Secca della Pillirina
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
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: May, June, July
Red Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Mediterranean Moray
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Sea Turtle
Caretta caretta
Best: June, July, August
Safety & Hazards
- Boat traffic
- Mild current
- Cold thermocline
- Limited visibility after rain
- Slippery entry
- Fragile reef
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.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Plemmirio Diving
- Pillirina Sub
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Grand Hotel Timeo
Taormina • 6km away
Hotel Guglielmo
Ustica • 2km away