Boat access, season, visibility, and operator support.
Secca della Colombara: volcanic shoal and wreck off Ustica.
Secca della Colombara: volcanic shoal and wreck off Ustica.
Secca della Colombara is a boat-accessed shoal off Ustica with a shallow crown, steep basalt walls, a broad plateau, and a cargo-ship wreck on the outer slopes. The site can be dived as a flexible loop or out-and-back profile depending on the chosen line, with blue-water pelagic runs around the perimeter and a quieter feel close to the crown. Plan for clear water, current on the exposed edges, and a calm sea state if you want the easiest version of the dive.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
3m - 50m
Depth Note
Shoal rising from about 50 m to roughly 3 m at the top.
Best Season
May to October
Typical Conditions
Clear water, pelagic activity, and an exposed profile that rewards calm sea states and good buoyancy.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Safety Notes
Keep the team tight on the exposed crown, plan conservative routes on the outer walls, and treat the wreck as a scenic pass rather than a penetration objective.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; local operator handling and reserve procedures are the practical norm in the Ustica marine protected area.
Legal Notes
Inside the Ustica marine protected area, so park rules and guided-dive procedures apply.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The depth range from shallow (around 3 m) down to about 50 m allows dives suitable for both newer and more experienced divers.
Freediving
Experienced freedivers can use the shallow crown on calm days with boat support, but current and exposure make it a poor casual choice.
Snorkeling
Only worth planning on very calm days near the shallow crown, and only with boat supervision and a conservative turn-around plan.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Boat access, season, visibility, and operator support.
Currents, route shape, and crowding context.
Official AMP Ustica itinerary listing.
Independent Ustica condition baseline and access type.
Route, wreck, fish, and benthic life.
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