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Toto’ Cave (also known as Stalactite Cave)
 Ustica, Italy
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Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Clay/Muck
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Summer: 76-80°F/24-27°C
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Toto’ Cave (also known as Stalactite Cave) is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Ustica, Italy.
One of Ustica’s most attractive caves is to be found along the southern coast of the island, not far from the harbour. The entrance, which is not very large but quite accessible, is at a depth of only 8 meters (26 ft).
The muddy bed of the entrance to the cave obliges divers to limit the use of fins and move with extreme care.
Disturbing the fine sediment would mean clouding the fantastic sight that can be seen at just a few meters to the right of the cave entrance: an enormous stalagmite, about half a meter wide and three meters high surrounded by other smaller stalagmites and pieces of stalactite which have fallen from the ceiling of the chamber, altogether proving that the cave was once completely above sea level.
Following on towards the surface the seabed becomes calcareous though still covered by a thin layer of mud. A few meters further on you can touch the smooth, clean, steep calcareous wall that leads to the surface. At this point it is possible to lean on the wall with your head above the water.
The highest part of the cave is above sea level. It is about 2 m (6.5 ft) high and 4 m (13 ft) wide and forms a dome shape that is almost covered with stalactites that here and there reach right down to caress the surface of the water. The air is perfectly breathable and you can take off your mask for a better view of the evocative scenery.