Ustica is a small volcanic island located 67 km north of Palermo, right in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its surface area of about 9 km² makes it an intimate, wild, and unspoiled territory. Its dark rocks, born from an ancient underwater volcano, have earned it the nickname “the black pearl of the Mediterranean.”

Created in 1986, the Ustica Marine Protected Area is Italy’s first marine reserve. It safeguards a unique natural heritage, considered one of the richest in the Mediterranean sea.

PHOCTOPUS invites you to dive into a fascinating world, to discover Ustica from a new perspective, and to support the preservation of our oceans. Whether you’re a diver, a nature lover, a photographer, or simply curious, this site is an open doorway to a universe that truly deserves our full attention.
Through the lens, we reveal a world that often remains invisible, where every detail tells a story — the story of marine life, its delicate balance, its threats… and the urgent need to protect it.
Welcome to the depths of the Mediterranean sea.

ORCA DIVING USTICA — A committed and passionate partner

ORCA DIVING USTICA is one of the island’s most renowned dive centers. Their professional and passionate team guides both beginners and experienced divers as they explore the exceptional sites of the Ustica Marine Protected Area.

Thanks to their deep knowledge of the volcanic seabed, caves, and local wildlife, they offer dives that are safe, environmentally respectful, and always enriching.
PHOCTOPUS owes a large part of the underwater images presented on this site to them. Their support, expertise, and commitment to protecting the marine environment were essential to bringing this project to life.

To learn more
👉 https://www.orcadivingustica.com
Tel: +39 3342161588 – info@orcadivingustica.com (Claire and Davide speak French, Italian, and English)