Orca Diving Ustica

Orca Diving Ustica is situated on the island of Ustica, Sicily, a location that holds significant importance for Mediterranean divers. Since 1986, the island has been recognised as Italy's first marine reserve, ensuring that the underwater ecosystems remain among the most protected and well-preserved in the region.

The centre serves as a gateway to this unique marine park, offering guided explorations of the surrounding reefs, walls, and underwater formations. Whether you are visiting for a few dives or organising a full 'blue week', the setting provides constant access to diverse underwater landscapes.

The team at Orca Diving Ustica is composed of professional, multilingual instructors and guides who speak English, Italian, and French. This allows for clear communication and precise briefing, which is essential when navigating the specific topography of the reserve.

They operate with an environmentally conscious approach, respecting the regulations of the marine reserve to ensure the local habitat remains undisturbed. The staff is experienced in guiding both recreational divers and those looking to begin their training journey through the PADI system.

As a PADI affiliated centre, Orca Diving Ustica offers a comprehensive curriculum for all stages of diver development. Beginners can start with the PADI Discover Scuba Diving programme or work towards their PADI Open Water Diver certification.

For more experienced divers, the centre provides advanced training including the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, PADI Deep Diver, and the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Diver course. Professional candidates can also train through the PADI Divemaster programme. They also offer specific specialties such as the PADI Enriched Air Nitrox Diver course.

The centre maintains a stock of relatively new diving equipment available for hire, covering everything from regulators to wetsuits and fins. This is useful for divers travelling without their own full kit.

For those looking to extend their bottom time or manage nitrogen loading more effectively, Nitrox is available on-site. The centre is fully equipped to support your diving needs from the moment you arrive on the island.

The marine life in the Ustica reserve is diverse, with large pelagic species such as the Great barracuda frequently patrolling the area. The protected status of the island helps maintain a healthy balance of predator and prey species.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe among the crevices and reef structures, including various species of nudibranch. These small, colourful molluscs are a highlight for divers with a keen eye for detail.

The underwater scenery is defined by a rich variety of Mediterranean life, providing a complex habitat for the many species that call these reefs home.