BARTOLO - Medes Islands

Bartolo isn’t just some random pile of metal. We love it because it’s a proper wreck, one with a story you can feel. She was a steamship, torpedoed by a British submarine back in ‘43, and now she sits upright in two main sections, easy enough to navigate at 28 metres. You’ll fin over the bow, still fairly intact, then across a break where the stern starts. Look for conger eels poking out from the gaps in the hull plating, and often you’ll spot a big school of barracuda hanging in the blue just off the mast. It’s a great dive for anyone who appreciates a bit of history with their marine life, offering enough swim-throughs and details to keep you exploring for the whole bottom time. We always suggest getting here earlier in the morning before the day boats crowd the mooring. That way, you get the sense of isolation this old girl deserves.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.331950, 4.592417
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m

Wreck History - BARTOLO

Year Sunk
1943
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
torpedo
Tonnage
1,115 GRT

The Bartolo, originally the Italian steamship Bartolo G, met its end during the Second World War in the supposedly neutral waters of the Spanish coast. On March 6, 1943, the 1,115-ton vessel was transporting a cargo of oranges when it was intercepted near the Medes Islands. The British submarine HMS Taurus, on patrol in the Mediterranean, identified the Bartolo as a target supporting the Axis war effort and fired a torpedo.

The strike was decisive, and the Bartolo sank quickly, settling upright on the sandy seabed. The event was a stark reminder that even commercial shipping far from the main theatres of war was not safe from conflict. The wreck became a silent casualty of the long and brutal Battle of the Mediterranean, its cargo of fruit never reaching its destination.

Today, the Bartolo is one of the most celebrated wreck dives in the Medes Islands marine reserve. Resting at a maximum depth of 28 metres, it is perfectly preserved and accessible to advanced divers. The hull is largely intact, allowing for exploration of its deck, holds, and superstructure, which are now completely encrusted with vibrant gorgonians and sponges. Divers can expect to see abundant marine life, including large groupers, conger eels, and schools of fish that have made this piece of WWII history their home.

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 BARTOLO

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 BARTOLO

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