intermediate
    (105)

    Secca della Pillirina

    35m Max
    20-35m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    The Secca della Pillirina is the signature dive of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve near Syracuse, a pinnacle where groupers and amberjack gather in clear Sicilian water. Red gorgonians and morays decorate the rock, and the nearby stalactite grotto adds drama. The sheltered position makes it a reliable dive, and the healthy reef is a favourite for photographers. It is one of the most accessible reserves in Sicily, ideal for intermediate divers, with the occasional sea turtle a delightful bonus. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Italy’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Mediterranean divers.

    Dive Briefing

    "Brief on the pinnacle profile and current, then descend along the rock face controlling buoyancy to avoid the gorgonians. Watch for groupers and amberjack in the blue and morays in the cracks, ascend with a safety stop, and keep an eye on boat traffic near the coast. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point."

    Signature Marine Life

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Amberjack

    high

    Seriola dumerili

    Best: May, June, July

    Red Gorgonian

    high

    Paramuricea clavata

    Best: Year-round

    Mediterranean Moray

    medium

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Sea Turtle

    low

    Caretta caretta

    Best: June, July, August

    Safety & Hazards

    • Boat traffic
    • Mild current
    • Cold thermocline
    • Limited visibility after rain
    • Slippery entry
    • Fragile reef
    Nearest Chamber
    Hyperbaric Centre, Syracuse
    15km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Good for intermediate divers who want a scenic pinnacle dive with big fish close to Syracuse. Confident open-water divers can enjoy the shallow top with a guide. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance. It suits confident Mediterranean divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance.

    pinnacle
    intermediate
    big-fish
    plemmirio
    turtle

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp15-26°C
    Best TimeMay - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Plemmirio Diving
    • Pillirina Sub
    Pricing Guide
    $90 - $175
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Grand Hotel Timeo

    Taormina6km away

    Check Availability

    Hotel Guglielmo

    Ustica2km away

    Check Availability