SICILIAN SCUBA DIVING, THE MEDITARRANEAN

The Island of Ustica, situated 36 miles north of Palermo, is known as the black pearl of the Mediterranean because of its volcanic origins. The island is remarkably colourful, from the black of the lava rocks to the green of the vines, orchards and pine forests, all amplified by the intense blue of the sea, making this a true paradise both for divers and nature lovers.

The island is rich in history, and remains of past civilisations are everywhere. The integrity of the environment is protected thanks to its status as a Marine Nature Reserve, and this includes a fabulous submerged archaeological route. The town of Ustica is picturesque, with narrow streets and a main square popular with both residents and tourists.

PUNTA SPALMATORE RESORT

This resort is to the west of the island, in an enviable position directly in front of the sea and the Marine Park, and around 4kms from the town. Completely surrounded by typical Mediterranean vegetation, the resort consists of a two-storey main building housing the rooms (classic and comfort), reception area, fitness centre and function room; Bungalows are situated along the path leading to the sea.

ROOM TYPES – Classic rooms have en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. The Comfort rooms have en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, terrace area and fridge. Bungalows are en-suite, with air conditioning, fridge and small outside patio area.

THE DIVING IN USTICA

The resort is ideal for diving enthusiasts; The “Diving Barracuda” dive centre is situated inside the resort itself and is managed by professional instructors. Courses on offer cater both to adults as well as children over 8 years of age, with the latter given particular tuition through an introduction to marine activities.

Adults: Courses for PADI (Base, Advanced and Orientation) and FIPS-CMAS, with all necessary kit provided (suit, regulator, tanks, BCD). Additional equipment includes a Maxi-RIB and three Bauer compressors. Dives are guided according to experience and snorkelling, free-diving and introduction to diving courses are also available.

Children 8-12 years – “Bubble Maker” course;

Teenagers 12-17 years – Open Water Diver certification

THE WEATHER IN USTICA

Without a doubt the best time, not only for scuba diving, but in general for a trip in Italy is june and especially september. Also in may, october and in other months of the year you can dive in Italy but the weather could not be so fine and it would be more difficult to find an open Dive Centre. For example, even if many Dive Centres are open all the year, it could be difficult particularly for a single diver to book a dive trip in winter. In july and expecially august there is a tourist invasion so the life of the poor scuba diver could be very difficult: hotel rates go up, trains are extremely crowded and reservetions are a matter of necessity.

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