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The Colombara Reef
 Ustica, Italy
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Max Depth: 131-140ft/40-43m
Entry Type: Boat
Bottom Composition: Sand
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Summer: 71-75°F/22-24°C
Winter: 56-60°F/13-16°C
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The Colombara Reef is a boat accessible salt water dive site, located in Ustica, Italy. The maximum depth is 131-140ft/40-43m.
In a single dive on the Colombara Reef, it is possible to see an impressive number of groupers, some large enough to weigh in at around 40 kg (88 lb), amberjacks, Mediterranean barracuda, dentex and huge seabream. The reef extends out to sea for half mile from the north coast of the island and reaches up to little more than 3 m (less than 10 ft) beneath the surface of the water.
Dives are almost entirely along the walls, the western side being the most fascinating and considered by many as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. There is a drop of 14 m (45 ft) to the first plateaux then another that reaches a depth of 42 m (almost 140 ft), which is literally covered with asteroids, parazoanthus and sponges of different species and colours creating a natural habitat for a good variety of sea slugs.
A black cone-shaped sponge at the base of the wall is of particular interest as it recalls a typically tropical setting. Moray eels, rocklings and dark groupers may also be admired in the many crevices to be found all along the wall.
A 74 m mercantile ship, loaded with low-grade marble, ran aground on the reef in and broke-up into two parts in February 2005. The wreck, now resting on a plateau 20 m (65 ft) beneath the surface, can now be visited and is becoming a suggestive habitat for a good number of marine species.
From ScubaDiving.com This tiny volcanic island of Ustica has been a marine reserve since 1986. The result is some of the Mediterranean’s richest sea life. The wreck of the Secca della Columbara fell apart when it sank in 2005 and sits alongside a wall covered with red gorgonians. At 72 feet deep, it’s considered one of the best dives in the Mediterranean for the giant shoals of barracuda, amber jack, grouper and giant bream it attracts. — Terry Ward
http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/other/essential-europe-sardinia-ustica