POPI - Costa Brava

We like Popi for a relaxed afternoon dive, especially if you’re newer to wreck diving or just want an easy cruise. This carrier vessel went down in 1974 after a fire, settling upright at a modest 11 metres. It’s pretty broken up these days, but you can still make out the general shape, the bow and stern sections being the most intact. What we really enjoy is watching how the Mediterranean life has completely taken over. Small schools of damselfish flit in and out of the plating, and you’ll spot plenty of blennies tucked into crevices. It’s not a deep, dramatic wreck, but it’s a friendly one, perfect for extended bottom times and getting comfortable with overhead environments without any real pressure.

Location
Costa Brava, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
41.365500, 2.182167
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Espacio marino del Baix Llobregat-Garraf

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 POPI

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 POPI

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths at Popes Eye?
The dive site POPI, located in Costa Brava, Spain, has a typical diving depth of 11 meters. This makes it a relatively shallow wreck dive, suitable for divers comfortable with this depth.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Popes Eye?
Divers at the POPI site can expect to explore a fascinating underwater wreck. This carrier vessel, measuring 30.5m x 6.7m, was built in 1938 and sank on September 27, 1974, due to a fire. While specific marine life details are not provided in the data, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems, making it an interesting feature to observe. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
Is Popes Eye a suitable dive site for beginner scuba divers?
The POPI dive site is classified with an intermediate difficulty level. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for beginner scuba divers, who should seek sites with an "easy" classification. Divers should have appropriate experience for an intermediate wreck dive.
When is the best time of year or tide to dive at Popes Eye for optimal conditions?
The provided data for the POPI dive site does not specify the best time of year or tide for optimal diving conditions. For general guidance on planning your dives in the region, you might consult our When to Dive resource.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Popes Eye?
Given that the POPI dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty, divers should possess certifications that align with this level of challenge, typically beyond entry-level open water. It is always advisable to have experience with wreck diving or to dive with a guide familiar with the POPI wreck.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Popes Eye dive site?
The available data for the POPI dive site does not include specific information regarding typical current conditions or visibility. Divers should always check local conditions with a dive center in Costa Brava before planning their dive.