Scuba Diving in Ustica Island with Mare Nostrum Diving

MareNostrumDiving in Ustica

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Mare Nostrum Diving Ustica �� Via Cristoforo Colombo, 24 – 92010 Ustica (PA) �� +39.329.1698697, +39.330.792589

Ustica Island

Ustica island is located 36 marine miles north from Palermo (Sicily), solitary and surrounded by a deep sea. Because if the colour of its volcanic rocks Ustica is also named as the "Black Pearl of the Mediterranean", decorated by picturesque and multicoloured

landscapes given by its jagged coastline rich of grottoes and bays. The inland is characterized by hill-areas, such as the Falconiera area which allows a astonishing view, and by plains as well as a coastal area with a various presentation. Although it might appear quite small - but not too little (8,6 km2) - the island offers to the visitors distractions all year around and represents the ideal place for a vacation in relaxation and

peacefulness.

The coastline is embellished by caves, inlets and bays which deserve to be visited in each point. The Azur Grotto is a half-submerged cavity with crystal waters and walls decorated by sponges of various shapes and charming colours; the Pastizza Cave and the Academy Cave have a tunnel almost on the surface which brings to several dark grottoes with typical

organisms; the Green Cave is characterized by the colour of the Briozoi colonies. The Natural Pool created by the volcanic structure and Sidoti Bay, which is the restricted area of the natural marine park, are just a few of the pleasant bathing places.

Ustica is protected by a Natural Marine Reserve established in 1986. It is divided in 3 areas, depending on the level of protection, in order to limit or avoid fishing and navigating.

The Reserve is equipped with a marine laboratory, a scientific and popularizing aquarium, an information point, a sightseeing boat and a museum. The depths of Ustica present an underwater flora and fauna absolutely unique in the Mediterranean, and sometimes even tropical for certain point of views.

Diving in Ustica or just snorkelling can be a singular and an

unforgettable experience; the underwater environment is a sight of incessant life and unexpected colours: grassland of sea plants, walls of gorgonias, corals and sponges and lots of pelagic fishes, such as tunas, amberjacks and barracudas. The vegetation is rich and multicoloured and together with the corals and sponges are the natural habitat of lobsters, groupers, ........ as well as the rare parrot fishes.

The wonders of its depths are not limited to flora and fauna: Ustica surprises any diver also for its archaeological richness, with anchors, amphorae and ancient objects left over through the centuries.




The island's main attraction is certainly the sea; still, the centre of the village - facing Saint Mary's Bay - is interesting and to be visited, as well as the little harbour, where several paintings of well-known authors can be admired on the colourful facades of the little houses,

and the bell-tower of the Mother's Church. Not far from the centre, the Chapel of Saint Francesco is accessible through a short pathway. Ustica is also a land of fragrances: almonds, jasmine and vine inebriate the visitor carrying him/her in a heavenly oasis. Contact with nature is clearly shown: farmers riding donkeys invite to experiment the pleasure of a ride to visit the the Saracen Castle "Calvario" and the Fortress on the Falconara Hill.

Accommodation solutions are more the one on the island and for every taste and budgets: apartments, cottages, residence and hotel, located in the centre and in the outskirts.

Nightlife is peaceful and quite, but some pubs and bars entertain young and elder visitors with music, aperitifs at sunset and chatting areas, as well as happy hours. There are also different types of restaurants, where you can experience local gastronomy, or prefer fine cuisine. Fresh fish and of good quality is quite common everywhere.

Strolling around the little village and shopping among the little souvenir shops of the centre for laces and needle-works will complete the holiday.

Dive Sites

The diving in Ustica rates as some of the best in

the Mediterranean. The entire island has been a Marine Reserve since 1986 which has resulted in many fish

including some very large specimens. Ustica dives typically feature caves, tunnels, reefs and walls offering about 15 dive itineraries distributed around the island. Some of them are slopes descending from the

capes of the bays, others are shoals off the coastline. Grottoes and caves are also very interesting to observe, and are at different depths. Beginners as well as experienced divers will fully enjoy clear waters, intense colours and pleasant encounters!

The sublayer is covered by colourful sponges and hard corals; pelagic fishes are usual to meet around the reef, such as barracudas and jackfishes, groupers, wrasses, etc. Some archaeological rests can be found, and guided itinerary uses to be fixed by the Reserve’s management.




The Diving Centre

Mare Nostrum Diving started in Ustica in 1997, arranging dive safari liveaboards. Since 2005, a new boat changed the way of organizing

dive vacations, by offering fullday diving and accommodation on land. The Linosa Sunshine Day Cruiser is a Dive Boat especially planned and equipped for divers, for their comfort on board and relaxation. A dive boat gives you the real freedom you need to experience on holiday: No hassling with equipment at each dive, diving when you feel

to, have a siesta in the refreshing shadow, eating with your feet in the water, the sun on your back, next to a good glass of wine!

Opening: June - September. Other periods only for groups on request.

Our services: Guided dives can be organised in full day diving or half day, with about 2 or 3 dives per day and eventually lunch on board if arranged. You can also choose to go for single dives. Groups are divided by level of licence and experience and about 6 divers per guide.

Night dives, Deep dives and Nitrox on request. Dive Courses, Discovery programs, Scuba Review, Equipment rental. Snorkelling and sea-watching, boat tours and excursions.

Our Boats

Linosa Sunshine Dive Boat Length: 10,70 m Width: 4,10 m Sundeck, Toilet, Kitchen, fresh water

Full-Day Diving – min. 8 divers/ max. 14 Dinghy “Gommone” no services, no shelter Single dives – up to 8 divers




Travel Tips

Reminder for Diving Don’t forget to bring with you:

• Dive license • Dive Log Book • Medical Certification

• Dive Assurance Compulsory equipment: dive computer and DSMB (safety sausage). If you don’t possess them, at dive centre you can rent the computer and buy the buoy. Dive Lamp is also very useful and strongly recommended although you’re not obliged to have it (unless for caves and tunnels). Diving in Mediterranean becomes surprisingly colourful when you have an artificial light with you!

Dive Rules: All basic dives are planned with no deco and at the depth according to your dive license (-18 for OWD, -30 ADV, -40 Deep, -45/50 with Deco for Technical). Practical On Board: In full-days it’s good to have a sunscreen, but please do not bring oily lotions with you, as it makes the surfaces slippery and dangerous.

Your dive luggage may stay at diving centre or in hotel/apartment,. On board you’ll keep your equipment in boxes. It can be rinsed at the end of your stay.

Please, tell us about any food intolerance or special diet you need to follow. We’ll try to do our best to satisfy you! Smoking is not permitted on board, sorry!

Accommodation In apartment/hotel you’ll find towels and hair-dryer so you don’t need to bring any of them with you. Yet, sports towel might be useful to keep with you on board.

Please take note of the time you must leave the room/apartment at your departure. For any extra services that are not included in the accounting we gave you, you can pay them directly to the direction, but please give us notice about it.

Travel Airport Transfer If you’re taking the public bus service, make sure you have at least 2 hours time from arrival time and hydrofoil departure time. The bus takes about 50 minutes. If you’ve book a private taxi with us, we’ll take care to arrange timing.

In any case, there are also taxis from arrival terminal and in the port for the return. Hydrofoil If you have reserved the anticipated purchase of hydrofoil tickets with us, you will find them on board, if not described differently. If you’re buying the ticket by yourself, take care to go to the ticket office about 45 minutes before departure. At arrival on the island, the hotel/apartment transfer service will welcome you at the dock. In any case, hydrofoil dock is about 100 metres far from the Dive Boat’s dock.

How to Pay On the island some restaurants receive credit cards. Dive services as well as your balance must be paid by cash (or online bank transfer). You can withdraw cash on the island from the automatic, but would be also useful to do it in Palermo before departing. If you’ve book with us your accommodation, the total balance may be paid at the diving centre or as specified during

reservation procedures.

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Scuba Diving in Ustica Island with Mare Nostrum Diving

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