Diving and Snorkelling in the Ustica Marine Reserve

Ustica is a small volcanic island about 60 km north of Palermo in Sicily, Italy, and its surrounding waters were designated the country's first marine reserve in 1986. The Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica protects clear water, volcanic sea caves, rocky drop-offs and Mediterranean marine life, and it is a long-established destination for both scuba divers and snorkellers. Visitors reach the island from Palermo by Liberty Lines hydrofoil from the port, a crossing of roughly one hour and fifteen minutes, which makes a full day trip feasible although an overnight stay allows more time in the water. The activity covers guided scuba dives, introductory dives and supervised snorkelling excursions run by diving centres authorised by the reserve. Snorkelling requires only basic swimming ability and is suitable for most children who are confident in the water, while scuba diving requires a recognised certification, or a supervised introductory dive for beginners, and centres normally ask for a medical declaration. Minimum ages differ by centre and by course, so these are confirmed at booking. Mask, snorkel and fins are available to rent at the diving centres, and divers can usually rent regulators, buoyancy jackets and tanks; visitors bring swimwear, a rash guard, sun protection and a waterproof bag. Operators working inside the reserve must be authorised by the marine protected area, which regulates access, anchoring and diving in the protected zones. Dive briefings cover entry and exit, depth limits, buddy procedures and the signals used underwater, and boats carry safety and oxygen equipment. In an emergency, evacuation from the island is by the coastguard and the island's health post, with transfer to hospital in Palermo. The best season runs from June to September, when the water is warmest and visibility is at its best, with May and October also possible for divers using thicker wetsuits. Rough seas can cancel both hydrofoil sailings and boat outings, particularly outside summer, so flexible travel plans are advisable. Fees vary by centre and by type of dive or excursion and are quoted by the centre at the time of booking, while the hydrofoil fare is roughly EUR 20-30 one way.