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Le Piramidi

3.5 — based on 15 community signals
4.3 12 species 32 contributors

Le Piramidi is a protected dive site off Ustica, Italy, featuring underwater rock formations within a marine reserve.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Area Marina Protetta Isola di … updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAPhotoFriendlyShore entry

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Le Piramidi location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
4.8 kn
Wave
0.6 m
Water
28.1°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: SW (23%)
Now: SSW (207°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.33m

Today: High 02:00 (-0.43m), Low 08:00 (-0.54m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▲ 02:00 · -0.43m ▼ 08:00 · -0.54m ▲ 16:00 · -0.44m ▼ 22:00 · -0.55m Now -0.4m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.2 · mod Air PM2.56 · good 06:52 19:09
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10.7 0.68 5 15mm
09-20 3.9 0.32 6 10mm
09-21 7.9 0.14 6 0mm
09-22 10.9 0.66 6 1mm
09-23 17.2 1.38 6 0mm
09-24 16 0.5 6 11mm
09-25 17 0.58 5 17mm

About this spot

Le Piramidi sits within the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica, a strictly managed marine protected area off the Sicilian coast. The site centers on distinctive pyramid-shaped rock formations that rise from the seabed, creating an iconic landscape for divers exploring this reserve. The protected status means the site maintains healthy marine ecosystems and enforces visitor limits to preserve the environment. Divers visiting Le Piramidi access one of Italy's most regulated dive destinations. The proximity to Punta Cavazzi Lighthouse provides a geographic landmark for navigation. The reserve's protection has allowed marine life to flourish, making it a reliable spot for observing Mediterranean species in their natural habitat. Community documentation exists through dive videos and species observations logged by visitors. These records show consistent marine activity throughout the year. The site suits divers seeking pristine conditions within a conservation zone. Local dive operators familiar with MPA regulations can arrange visits and brief divers on reserve rules before descent. Visiting Le Piramidi requires respecting protected area boundaries and dive procedures set by Ustica's marine authority. This framework keeps the site sustainable for future divers.

📖 Guide: Diving in Italy: 74 Sites from Caves to Open Water

Dive types

Reef

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F/L · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 48%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1771km · ~407kg · €7

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

Can I dive Le Piramidi year-round?

The site is accessible year-round, though sea conditions vary seasonally. Check with local operators for optimal diving windows and current weather forecasts before booking.

What marine life will I see at Le Piramidi?

Species observations logged by divers document Mediterranean wildlife at the site. Local operators and dive logs can detail which animals are currently active in the area.

Do I need special permits to dive this protected area?

Yes. Le Piramidi lies within the Area Marina Protetta Isola di Ustica, a protected marine reserve. You must follow all MPA regulations and typically dive with authorized local operators familiar with reserve rules.

How do I find a dive operator for Le Piramidi?

Contact dive shops on Ustica Island. They know the marine reserve's entry procedures, depth limits, and seasonal conditions. Operators will brief you on protection rules before your dive.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Mister Jump diving center

3.7 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Su 08:00-20:00

Ustica Diving

3.7 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

46 records · 36 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Actinia mediterranea

Anthozoa · Actiniidae
GBIF
Last seen:
27 Apr 2026
×1records

Dardanus calidus

Malacostraca · Diogenidae
GBIF
Last seen:
22 Oct 2025
×2records

Pinna rudis

Bivalvia · Pinnidae
GBIF
Last seen:
22 Oct 2025
×1records

Dromia personata

Malacostraca · Dromiidae
GBIF
Last seen:
21 Oct 2025
×1records

Idotea metallica

Malacostraca · Idoteidae
GBIF
Last seen:
7 Aug 2025
×1records

Cotylorhiza tuberculata

Scyphozoa · Cepheidae
GBIF
Last seen:
3 Aug 2025
×1records

Delphinus delphis

Mammalia · Delphinidae
GBIF
Last seen:
2 Aug 2025
×1records

Ophidiaster ophidianus

Asteroidea · Ophidiasteridae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Jul 2025
×1records

Anemonia viridis

Anthozoa · Actiniidae
GBIF
Last seen:
14 Jul 2025
×1records

Hexaplex trunculus

Gastropoda · Muricidae
GBIF
Last seen:
11 Jul 2025
×1records

Semicassis undulata

Gastropoda · Cassidae
GBIF
Last seen:
11 Jul 2025
×1records

Elysia timida

Gastropoda · Plakobranchidae
GBIF
Last seen:
11 Jul 2025
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Ustica - Le Piramidi - 30/09/2023

Gaetano Magnano

SCUBA DIVING - SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT | Unreal Underwater Footage | How to Dive in the Red Sea

DeepDrive Golf and That Girl Sara
💬 3 top comments
  • Elite is my go-to dive operator in Sharm. Love their setup

    @shaunakthakkar8989 · 👍 0
  • ❤❤❤

    @MrModyshark · 👍 2
  • Awesome

    @FreedomWanderer · 👍 1

le Piramidi di PortoCesareo

Stefano Portinaro
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Jan (0/100) Now: Sep (93/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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