Diving Sicily

About Sicily

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of its richest diving destinations, ringed by volcanic islets, limestone walls and pristine marine reserves. The Ustica Marine Reserve is legendary, with the Colombara pinnacle and schools of barracuda, groupers and amberjack. The Aeolian Islands add Stromboli’s black-sand lava slopes and warm vents, Panarea pinnacles and Vulcano’s hot springs. The Egadi Islands, Plemmirio, San Vito and the Pelagie Islands (Lampedusa and Linosa) complete a coast of caves, wrecks and pelagics. From tuna and swordfish drifts in the Messina Strait to the coral walls of Capo Caccia’s neighbours, Sicily is endlessly diverse. The region rewards careful planning and respects the strong Italian marine-protection rules, offering rewarding diving for a range of Mediterranean experience levels.

Highlights

• ✓Secca della Colombara: Ustica pinnacle with huge gorgonians and eagle rays
• ✓Stromboli lava slopes: black sand, fumaroles and warm vents
• ✓Plemmirio Reserve: Pillirina pinnacle and the stalactite grotta
• ✓Secca di Fuor del Capo: San Vito wall with red gorgonians
• ✓Lampedusa Pelagie: the Madonna pinnacle with tuna and barracuda

Getting There

Fly into Palermo (PMO), Catania (CTA) or Trapani (TPS), then drive or take hydrofoils to the islands. Dive bases sit in Ustica, Lipari, Favignana, Taormina, Syracuse and Lampedusa.