DALTON - Medes Islands

The Dalton sits in serious depth off Medes, a proper technical dive at 45m. We love it because it’s a wreck with real history, not just some random pile of metal. She went down in 1928, a steamship carrying ore, and you can still make out the bones of her, even though she’s well-colonised now. Dropping down, the visibility here often pushes 20 meters, letting the full length of her, 71 meters, slowly materialise from the blue. The compound engine is a highlight, and we always spend a bit of time picking out the details on the stern. Over the decades, schools of barracuda have claimed the superstructure, and if you hover quietly, you’ll often see dentex patrolling the edges of the wreck, sometimes surprisingly large ones. It’s a dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles and a bit of current, which can sometimes sweep through. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance of calm conditions before the dive boats from L’Estartit really start moving. It’s not an easy dive, but the sense of history, paired with the marine life that has made it home, makes it a standout for us.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.199966, 5.230733
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
45m

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 DALTON

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 DALTON

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Dalton dive site?
The Dalton wreck site reaches a maximum depth of 45 meters. This depth classifies it as a deep dive, requiring appropriate training and experience for safe exploration.
What marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Dalton?
Divers exploring the Dalton can expect to encounter the remains of a 71.6m x 9.8m steam ship vessel, originally built in 1877. This historic wreck, which sank on February 19, 1928, carried a cargo of ore and was powered by a compound engine of 136NHP. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks often attract diverse ecosystems; you can learn more about general marine life in our wildlife database.
How challenging is the Dalton wreck dive for recreational divers?
The Dalton wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty, primarily due to its maximum depth of 45 meters. Additionally, it is categorized as a "Dangerous wreck," indicating potential hazards that require experienced divers to navigate safely. Divers should possess the necessary skills and training for deep and potentially challenging wreck environments.
When is the best time of year or what are the ideal weather conditions to dive the Dalton wreck?
Specific information regarding the best time of year or ideal weather conditions to dive the Dalton wreck is not provided in our current data. Generally, divers should consult local dive operators for up-to-date conditions and consider factors like visibility, currents, and surface weather for any dive. For general guidance on planning your dives, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive the Dalton wreck?
Given the Dalton wreck's maximum depth of 45 meters and intermediate difficulty, divers would typically need advanced certifications such as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent, along with specialized deep diver training. A wreck diver specialty certification is also highly recommended to safely explore this "Dangerous wreck" and understand its unique challenges.
Are there any notable currents or specific water conditions at the Dalton dive site?
Our current data for the Dalton dive site does not specify any notable currents or unique water conditions. As with any dive, it is always advisable to consult with local dive centers or guides in the Medes Islands region immediately before your dive for the most current information on conditions.