Arche du plannier - Medes Islands

Arche du Plannier, now this is a Medes classic we always make time for. It’s more of a swim-through than a true cave, which means we’re not hauling heavy cave gear, just enjoying the ride. The main draw here is the light, or the lack thereof, then the sudden explosion as you emerge. We love dropping down to the arch entrance, maybe 15 metres or so, then just drifting through. Inside, the walls are covered in those deep Mediterranean reds – the red coral here is a real treat, glowing under your torch. Look closely for pale lucinas and maybe a lurking dogfish if you're lucky. It’s a site that really makes you feel the cool embrace of the Mediterranean. The contrast between the shaded interior and the bright blue outside is incredibly dramatic, a real feast for the eyes. We’d suggest going in the late morning, around 10 or 11, when the sun is high enough to really penetrate the water and create those incredible light beams. Keep an eye out for ornate wrasse flitting about the entrance. It suits divers who appreciate a good visual spectacle and don't mind a bit of current to spice things up – it can get a bit pushy sometimes, but that just adds to the adventure.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.197968, 5.223566
Type
cave
Maximum Depth
10-30m

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 Arche du plannier

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 Arche du plannier

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