Beautiful rocky island located 30 miles (50 km) north of Palermo, « the black pearl of the Mediterranean », nicknamed so because of its volcanic nature, holds many surprises for divers and snorkelers seeking still virgin shores.What happens under the water…Since 1986, the clear waters of Ustica have been protected by a marine conservation area within which about twenty sites are accessible to divers of all levels.
– On the eastern coast, the Doctor’s Rock is renowned for its spectacular canyons and its underwater tunnel 70 meters long! Groupers, amberjacks, black bream, corbs, and other barracudas constantly patrol the area.
– Further north, the Colombier Shoal starts at a depth of 3 meters. The walk along the eastern drop-off, considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, is animated by barracudas, dentexes, and imperial breams that evolve along a canyon literally carpeted with yellow anemones. As for the morays and forkbeards, they try to stay discreet inside the numerous excavations.
– Another site not to be missed, Punta Galera and the Shrimp Cave : there, experienced divers can enter, at a depth of 42 meters, one of the best-known caves in the Mediterranean. Its 130-meter-long traverse gives a glimpse of what cave diving can be like. Inside, an exceptional concentration of thousands of shrimps ( Parapanduladus narval ) awaits visitors, accompanied by lurking forkbeards, lobsters, and slipper lobsters clinging to the ceiling. In short, a real underwater paradise for divers!
… and on landOn the surface, 1300 inhabitants live, most in the charming white houses of the only village. « Get lost » in the narrow streets and sit on a terrace to enjoy a local wine (in moderation!). Hop on a bicycle (or a scooter for the lazier ones) and leisurely explore the 9 km circuit around the island. Visit the pink cave, named for the pink algae covering its walls, and stop near the Punto Spalmatore lighthouse to swim in natural pools surrounded by rock. Looking for adventure? You can climb Mount Guardia di Mezzo, which peaks at 248 meters, on a mountain bike.In practice
Best time to visit : from May to October.Water temperature : from 14°C in winter to 25°C in summer. 5 mm wetsuit.Minimum level required : from beginner to advanced.Address : the resort Profondo Blu offers self-catering studio or two-room apartments. French-speaking welcome and family-friendly atmosphere.Getting there : Ustica is connected to Sicily by a ferry service. There are several direct flights from France to Palermo. Reach the port by bus or taxi, the crossing takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.Prices : Expect to pay from 1000 € to 1500 € per week all-inclusive (10 dives) depending on the type of accommodation and the season.He takes you there : Ultramarina.
For more information : www.visitustica.it
