Sutta a Za' Lisa

The Gate to Sicily 

Dive Map

Entry

The dive site is accessible by boat.

Best Time to Dive

April-November 

Recommended Equipment

Sport diving equipment 

Features

The small bay Sutta a Za’Lisa is interesting for both divers and snorkelers. At the tip of the bay, you can still admire a stone ruin that originally served as a military post. 

This dive site offers endless variety.

At 3 m, you start with a gorge that you can follow towards the open sea to a depth of 18 m.

The interior of this gorge is inhabited by very special marine creatures, namely the pencil sea urchins (Stylocidaris affinis), which are usually found only at 40 meters or deeper.

Additionally, the gorge leads to a picturesque cave with a very sedimentary seabed, which is an ideal habitat for sea bream, nudibranchs, and anemones (Anemonia sulcata). 

After that, you will find three large rock formations surrounded by Neptune grass (Posidonia), behind which lies the breathtaking cave Za’Lisa.

The entrance is a huge opening through which all the light from the surface casts beautiful light effects inside the cave.

The Petrosia sponges give the vault colorful shades, just like the brightly colored madrepore, which are usually found in warmer waters.

Here, the spotted nudibranchs love to frolic and feast on their favorite food, the Petrosia. The cave itself is often inhabited by barracudas, breams, lobsters, and crabs. 

For those who are still not satisfied after this impressive cave, you can explore the nearby steep wall and follow it down to 26 m. There, you will be rewarded with the sight of white gorgonians (Eunicella singularis), which are populated by curious morays (Muraena helena). 

Diving Bases Nearby

Orca Diving Ustica

Text: Carolina Leiter

Illustration: Sabine Probst

Pic: Dive Dict