Scuba Diving On The Costa Brava
Running from Blanes, which is 50km or so north of Barcelona, up to the border with France, the rugged coast is known as the Costa Brava. The area is a popular holiday destination for foreign tourists and Spaniards alike and while the beaches, snorkelling and walking are sufficient for most holidaymakers, the diving is some of the best in Spain.
Two areas in particular are outstanding; the Medas Islands near Estartit; and Cap de Creus, close to Cadaques, famed for its artistic heritage and near to where surrealist Salvador Dali lived and worked.
Both have the advantage of having been made marine parks which are protected by law and the result is an abundance of marine life, including coral that has re-grown after years of decline and fish that are almost completely tame.
One of the best dives on Cap de Creus is on Massa d’Or; you can go down to around 40 metres and experience fantastically clear water; however, the currents can change quite quickly and it isn’t really suitable for inexperienced divers. Check out Cap de Creus dive centres if you’re planning a dive here.
And the Medas Islands have a limit on the number of divers allowed each day, and have a total ban on removing anything from the area. The coral re-growth has been fantastic and the groupers inhabiting the chambers in Dofi Sud have to be seen to be believed. There are a number of dive centres in Estartit with daily trips to the Medas, as well as other dive sites between Estartit and l’Escala, which although are not currently protected are worthwhile doing.
There are also several dive centres in l’Escala which also run boat trips to the Medas, although you may prefer to drive to Estartit rather than the 40 minute boat trip.
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