CARMENCITA - Costa Brava

Carmencita is one of those wrecks we keep coming back to in Costa Brava, a small auxiliary ship that settled upright on the seabed at 22 metres. It’s got a genuine ghost-ship vibe, partly due to the way light filters through the superstructure, partly the resident conger eels. We love how approachable this wreck is. You can spend an entire dive just circling it, picking out details: the winches, the bridge area, and the cargo holds. Inside, the light shafts are beautiful, especially on a sunny day. We've seen schools of damselfish flitting through the open hatches, and every time, there’s a new nudibranch or anemone tucked away in a corner. The lack of strong currents here generally makes for a really relaxed dive. Our favourite spot is usually the bow, where the chain still stretches out a short distance. It’s perfect for intermediate divers looking for a proper wreck dive without the anxiety of deep technical penetrations or challenging conditions. It’s always a good call for a second dive of the day, too.

Location
Costa Brava, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
41.105220, 1.265500
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
22m

Wreck History - CARMENCITA

Vessel Type
auxiliary ship
Cause
unknown

The Carmencita is a classic Mediterranean wreck dive, perfectly situated in the vibrant waters of Spain's Costa Brava. Lying at a comfortable depth of 22 meters, this former auxiliary ship is accessible to certified recreational divers and has become a popular underwater attraction. While the specific details of its sinking are lost to time, its transformation into an artificial reef is a resounding success. The vessel's structure provides an ideal habitat for a rich diversity of marine life, including schools of damselfish, curious octopuses, and colorful nudibranchs. As a non-dangerous wreck, it offers a safe and rewarding experience for those looking to explore the history and marine ecology of this beautiful coastline.

Marine Protected Area: Costes del Tarragonès

Best Time to Dive in Costa Brava

The warmest water temperatures in Costa Brava occur in August, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 11.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 11.2°C
  • February: 11.4°C
  • March: 12.7°C
  • April: 14.5°C
  • May: 17.5°C
  • June: 21.5°C
  • July: 23.5°C
  • August: 23.7°C
  • September: 22.0°C
  • October: 19.3°C
  • November: 15.6°C
  • December: 12.8°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Costa Brava

Nearest Dive Centres to CARMENCITA

Marine Life in Costa Brava

Home to 46 recorded species including 36 reef fish, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 sharks & rays, 1 worms, 1 seagrass & algae, 1 other.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CARMENCITA

Based on average water temperature of 17.1°C, currents 2 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories