Secchitello, Ustica: Pinnacle Diving in Strong Currents

Secchitello, also known as Secca del Secchitello, is an offshore seamount located approximately 2 miles southwest of Ustica harbour. The dive begins with a direct descent into open water, targeting the top of the main pinnacle, which broadens out between 24 and 30 metres. From this summit, a complex topography of smaller pinnacles, large boulders, walls, and sloping faces extends downwards, eventually reaching a sandy bottom at around 50 to 55 metres. This three-dimensional structure demands careful navigation and precise buoyancy control as you move through the various levels of the site.

The defining characteristic of Secchitello is the consistent presence of strong, often unpredictable currents. These currents, while making the dive physically demanding, are precisely what draw in the large schools of pelagic fish that make this site renowned. You will find yourself holding position, observing barracudas and amberjacks (Seriola dumerili) moving fluidly through the water column. This dynamic environment shapes the entire dive experience, influencing how you approach the pinnacles and manage your gas supply throughout the dive.

Moving among the pinnacles, you'll frequently encounter significant schools of tuna sweeping through the blue. The site is also vibrant with smaller life; anthias (Anthias anthias) form dense clouds, scattering and reforming as predators move nearby. This constant interplay between the smaller reef inhabitants and the larger pelagics provides continuous action, offering a clear demonstration of the food chain at work in this rich Mediterranean environment.

Beyond the pelagic action, Secchitello hosts fascinating benthic life. The walls and slopes of the pinnacles are covered in gorgonians and other sessile life, creating a colourful backdrop. Keep an eye out for a multitude of black coral (Gerardia savaglia) branches, easily identifiable by their striking yellow coloration even from a distance. These slow-growing corals cling to the deeper sections of the pinnacles, providing sheltered spots and adding a distinct visual element to the dive.

The site's location in an area influenced by Atlantic currents contributes to its rich biodiversity, bringing subtropical and occasionally tropical species into the Mediterranean fauna. This unique blend means you might encounter a wider variety of marine life than typically expected, from large groupers sheltering among the boulders to various tropical reef fish. The presence of planktic comb jellies, salps, and venus girdles also indicates the rich planktonic life that sustains the larger inhabitants.

Secchitello is considered one of Ustica's top and most challenging dive sites, renowned for its dense schools of pelagic fish and extensive red gorgonian forests. The complex underwater topography, combined with the strong currents, creates an environment where every dive offers a unique experience. This site is not just about seeing marine life; it's about experiencing a dynamic ecosystem where the current is an integral part of the encounter.

The dive profile at Secchitello requires careful planning due to its depth and the potential for strong currents. It is a multi-level dive, allowing you to gradually ascend along the pinnacle structure while decompressing. Managing your gas supply and bottom time effectively is paramount here, especially given the likelihood of significant current during the safety stop phase of the dive. This site demands attention to detail and a solid understanding of drift diving techniques.