Diving atSecca della Colombara (Italy)
Diving at Secca della Colombara offers an experience shaped by dramatic underwater topography. Its environment accommodates a wide range of skill levels, from beginner Open Water to Advanced Open Water divers. You'll encounter stunning landscapes, including vibrant walls and a fascinating wreck. Diverse marine life here creates a dynamic, immersive underwater environment, making each descent feel like a new discovery.
Evening condition tracking at Secca della Colombara features an air temperature of 23.5°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.8 m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Secca della Colombara presents an impressive shoal, rising dramatically from 50 m (164 ft) deep to just 3 m (10 ft) beneath the surface. This unique topographical feature caters to divers across a spectrum of experience, from those exploring shallower areas to advanced divers venturing deeper.
Unfurling north/west from the shoal, a significant wall descends to approximately 30 meters. It's densely populated with sponges, astroides, parazoanthus, and gorgonians; vibrant red gorgonians are frequently observed at around 35 meters.
Beyond this, a commercial ship known as the Ustica wreck lies on the seabed. A commercial vessel capsized and sank in 2005 after striking the shoal, offering an intriguing dive between 0 and 30 meters.
Bottom types at the site include rock, sand, reef, collectively forming varied habitats for numerous marine organisms. Divers regularly explore underwater cliffs and caves, which reveal a rich community of algae and other plant life.
Its dynamic structure ensures a diverse and engaging underwater journey, promising distinct views and encounters across different depth profiles.
Secca della Colombara
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Secca della Colombara show 24° air, 25° sea temperature, 0.4 m waves, and 11 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Planning your dive for Secca della Colombara sees a notable contrast between seasons, making May through October generally the most favorable period. During these 'Good' rated months (dive score 7-8), air temperatures are pleasant, ranging from approximately 19°C (66°F) in May to 27°C (81°F) in July and August. Rain is minimal, especially in July when it averages just 0.03 mm. Water temperatures in summer typically sit between 22-28°C (72-82°F), offering comfortable conditions. Conversely, the winter months, from December to February, are rated 'Moderate' (dive score 5). Air temperatures drop to 14.5-15.5°C (58-60°F), and rainfall is more frequent, averaging 2.3-2.6 mm. Winter water temperatures cool significantly to 14-18°C (57-64°F), and wave heights tend to be higher, influencing overall dive comfort and accessibility.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
Accessing Secca della Colombara typically involves a boat entry, usually a short 15-minute ride from the port of Ustica. Once in the water, divers can expect visibility ranging from 15.0 to 30.0 meters, allowing clear observation of the diverse underwater environment. Currents are generally mild here, as is the surge, providing a relatively calm diving experience. Water temperatures vary seasonally, staying warm at 22-28°C (72-82°F) in summer and cooling to 14-18°C (57-64°F) during winter. Varied topography, encompassing both shallow and deeper sections, supports different diving experiences across the site. Certification levels ranging from Open Water to Advanced Open Water are appropriate, with Deep Diver certification suggested for exploring deeper zones. A typical dive duration is between 45-60 minutes.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
While specific, unique hazards for Secca della Colombara are not consistently reported, divers should approach this site with standard safety protocols, given its depth range and presence of a wreck. It's rated as having a medium difficulty level. No permits are required, but a recommended certification level of Advanced Open Water, and even Deep Diver for certain areas, indicates the need for appropriate training. Always plan your dive carefully, considering the maximum depth of 50 m (164 ft) in parts of the shoal. Pay attention to your no-decompression limits, especially when exploring deeper wall sections or the Ustica wreck, which extends to 30 meters. Maintain buoyancy control to protect vibrant marine life and coral formations. Responsible diving also includes avoiding contact with any marine organisms and refraining from disturbing the underwater environment.
Recommended Equipment
Deep dive hazard. Increased narcosis and gas consumption risk.
Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
- Primary & Backup Lights
- Wreck Reel
- Cutting Tool
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Secca della Colombara, Italy. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
The latest conditions reported around Secca della Colombara place the water temperature close to 25°C (76°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 24°C (75°F).
Many divers choose 3mm wetsuit when diving in similar conditions. A hood or vest is suggested for sensitive divers due to surface winds.
Forecast models show minimal temperature variation in the coming days.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Secca della Colombara.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
OSPEDALE GIOVANNI PAOLO II
24/7 ListedICU CapableSCIACCA (AG), Italy•Approx. 134 km straight-line
OSPEDALE GIOVANNI PAOLO II
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Centro Iperbarico di Lipari
24/7 ListedICU CapableLipari (ME), Italy•Approx. 157 km straight-line
Centro Iperbarico di Lipari
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Secca della Colombara
Descending into Secca della Colombara, divers are immediately struck by abundant fish life swirling around the shoal and its walls. Large schools of barracudas often form impressive clouds, which dramatically explode as huge amberjacks pass through them. You'll encounter various groupers, ducts, and snappers, while the sparidae family is well represented with numerous sea breams. Tuna are also present in these waters. Along rocky formations and within crevices, divers observe moray eels and other solitary fish. Lobsters may be spotted in their hiding places. During the ascent, sightings of dreamfish grazing among algae are common, adding to the site's rich biodiversity.
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Dive Centers Near Secca della Colombara
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 21:00
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Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is Secca della Colombara?
Secca della Colombara is a lively shoal located near Ustica, Sicily, Italy. It features dramatic underwater topography, including walls, caves, and a wreck, making it a diverse dive site.
What are the typical depths at this dive site?
Depths at the site are varied. The shoal rises sharply to within a few meters of the surface, with its base at around 50 meters. The Ustica wreck is located between the surface and 30 meters, and walls descend to approximately 30-35 meters.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Divers often encounter large schools of barracudas, groupers, amberjacks, snappers, and breams. Tuna are also present. Moray eels, lobsters, and vibrant corals like sponges, astroides, parazoanthus, and gorgonians add to the biodiversity.
What are the best months for diving Secca della Colombara?
The best months for diving are typically from May to October. During this period, water temperatures are warmer (22-28°C / 72-82°F), air temperatures are pleasant, and rainfall is minimal, offering optimal diving conditions.
What certification level is recommended for this dive?
The site is accessible to a range of divers, from Open Water to Advanced Open Water. For exploring deeper sections, such as the lower parts of the walls and the wreck, a Deep Diver certification is recommended.
Is there a wreck at Secca della Colombara?
Yes, the Ustica wreck, a commercial ship that sank in 2005, rests on the seabed at depths between 0 and 30 meters. It is a significant feature of the dive, attracting diverse marine life.
What are the typical visibility and current conditions?
Visibility generally ranges from 15 to 30 meters, providing clear views of the underwater landscape. Currents and surge are typically mild, contributing to a comfortable dive experience.
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Secca della Colombara
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Secca della Colombara show 24° air, 25° sea temperature, 0.4 m waves, and 11 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.