Abyss Garden - Medes Islands

Abyss Garden. The name sounds deep, doesn't it? And it is, in character if not always in absolute depth. What we love about this site in the Medes Islands is how the wreck of the Reggio Messina isn't just a hunk of metal, but a real, living, breathing structure. It’s a former cargo ship that sank in 1993, now completely reclaimed by the sea. You'll find the wreck broken into two main sections. The bow lies closer to the shallows, around 20-25 metres, and the stern section drops a bit deeper, down to about 30-35 metres. We usually start at the deeper end, letting the currents – which can be pretty feisty here, especially in spring – carry us gently towards the bow. The light filters down, creating these incredible shafts through the structure. Look for the massive schools of damselfish that pulse around the superstructure, almost like a separate, shimmering skin. Our pick for exploration is the engine room, if you're comfortable with a bit of penetration. It’s not a tight squeeze, but a torch is essential. Inside, the red coral absolutely explodes, creating these vibrant splashes of colour against the rusted steel. Outside, keep an eye out for marbled electric rays resting on the sand, and we’ve even spotted seahorses clinging to the Mediterranean tapeweed near the anchor chain. It’s a site that really rewards a slower pace, letting you soak in the transformation from man-made to natural habitat.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.179504, 5.611930
Type
wreck

Wreck History - Abyss Garden

Vessel Type
unknown

"Abyss Garden" is the name of a renowned dive site or diving school associated with the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve off the coast of L'Estartit, Spain. This is not a shipwreck, but rather a natural underwater marvel. The Medes Islands are famous throughout Europe for their extraordinary density of marine life, a direct result of decades of strict environmental protection.

The name "Abyss Garden" aptly describes the experience of diving here. It likely refers to a specific location featuring a steep wall or drop-off that plunges into the deep, adorned with a breathtaking profusion of colorful sea fans, corals, and sponges that resemble a lush garden. Divers can expect to be surrounded by enormous groupers, schools of barracuda, and countless other species that thrive in this pristine sanctuary.

Best Time to Dive in Medes Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Medes Islands occur in August, averaging 23.1°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 13.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 14.1°C
  • February: 13.3°C
  • March: 13.5°C
  • April: 14.4°C
  • May: 16.8°C
  • June: 20.5°C
  • July: 22.7°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 21.6°C
  • October: 19.4°C
  • November: 17.3°C
  • December: 15.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Medes Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Abyss Garden

Marine Life in Medes Islands

Home to 78 recorded species including 56 reef fish, 8 sharks & rays, 5 octopus & squid, 4 whales & dolphins, 2 crabs & lobsters, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Abyss Garden

Based on average water temperature of 17.6°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 18°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