Dive-site story
Located off the coast of Ustica within Italy's oldest marine protected area, Grotta delle Stalattiti is an intriguing cavern dive defined by prehistoric geological features. Divers navigate an expansive entrance that leads into chambers where underwater stalactites and mineral formations hang from the vaulted ceilings, preserved from epochs when sea levels were far lower. Light beams filter through the portal to illuminate delicate sessile invertebrates, while the surrounding outer reef slopes off into deep blue Mediterranean water.
Submerged speleothems and hanging mineral structures formed when the cavern sat above sea level
Atmospheric ambient lighting illuminating the cavern entrance and shadow zones
Dense communities of cryptic crustacean species sheltered in ceiling crevices and fissures
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Calmest sea conditions and warmest water run from late spring through early autumn.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narwal shrimpPlesionika narval | Common | ||||||||||||
| Dusky grouperEpinephelus marginatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow-headed cave gobyThorogobius ephippiatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow cluster anemoneParazoanthus axinellae | Common | ||||||||||||
| Mediterranean slipper lobsterScyllarides latus | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
Book with DIVEROUT
