Best Scuba Diving Spots in Sicily
Renowned for its spectacular views, turquoise waters and remote islands, Sicily offers some of the best scuba diving spots in the Mediterranean. From San Vito Lo Capo to the Aeolian Islands, from first dives to open water adventures, Sicily is waiting for you!
Scuba diving is a fascinating water sport that allows explorers of all levels to dive into the ocean and discover its underwater world. Thanks to the equipment, including a mask, fins, snorkel, buoyancy control device, regulator and tanks filled with compressed air anyone can experience the unforgettable feeling of breathing underwater.
According to your level, you can choose the scuba diving experience that fits you the most. From first dives accompanied by a professional instructor, scuba diving courses to learn how to dive and obtain a certificate, to adventure dives for certified divers, scuba diving welcomes everybody seeking a new adventure beneath the surface. If you feel adventurous, why not try an open-water scuba diving experience and explore the Mediterranean? Depending on your scuba diving destination, you can dive into the sea directly from the shore or a boat, making the most of the surrounding views.
Sicily is home to several marine reserves, characterized by incredible flora and fauna, attracting explorers worldwide. With its rich seabed and vibrant marine life, Sicily is the perfect scuba diving destination. If you are travelling to Sicily and seeking a new underwater adventure around the island, this article will help you choose the perfect diving spot according to your level. Read on to discover the best scuba diving activities in Sicily!
1 - Scuba diving in San Vito Lo Capo
If you are travelling to the northwestern end of Sicily, you cannot miss scuba diving in San Vito Lo Capo. Located only 50 minutes away from Trapani, San Vito Lo Capo is a little town by the sea. Thanks to its location, the city offers beautiful cliffs and turquoise waters. Being one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo will not disappoint you. Beginners can dive hand in hand with an instructor and live an unforgettable first dive in beautiful waters, either from a boat or from the shore. Certified divers can explore the depths of the Mediterranean Sea with a divemaster. Whether you are experienced or not, San Vito Lo Capo offers a rich seabed that will be hard to forget.
2. Scuba diving in the Cyclopean Isles, Catania
The Cyclopean Isles are located on the island's eastern side, between Mount Etna and the Mediterranean and are one of the best scuba diving spots in Sicily. Situated only a few kilometres from Catania, thanks to their volcanic origin and their unique seabed, the Cyclopean Isles are part of a valuable protected marine area. As you explore beneath the Mediterranean surface, you’ll admire different types of fish, corals and basaltic stones, typical of volcanic regions like this! Either alone or with your friends, beginners and certified divers can perform scuba diving in the Cyclopean Isles and explore Catania's coastline. From a first dive to adventure dives for experts, you can boost your skills or learn the fundamentals of this fascinating sport with a professional instructor surrounded by Sicily's vibrant marine life.
3. Scuba diving in Lipari, Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands are a group of 7 islands and islets off the northern coast of Sicily. Named after Aeolus, the god of the winds, the Aeolian Islands stand out for their favourable wind conditions, essential for a good scuba diving session. From rocky cliffs to hidden caves, divers can explore different areas around the seven islands starting from Lipari, the largest one of the group. Lipari is a popular scuba diving destination, allowing divers of all levels to appreciate its vibrant marine life. Many spots around the island stand out for their stunning cliffs and marine life, with Punta Castagna being the most loved one. From first dives to PADI courses and adventure dives for certified divers. With its marine reserve and remote location, scuba diving in the Aeolian Islands will leave you speechless.
4. Scuba diving in Marettimo, Aegadian Islands
Next on the list of where to go scuba diving in Sicily is the Aegadian Islands. This group of islands is located off the northwestern coast, near Trapani and Marsala. Marettimo, the third-largest island of the group, is one of the most popular destinations of the Aegadian group. Scuba diving in the Aegadian Islands offers unparalleled views of the coastline. Thanks to their unspoiled nature and transparent waters, the Aegadian Islands showcase great visibility, allowing divers to appreciate its natural beauty fully. Dive in and explore the colourful seabed of the Aegadian Islands. Depending on your level, you'll reach remote spots around the island and sense the magical feeling of breathing underwater, among different types of fish, octopuses and seaweeds.
5. Scuba diving in Ustica
If you are looking for a special scuba diving adventure in Sicily, Ustica is the perfect destination for you. Located off Palermo's coastline, Ustica is a tiny island mostly visited and loved by the locals. Thanks to its remote location and wild landscape, scuba diving in Ustica will highlight your stay in Sicily. Easily reachable by ferry from Palermo, Ustica offers a stunning coastline with rocky cliffs and turquoise waters you're unlikely to see anywhere else. Renowned as the ideal scuba diving destination, Ustica welcomes divers of all levels: from first dives for beginners to PADI courses to becoming a certified diver, Ustica will not disappoint you.
Thanks to its warm water, going from 14° C (57.2° F) in winter to 30° C (86° F) in summer and lovely weather, Sicily is one of the best scuba diving spots in Italy. Depending on your plans, you might choose between scuba diving in Sicily or taking a short trip to the Aegadian or Aeolian Islands and exploring their rich marine reserves. Now is the perfect time to choose where to go scuba diving in Sicily and live an unforgettable adventure. Because of its unique gear and the underwater pressure, flying 24 hours after a scuba diving experience is not recommended. If you want to gain more knowledge about this water sport, check out our complete guide to scuba diving!
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