Diving in Costa Brava
Why dive here
Costa Brava offers some of Spain's richest diving, with 44+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, ocean sunfish (mola mola) and sea turtles. Water ranges 11-24°C, warmest July, August, September.
The Costa Brava, a stretch of rugged Spanish coastline, offers a more varied dive trip than some might expect from the Mediterranean. We love the dramatic topography; think sheer walls dropping into the blue and plenty of swim-throughs to explore. Visibility can really impress, especially outside the busy summer months, giving you a clear view of the dense posidonia meadows swaying in the gentle surge. Our favourite spots are definitely around L'Estartit and Roses, where the Medes Islands are a big draw, but don't overlook the mainland for some proper cave diving and unexpected historic finds like old anchors. We’ve finned past schools of axillary sea-bream so thick they almost obscure the light, and spotted shy anglerfish tucked away in rocky crevices. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles cruising by, and if you’re lucky, a Blue-white Dolphin on the deeper excursions. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn; the crowds are thinner, the water’s still warm, and the visibility is often at its prime. Just be prepared for a bit of a chill if you're diving earlier in the year.
Costa Brava Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Costa Brava
Costa Brava Dive Sites
96 dive sites in Costa Brava
ADONE
The ADONE wreck in Costa Brava sits in a shallow 10 metres, making it an easy dive for most. What remains is pretty broken up, but you can still pick out parts of the hull and framework. Expect to see some good-sized groupers often hiding in the wreckage, alongside plenty of damselfish and small wrasse. It’s a solid spot for a second dive or if you're looking for something relaxed with a bit of history.
ALICE ROBERT
The Alice Robert, for us, is one of those wrecks that just hits right. Not too deep that it’s purely technical, but deep enough to feel like a real dive, sitting at 46 meters. She’s a motor vessel, split into two main sections, and that’s where the fun really begins. Descending, you first hit the stern section, often bathed in a slightly eerie, diffused light thanks to the depth. We love swimming along her deck, spotting the resident conger eels peeking out from every nook and cranny. Keep an eye out for lobsters too; they’re pretty bold here. The bow section, a short swim away, feels like a completely different wreck. It’s more broken up, more open, and feels a bit more dramatic. Shoals of barracuda often circle above the wreck, their silver scales flashing as they catch the light from above. We’d suggest saving your bottom time for really exploring the nooks here, checking for nudibranchs on the encrusted metal. It’s a dive for those who appreciate history and the slow creep of nature reclaiming something man-made. The visibility in summer can be really special, making the wreck appear almost suspended in the blue.
ANDRES Y MARIA
The Andres y Maria wreck is a real sweetheart for anyone who loves a good poke around a historical site underwater. She's a fishing trawler, sunk deliberately, and now sits upright at 25 metres, looking like she just dropped anchor for a nap. What we love about her is the way she’s already become a living reef. You’ll find schools of damselfish flitting through the superstructure, and occasionally, we’ve spotted an octopus peeking out from a dark corner in the wheelhouse. Our favourite time to dive her is early morning; the light filtering down through the masts creates these incredible shafts, highlighting the reds and oranges of the sponges that are starting to take hold. While she’s classified as a dangerous wreck, meaning she’s broken up in places, the main structure is still very much intact and explorable for suitably qualified divers. Just remember to bring a torch – there are some delightful little nooks and crannies to illuminate. It’s a site that really suits those who appreciate the quiet beauty of a wreck slowly transforming back into nature.
Aquablue
Aquablue is one of those Costa Brava sites that just feels right, especially on a sunny morning. We love dropping in here, particularly if the forecast calls for calm seas. The rock formations are draped in colourful jewel anemones, painting the walls in oranges and purples that really pop under your torch. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident Atlantic stargazers – they’re masters of camouflage, buried in the sand with just their eyes peeking out, waiting for an unsuspecting snack. Our favourite part is cruising along the reef edge, where you’ll often find schools of salema darting in unison, a shimmering wall of silver. We’ve also had some cracking encounters with curious brown combers and the always-elegant ornate wrasse here. If you’re patient and scan the sandy patches, you might even spot a dory or a grey gurnard scuttling along. Aquablue is a solid choice for divers who appreciate the subtler beauty of the Mediterranean, offering a relaxed dive with plenty of intricate details for those willing to look closely. It’s a great spot for photographers keen on macro subjects and patient fish-watchers.
ASTREE
The Astree, a motor vessel, sits upright in 38 metres off the Costa Brava, making it one of our favourite deep wreck dives in the Med. Dropping down, the first thing you notice is the sheer size of the hull appearing out of the blue, often with schools of barracuda hanging just off the deck. We love that you can swim right into the cargo hold, where light filters through openings, illuminating lobsters tucked into corners and conger eels peeking from pipes. It’s a proper exploration dive, with plenty of external features to circumnavigate – the bow, the stern, and the superstructure are all intact enough to give a real sense of the ship. We’d suggest a torch for peering into the darker recesses; you’ll often find scorpionfish camouflaged on the deck plates. This site suits experienced wreck divers who appreciate a relatively undisturbed historical wreck, rather than those seeking vibrant coral gardens. Expect a thermocline around 15-20 metres, so a decent wetsuit is a good idea, even in summer.
AVVENIRE
The Avvenire, sunk in a pea-souper fog in '71, is a proper Costa Brava classic. We always appreciate a wreck with a bit of a story, and this one, originally sailing from Viareggio, certainly has that. She ran aground hard, then went down fast, and now sits in two main sections, just shy of the shore near L’Escala. Drop down and you're immediately struck by the sheer amount of life that's made this 47-metre motor vessel home. Dusky groupers eye you from shadowy nooks, their scales catching the light as they slowly shift position. The hold is our favourite part to explore, a dark cavern where conger eels often lurk, their heads protruding from pipes and crevices. We’ve had some fantastic dives here when the visibility is good, around 15-20 metres, and the sun pierces the surface, illuminating schools of damselfish that shimmer above the deck plates. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs on the bow section; there’s a surprising variety if you slow down and look closely. It’s a solid dive for advanced open water divers who enjoy penetration and a bit of history.
BENSU
The Bensu, a sizeable steamship, ran aground in 1979 and now lies broken on a rocky slope in just 10 metres of water. We found it a fascinating site for its sheer accessibility; you can explore quite a bit of the wreckage, with sections of hull plates and machinery scattered across the seabed. It’s a great spot for newer divers, or anyone looking for a relaxed, longer dive, as the depth allows for extended bottom time. While it’s certainly not a coral reef, the wreck itself has become a home for various Mediterranean fish and invertebrates, giving it a lively feel amongst the metal.
BOREAS
The Boreas is a real standout for us here in Costa Brava. She’s a trawler, sunk deliberately back in 1999 to become an artificial reef, and what a job she’s done. Sitting perfectly upright at 26 metres, her wheelhouse is the shallowest point, and you can still see the mast structure. What we really love is how light floods the interior sections, making for some fantastic swim-throughs without ever feeling claustrophobic. We’re talking schools of barracuda circling the bow and serious congregations of conger eels making the engine room their home. Her story is a bit dramatic, too; she was confiscated after a drug bust, which just adds to the mystique when you’re poking around her decks. The visibility here is usually great, often 20 metres plus, especially if you hit it on a calm morning before the winds pick up. For photographers, the way the light catches the encrusting corals and hydroids is just magic. We’d suggest anyone with a bit of wreck diving experience would absolutely love exploring her nooks and crannies. Just keep an eye on your bottom time; 26 metres can sneak up on you quicker than you think.
CABO CULLERA
Forget those deep, dark wrecks where you’re just trying to make out a shape. Cabo Cullera throws all that out the window. This isn’t a dive, it’s a snorkel – and a brilliant one at that. The wreck sits practically on the surface, just a metre deep, making it accessible to anyone with a mask and fins. What you get is an old cargo ship, the *Sant Jordi*, which ran aground back in 1948. We love how the light plays on the broken hull, creating these incredible patterns on the sand below. It’s been down there long enough for the structure to become a home for all sorts of critters. We always spot shoals of damselfish darting in and out of the rusted metal, and it’s a fantastic spot to find octopus tucked into crevices. You can spend an hour just floating, exploring the twisted steel and imagining its past life. Our insider tip? Go early in the morning before any wind picks up, when the water is at its calmest and the light is softest. It’s perfect for families, or for divers who just want a relaxed surface session.
Cala Canyelles
Cala Canyelles offers a straightforward Mediterranean dive, good for shaking off the rust or for newer divers. The main draw is a gradual sandy slope leading to some scattered rock formations. You'll likely spot small schooling fish, a few octopus tucked into crevices, and some nudibranchs if you look closely. It’s a relaxed site, best for a casual dip rather than seeking out big pelagics.
Cala Culip
Cala Culip offers a gentle dive, perfect for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration. The rocky seabed here is home to small octopus, moray eels peeking from crevices, and plenty of nudibranchs if you take your time. It’s a good spot for an easy second dive, generally sheltered from stronger currents.
Cala Margarida
Cala Margarida offers a straightforward shore entry, making it an easy option for a relaxed dive. The main draw here is a series of small caves and swim-throughs, cutting into the rock face. It’s a good spot for newer divers looking to practice buoyancy in confined spaces or for anyone wanting a simple, pleasant dive without strong currents. You'll find the usual Mediterranean suspects like wrasse and gobies amongst the rocks.
Costa Brava Dive Centres
78 dive shops and operators in Costa Brava
Ocean Wildlife in Costa Brava
44 species recorded in Costa Brava
Costa Brava Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Costa Brava, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
05:06
Sunset
18:38
Daylight
13h 31m
Golden Hour
18:00
First light (dawn) at 04:37 · Last light (dusk) at 19:07
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 07:15 | 16:41 | 9h 25m |
| Feb | 06:47 | 17:20 | 10h 33m |
| Mar | 06:03 | 17:54 | 11h 50m |
| Apr | 05:11 | 18:28 | 13h 18m |
| May | 04:30 | 19:01 | 14h 31m |
| JunLongest | 04:13 | 19:26 | 15h 13m |
| Jul | 04:25 | 19:24 | 14h 59m |
| AugNow | 04:56 | 18:52 | 13h 57m |
| Sep | 05:28 | 18:02 | 12h 34m |
| Oct | 06:00 | 17:10 | 11h 10m |
| Nov | 06:38 | 16:30 | 9h 52m |
| DecShortest | 07:10 | 16:18 | 9h 9m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Costa Brava.
Where to Stay near Costa Brava
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Marine Protected Areas near Costa Brava
38 protected areas near Costa Brava - please respect local regulations when diving
Sistema de cañones submarinos occidentales del Golfo de León
Espacio marino de l'Empordà
Espacio marino del Baix Llobregat-Garraf
Costes del Garraf
Costes del Garraf
Costes del Garraf
Aiguamolls de l`Alt Empordà
Aiguamolls de l'Alt Empordà
Aiguamolls de l'Alt Empordà
Cap De Creus
Cap de Creus
Cap de Creus
Showing 12 largest of 38
Getting to Costa Brava
Girona
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