Diving here is a journey through time
Forget ordinary dives. In Pantelleria, every descent is a step into history. For centuries, the island sat at the crossroads between Africa and Sicily, sailed by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Carthaginians. Its clear, deep waters still hold traces of these ancient routes—today transformed into underwater cultural trails.
Cala Gadir: thermal waters and ancient wrecks
In the small harbor of Gadir, where the sea stays warm even in winter, lie three overlapping shipwrecks dating from the 3rd to 1st century BCE. Guided dives and marker buoys lead you through a field of over 100 Punic, Greco-Italic, and Roman amphorae.
At 30 meters deep, a lead anchor reveals the Roman presence. Beginners can explore shallower artefacts near the shore with just a mask and fins.
Cala Tramontana: the lost treasure
In 2011, just off the coast of Cala Tramontana, divers uncovered over 3,500 Punic coins from the 3rd century BCE. Spread across 16 square meters, these oxidized but legible pieces were likely intended to support pro-Carthaginian forces in Sicily during the First Punic War. This dive route begins with a modern wreck and descends to 20 meters, where you’ll find stone millstones, amphorae, and stone anchors.
Scauri: pottery and early Christianity
Between the piers of Scauri’s port, 8 meters down, lies a Roman wreck from the 5th century CE carrying Pantellerian Ware, a type of local pottery once traded across the Mediterranean. Among the finds: a carnelian signet ring engraved with an anchor, an early Christian symbol. A small object that opens a window into ancient faith.
Punta Tracino: layers of history
At a depth of 12 meters, one of Pantelleria’s most fascinating dive sites begins. Stone, lead and Byzantine anchors, scattered artefacts from different eras, tell of a landing used for centuries. A Dressel 1B amphora, a Keay 25 vessel, and a cache of lead ingots complete the dive route.
Practical info for your dive
The trails are marked and accessible only with certified guides.
When to dive? From June to October, sea conditions are ideal and water temperatures reach 25°C. Morning light brings the seabed’s colors to life, and visibility often exceeds 30 meters.
Do you need to be an expert? Non serve essere professionisti. Not at all. With a guided excursion, anyone can dive for the first time and experience the thrill—thanks to the island’s experienced diving centers.
What to bring:
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Curiosity and respect
They’ll provide the rest—wetsuit, tanks, mask.
Welcome to the depths of the island.
Where history lies in silence, waiting to be discovered by those who dive deep enough to listen.
Want to explore Pantelleria’s marine biodiversity? Read more: Diving in Pantelleria: discover marine life and underwater landscapes
Content created with the contribution of Green Divers and Div-X