless thanks to the excellent team at Blue Diving Ustica. With years of experience guiding divers around the island’s protected waters, their knowledge of local conditions and dive sites is second to none.

From day one, Alessandro and Davide welcomed us with warmth and professionalism, supported daily by Paolo and Elenor – truly one of the friendliest dive teams we’ve met.

Reg completed his Junior Open Water course and Dotty her Bubblemaker – both loved every minute, future divers in the making!

Highlights of diving with Blue Diving Ustica:

We especially appreciated their commitment to safety and conservation. As Ustica is a marine protected area, the team actively promotes eco-conscious practices, helping preserve the island’s underwater world for generations.

For any diver heading to Ustica, we can wholeheartedly recommend Blue Diving Ustica as the go-to dive operator.

During our week in Ustica, we stayed at the Hotel Stella Marina, a family-run hotel perfectly located in the heart of town. It was the ideal base — close to the dive centre, harbour, and plenty of restaurants.

Highlights included:

Evenings were spent wandering the piazza, eating gelato, or enjoying seafood pasta and Sicilian wine in nearby trattorias. Stella Marina felt more like a home than a hotel and played a big role in making the trip special.

We followed a schedule of two morning dives daily, with afternoons free to relax or explore the island. Some highlights:

17 August

• Punta dell’Arpa – Steep walls, swirling barracuda, pristine conditions.
• Cala Giacone – Rocky landscapes with octopus, moray eels, and nudibranchs.

18 August

• Punta Galera – Arches and swim-throughs formed by volcanic activity.
• Punta San Paolo – Colourful sponges, pelagics, and dramatic walls.

19 August

• Scoglio del Medico – A pinnacle teeming with life and hunting amberjacks.
• Secca della Colombara – Ustica’s signature site: groupers, barracuda, and endless biodiversity.

20 August

• Punta Galera (return) – So spectacular we had to dive it twice.
• Punta Falconiera – Walls, caves, and a surprise eagle ray.

21 August

• Punta Falconiera – Another chance to explore hidden corners.
• Punta San Paolo – The perfect way to end the trip.

Diving in Ustica offers:

• Unmatched visibility – often exceeding 30m.
• Volcanic seascapes – arches, pinnacles, caves, and drop-offs.
• Rich biodiversity – nudibranchs, scorpionfish, barracuda, groupers, amberjack.
• Protected waters – Italy’s first marine protected area ensures healthy ecosystems.

At Sea to Sky, we make it more than a dive trip – it’s a curated experience that balances diving with relaxation, Sicilian culture, and time with a small group of like-minded travellers.

The dive season in Ustica runs from May to October. In August we enjoyed:

• Warm water at 26°C.
• Visibility of up to 30m.
• Calm seas and ideal diving conditions.

Ustica is perfect for:

• Intermediate and advanced divers seeking adventure.
• Divers wanting a unique Italian destination.
• Those looking to combine Mediterranean diving with Italian culture and cuisine.

Scuba diving in Ustica offers the best of Mediterranean diving: volcanic landscapes, pelagic encounters, and a laid-back island vibe.

At Sea to Sky Curated Dive Adventures, we create tailored group dive holidays to destinations like Ustica, the Red Sea, the Philippines, and Mexico. Our trips are built on:

• Safety and professionalism.
• Comfort and eco-conscious travel.
• A sense of community and connection.

👉 Explore more of our Mediterranean diving trips or read our guides to Red Sea liveaboards and learning to scuba dive.

Our August 2025 diving adventure in Ustica was unforgettable — dramatic volcanic sites, rich marine life, and the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

From diving with Blue Diving Ustica, to staying at Stella Marina Hotel, and sharing the journey with our Sea to Sky guests, the trip captured everything we love about diving.

If you’re dreaming of a scuba diving holiday in Italy, make sure Ustica is at the very top of your list. It’s a destination that combines world-class diving with authentic Sicilian culture, creating memories both above and below the surface.

Planning your first (or next) dive trip to Ustica? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we’re asked:

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