Explore Sicily

Diving in Sicily offers an extraordinary experience, deeply enriched by the island's vibrant history and unique geographic location as a "Crossroads of the Mediterranean." With its diverse underwater landscapes, from towering volcanic formations to ancient shipwrecks, Sicily captivates divers of all levels. The island's volcanic nature, crowned by Mount Etna, results in fascinating underwater topography, including dramatic walls like Punta Negra and stunning caves with stalactites, such as Grotta Azzura. The surrounding waters reveal a mix of modern wrecks and ancient Roman remains, providing a glimpse into the region's storied past.

The marine life around Sicily, though impacted by overfishing, remains remarkably varied. Divers can look forward to encounters with gorgonian sea fans, groupers, sea bream, and vibrant schools of barracuda. The seagrass meadows and rocky areas house intriguing species like moray eels, octopus, and a variety of colorful nudibranchs. Additionally, the island's numerous small archipelagos and marine protected areas offer further opportunities to explore dazzling marine environments. Whether diving from shore, via boat, or on a liveaboard adventure, Sicily promises a rich and rewarding underwater journey.

Places to Explore

San Vito Lo Capo

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San Vito lo Capo is a small town on the north western coast and Trapani province of the island of Sicily in Italy. The beach found here is famous as one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean and thousands of tourists and locals alike flock here each summer. 

Palermo

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The city of Palermo is found on the northwest coast of the Italian island of Sicily. It is the cultural, economic and tourism capital of Sicily. Millennia of civilisations passing through the city have created a diverse and richly cultured city, where Byzantine and Italian architectures collide and the rugged landscape meets the sparkling Mediterranean.

Favigana

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Favignana is the largest of the Egadi Islands (there is also Levanzo and Marettimo), which are found off the coast of Sicily, near Trapani. These Italian islands have long been a tourist destination for their rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and gin-clear cerulean waters; even the name refers to the pleasantly warm westerly wind which blows through the islands. 

Catania

Catania is the second largest city in Sicily, known as the cool and chaotic younger brother of the more aristocratic Palermo. It stands beneath the hulking mass of Italy’s largest volcano - Mount Etna, from whom Catania has suffered several devastating eruptions over the years. Found on the east coast of the island, it overlooks the gorgeous Ionian Sea and it’s sparkling blue light echoes around the city. 

Sicily Volcano

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Sicily is still an incredibly popular diving location that is known for its crystal-clear waters and amazing visibility levels

Marine Protected Area Isole Pelagie - Lampedusa and Linosa

This protected marine area is made up of three islands, with two of them, Lampedusa and Linosa being great places to explore and dive at.

Upcoming Events

Instructor Evaluation

DIVING CENTER SARACEN

Instructor Evaluation - IE

24 Nov 2025

The Instructor Evaluation (IE) is the final step of SSI’s 2-Step Instructor Training Approach Divemasters or equivalent-level professionals will have to successfully complete the Instructor Training Course (ITC) first where you’ll learn how to:

• Conduct academic sessions
• Lead confined water training
• Teach Open Water Diver and various Specialty programs like Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress&Rescue, Perfect Buoyancy and more
• Develop student management and communication skills

Already an experienced instructor with another agency? You may be eligible for shortened oboarding options where you will only have to complete certain parts of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) followed by passing an Instructor Evaluation (IE). Contact an SSI Training Center near you to learn more.
Already certified as an Assistant Instructor with another agency? You could continue your professional journey with SSI. Get in touch with a local SSI Training Center to explore your options.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Relitto dell'Arenella

Called Bettolina dell’Arenella, this small wreck, located a few hundred meters off the coast, lies on a sandy seabed between 10 and 18 meters deep. It is an artificial reef and lends itself to underwater photography, nature photography, and drills for small penetrations into it

274
Logs
144
Divers
16.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cristo degli Abissi

The site is located on the northern edge of Priola on a bathymetric of about 30 meters in a natural amphitheater. A Christ statue has been placed there that makes the scenery enchanting. The presence of groupers, ravens, and large breams are seen here.

265
Logs
215
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Parete del Corallo

Just a few minutes’ boat ride from the port of Isola delle Femmine to the west of Isolotto we can find wall of Ponente, with vertical walls from 25 to 50 meters, a true paradise of biodiversity.

35
Logs
15
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
21.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Franata di Ponente

West of the Isolotto di Isola delle Femmine, a 10-minute boat ride from the diving site we can find Franata di Ponente, a dive suitable for everyone from beginners to experts; its depth varies from 5 to 50 meters.

936
Logs
216
Divers
27.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta dell’Arpa

About a mile and a half in a westerly direction from the port of Ustica, is Punta dell’Arpa, characterized on the surface by the presence of its famous “scoglio del cornutone“. Underwater, two large rocks rise from a sandy bottom of 40 m, whose walls are colonized by large branches of red gorgonians.

420
Logs
303
Divers
29.0 m
⌀ Depth
27.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Cala Galera

One mile southwest of Ustica harbor is Punta Galera: a lava flow bisects a bay. Here you can follow several dive routes that allow you to follow profiles suitable for divers of any experience. It is also one of the sites where courses are held.

932
Logs
481
Divers
24.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Scoglio del Medico

It is an emerged rock distant 400mt from the integral Marine Reserve. It offers almost six different tours depending on the divers experience . This is one of the most beautiful area of the Mediterranean Sea for its richness of fish and corals.

1,364
Logs
593
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Scalo Madonna

Opposite the Diving Center we can find Scalo della Madonna with entrance from the beach suitable for all training dives in confined waters and night dives.

699
Logs
123
Divers
7.0 m
⌀ Depth
14.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Junkers Ju-52 (Wreck)

A few hundred meters from the port of Isola delle Femmine is the wreckage of the German Junkers 52 aircraft. It was shot down in April 1943, and now sits at 46 meters deep on a sandy bottom.

198
Logs
62
Divers
44.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Secchitello

Two miles South West Of the Ustica’s harbour, there is this dive site that raises from a sandy bottom at 50m/150 ft goes up to his top at 26m/78 ft. It’s surely one of the top dive spots of the island with lots of corals and fishes.

42
Logs
29
Divers
38.0 m
⌀ Depth
28.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Secca d’Africa

About six miles in a westerly direction from the port of Ustica, about 350 meters from the lighthouse of Punta Spalmatore, between 9 and 12 meters deep are the three pinnacles of what is commonly called the “shoal of Africa “

97
Logs
77
Divers
28.0 m
⌀ Depth
31.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Punta San Paolo

A few minutes from the port, in a south-south-west direction, there is a lava wall that reaches a depth of 40 meters from the surface. Characterized by the presence of a canyon: the famous “Spaccazza di San Paolo“ which creeps into the mountain for several metres.

240
Logs
172
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
19.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Isola delle Femmine

Franata dell’ancora is a dive site with a beautiful descent into the blue to a depth of 25 meters. Along a sloping wall, divers can discover hidden creatures such as moray eels and lobsters.

1,598
Logs
385
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
15.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Parete delle Gorgonie

The Gorgonian Wall is located on the north side of Isola delle Femmine, right on the border of Zone A, the Capo Gallo Marine Protected Area, and Isola delle Femmine. A descent into the blue water takes us to a plateau at a depth of about 22 meters. From here, a wall rich in red gorgonians and sponges begins.

237
Logs
89
Divers
33.0 m
⌀ Depth
18.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Grotta dei gamberi

One mile in a southwesterly direction from the port of Ustica, near Punta Galera, we find the Grotta dei Gamberi, one of the most famous and beautiful dives in Ustica. An experience not to be missed for lovers, and in possession of the appropriate patent, of caves.

97
Logs
78
Divers
36.0 m
⌀ Depth
26.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Sicily

Sicily, an island rich in history and natural beauty, offers a plethora of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. Among the most captivating is the wreck of the "Kent," a cargo ship that rests near the Aeolian Islands. This site provides divers with a mesmerizing glimpse into history, surrounded by vibrant marine life. For shore dives, the famous "Secca della Formica" offers dramatic underwater landscapes, teeming with colorful corals and schools of fish, just a short swim from the coast.

Night dives in Sicily reveal an enchanting world where bioluminescent creatures light up the dark waters, and nocturnal marine life emerges. Unique encounters with species like the Mediterranean moray eel and octopuses add to the adventure. Dive travelers can enjoy a balance of experiences, from the convenience of shore dives to the extensive exploration offered by liveaboard trips, ensuring a memorable diving experience in Sicily.

The best Months to Dive in Sicily

Diving in Sicily is possible year-round, with conditions varying by season. In summer, water temperatures range from 23°C–26°C/73°F–79°F, offering warm and inviting conditions. Visibility during these months often exceeds 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for exploring the rich marine life and underwater landscapes.

Winter temperatures drop to 14°C–16°C/57°F–61°F, but diving remains feasible for those with proper gear. Visibility remains good, though currents can be stronger, and winds may affect surface conditions. The less favorable periods are in late fall and winter, when weather patterns can be less predictable, potentially impacting dive plans.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

JALA CEFALU

Largo Tonnara SS113, 90019 Trabia, PA - ITA

DIVING CENTER SARACEN

Via Palermo 10, 90040 isola delle femmine, PA - ITA

UNIVERSALRENT DIVING CENTER

Via Carlo Alberto 3, 98063 Gioiosa Marea, ME - ITA

DIVE ON scuba center

via Nissoria, 41 - 95024 Capomulini, Acireale (CT), 95022 ACI CATENA, CT - ITA

Sailing Bubbles A.S.D.

Via Simone Cuccia, 45, 90144 Palermo, PA - ITA

ASD ZINGARO DIVING CENTER

CORSO GARIBALDI 243, 91014 CASTELLAMARE DEL GOLFO, TP - ITA

ABYSS DIVING ORTIGIA

VIA S. SEBASTIANO 75, 96100 SIRACUSA, SR - ITA

A.S.D. EVOLUTION DIVER

Via Sant’Elia 97a, 90017 Santa Flavia, PA - ITA

A.S.D. JONICA DIVING SCHOOL

Via Pauloti 53, 95020 Aci Bonaccorsi, CT - ITA

DIVING CENTER USTICA

Piazza Umberto I n. 2, 90051 Ustica, PA - ITA

GREEN DIVERS s.s.d. a r.l.

Localite Mursia 1, 91017 Pantelleria, TP - ITA

ASD PELAGUS

via avv milito 3, 97100 ragusa, RG - ITA

DNA DIVERS

Via Lungomare dei Ciclopi 133, 95021 Acicastello, CT - ITA

LUNA BLU DIVING CENTER

Corso G. Garibaldi 156, 91014 Castellamare del Golfo, TP - ITA

EXPLORER X

VIALE ALCIDE DE GASPERI 93/95, 95024 ACIREALE, CT - ITA

BLUNAUTA DIVING CENTER MILAZZO

Villaggio Riva Smeralda, 98057 Milazzo, ME - ITA

MUCIARA DIVING CENTER

Lungomare, Porto Turistico, 98050 SANTA MARINA SALINA (estate)/A, ME - ITA

Altamarea diving center

Via Alessio Di Giovanni, 14, 90144 Palermo, PA - ITA

A.S.D. AQUATICA

Porto turistico POSEIDON -, 98057 MILAZZO, ME - ITA

JALA A.S.D.

Lungomare Scardamiano 57, 95021 ACI CASTELLO, CT - ITA