Secca Della Formica
Conditions
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Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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About this site
Secca della Formica, also called Scoglio della Formica, is a rocky mountain in the Gulf of Porticello about a mile from Porticello harbour in the province of Palermo. It is made up of two rocks that outcrop on ancient sea routes that are not shown on nautical charts, and the area saw the wrecking of large vessels in Phoenician and Roman times. The name comes from the small outcropping part of the rock that is shaped like an ant.
The mountain rises from a depth of 60 m (197 ft) and breaks the surface by about half a metre. Its size allows routes of every standard, from shallow and easy to challenging and technical. Inside a sea cave at 18 m (59 ft) stands a statue of the Madonna del Lume, protectress of fishermen.
The fauna is not purely Mediterranean. Tropical species that have adapted to the area, such as parrotfish and small triggerfish, are sometimes seen here, and the site is also known for black coral, a genuine rarity.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
Loggerhead Sea TurtleCaretta carettaReported here · unconfirmed
ParrotfishParrotfishReported here · unconfirmed
TriggerfishTriggerfishReported here · unconfirmed
NudibranchNudibranchReported here · unconfirmed
TunaTunaReported here · unconfirmed
SnapperSnapperReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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