naturalistic
archaeological
Naturalistic and archaeological
Browsed itineraries of Sicily and discover the wonders above and below the water of a timeless island
PARETE SIRENETTA (THE MERMAID WALL)
A magnificent vertical wall with sulphur geysers
One of this dive’s main peculiarities is the vertical extent of the volcano’s wall. It ranges from 10 to 15 m in depth next to the rocks above the surface, to abysmal depths below. The area is characterised by awe- inspiring lava rock and black sand, with yellow nuances caused by the sulphur residues. You will see small columns of bubbles escaping through the cracks in the seabed and racing towards the surface. The dive takes place along the wall, first proceeding in one direction, and then returning to a lower depth in the other direction. The route follows the channel of sand, and arrives at the edge of the shoal that marks the boundary between the coast and the cliffs on shore. One of the small caves along the coast continues into the rock for a few metres and ends at a small underground lake. Turning right at the exit from the tunnel, you will find a small indentation where the sand has turned yellow due to the sulphur released by the minute gas emissions.
IMPORTANT. Due to the gas emissions and veins of hot water, the water of the bay that houses the Sirenetta rock outcropping and the on-shore caves is turbid for the first few metres.
Browsed itineraries of Sicily and discover the wonders above and below the water of a timeless island
CALA TRAMONTANA – THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ITINERARY
Punic, Greco-Italic and Imperial Roman amphorae
The beginning of the itinerary, which is marked by a buoy, can be reached by land from the Cala Tramontana pier, or else by sea by mooring your boat to the appropriate float. The itinerary begins at a depth of about 8 m, on a seabed covered with sea grass that slopes down to a sandy plateau.
Browsed itineraries of Sicily and discover the wonders above and below the water of a timeless island
PUNTA FALCONIERA
The archaeological and naturalistic dive
The northern tip of Punta Falconiera is characterised by a rocky wall that is interrupted to the east, at a depth of about 15 m, by a sandy valley with banks of sea grass. In this direction, you will descend to a depth of about 30 m, where you will encounter a steep slope made up of sand and organogenic debris. Following the guiding rope, you will come to a slightly sloping plateau at a depth of 20 m. Continuing southward, you will descend to a depth of 30 m, where the seabed consists of a series of sloping steps with large isolated rocks and banks of sea grass, while beyond the escarpment the sea floor is sandy and covered by debris. Nearby, you will find a rocky wall covered by crevices that you can follow to reach the dive’s end point.