Its depths allow for both snorkeling and diving and provide excitement not only for first-time divers, but also for veterans and experienced scuba divers. During a diving activity in Scopello, through creeks and corridors, through caves and coves, you are captivated by the charm of its seabed. Lying in the bay of Cala Azzurra, one can admire the Wreck of the Capua: a large British cargo ship, wrecked during World War II. As soon as you dive, you can already admire its imposing silhouette.
You can view some interior areas of the ship in the pleasant company of starfish, moray eels, lobsters and crabs.
Other sites of major natural and archaeological interest include the submerged Ficarella Cave, the Shrimp Cave, the Faraglioni, the Underwater Museum, the Impisu Wall, and the Rim of Cala Berretta. The underwater world of Castellammare del Golfo attracts diving enthusiasts because of the variety of marine flora and fauna it hosts and the many sites to be discovered: a combination of historical relics of natural shapes and colors, where it seems that time has stood still and the hand of man has not yet arrived.
The kaleidoscopic fish of Scopello
During a scuba dive in the seabed of Scopello, from the approximately 7km-long coastline, one can encounter the most colorful and interesting fish in the entire Mediterranean Sea. Groupers, stingrays, scorpionfish and bream are the tenants of the Kent Wreck, a Turkish vessel sunk in the late 1970s, more commonly known as the ship of Korans by virtue of the thousands of copies of the Koran stored in its hold. In less warm seasons, sperm whales and whales can be spotted. During your dives you may find yourself within close range of pelagic fish and photographing, inside the caves, parapandoli, very cute red-and-white striped shrimp.
Scopello’s underwater museum and archaeological finds a priceless collection of amphora fragments, shards, and archaeological artifacts from the different periods of foreign rule in Sicily can be visited during an underwater dive.
Evident are the features of the preserved finds that highlight the influence of Greek, Arab, and Spanish culture. Located near the Faraglioni of Scopello, there is a strategic and interesting point. Two of the most important artifacts in this museum are kept here: a millstone and a three-hole stone anchor.
Given the difficulties in reaching and viewing the site, only basic scuba diving license holders and in the presence of a licensed local guide are allowed to dive.
The marine vegetation of Scopello
Beloved and visited by divers from around the world, Scopello’s seabed is home to a rich and varied marine flora.
it is common to encounter lush fans of red gorgonians, found in copious amounts in the Mediterranean habitat. Typical of the rocky seabed of the Sicilian west coast are the yellow branches of Gerardia Savaglia, commonly known as the black coral.
An indescribable diving experience not to be missed is a visit to the Cave of the Shrimps, at the entrance of which there is a rock wall inhabited by thousands of spirographs, thin, soft little tubes about 40cm long ; and the presence of the crystal ascidian, enchanting for its shining color, and the orange sea sponges.
Colonies of small sea daisies, so-called Parazoanthus, coralligenous structures and sponges color Scopello’s seabed yellow, orange and red.
Brightly colored and intense mollusks, crabs and shrimps find shelter among the anemones.
