Enjoy the Sea Life in the Marine Parks of Sicily

Pack your flippers and goggles and get yourself ready to explore the underwater treasures around the coast of Sicily where you will be spoilt for choice with the rich diversity of sea life. The waters around Sicily attract amateurs and professionals alike who come to admire the panoramic underwater seascapes right across the island from the Ionian Sea to the Mediterranean coast.

We start our journey at Isola Bella, just off the coast close to Taormina, where you can find shipwrecks, archaeological treasures and a wealth of sea life under the water. This little island can be reached on foot across the pebbly beach when the tide is low and was once a holiday resort, used by the nobility around the 1800’s, who built luxurious private homes here. Today it is a designated Nature Reserve and Marine Park managed by the WWF and a great place to visit if you are passionate about sea-watching or diving. Try a dive to the ‘Zi Gennaro’ rock which is noted for the sudden depth change from 10m to 45m.

Head south for a few kilometres and you will reach the Cyclops Islands, nearby Acitrezza, created by the lava rock and sand from nearby Mount Etna. The islands are rich in biodiversity with the Posidonia Oceanica enjoying the most underwater plant life. There are several tours on offer by local guides to explore the waters and encounter sea horses or pipe fish or simply enjoy the multi-coloured starfish and other tropical fish set against the coral backdrop. Don’t miss visiting the rocky outcrop of Faraglioni which jut out of the sea like mini-volcanoes and are known locally as ‘sons of the volcano’ due to their appearance.

A little further down now to the province of Syracuse and the Plemmirio area where we find Maddalena Peninsula and the Capo Murra di Porco. This is a relatively young marine oasis filled with caves, moray eels and sea horses.

As we turn the corner and head west along the coast we start to feel the African influence that pervades this part of Sicily. The Pelagie Islands are made up of Lampedusa, Linosa and the uninhabited island of Lampione which offer diving and a myriad spectacle, including living sponges, snapper and mackerel.

As we circumnavigate Sicily, passing the north of the island, we come to Ustica Island, a true paradise for divers, with its coastline full of hidden bays such as Cala Sidoti, Cala Santa Maria and Corruggio. The seabeds are diverse here and you can see many species of fish whether you choose to take a guided tour with a glass bottomed boat or a guided dive.

Heading back towards the east, we come to the renowned Isola delle Femmine and Capo Gallo coast. In this area, especially around the little island, it is possible to see lobsters and groupers amongst many other species of fish.

Finally, we arrive at the most well-known group of islands off the Sicilian coast, the Aeolian Islands. This group of seven islands have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and are a volcanic area, with two of the islands, Stromboli and Vulcano, still active. Each of the islands has its own character with unique archaeological treasures, including white pumice sea beds and oxidised walls.

This is where we conclude our tour, surrounded by the clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, bringing us back almost to where we started, as we head back towards Taormina and the towering giant of Etna on the east coast.