DERNA - Medes Islands

The Derna, an Italian steamship requisitioned during the war, went down in 1943 off the Medes Islands. She rests upright, mostly intact, with her bow pointing out to sea, and for a wreck of her age and location, she’s surprisingly well-preserved. Dropping down, you’ll find her sitting in around 33 metres, her superstructure rising a few metres off the seabed. Schools of barracuda often circle the mast, and inside the cargo holds, where the light shafts down, you can spot conger eels poking from crevices. We’d suggest this dive for those comfortable with deeper profiles and wreck penetration, as there are plenty of interesting sections to explore if you have the right training.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.410915, 4.162650
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
33m

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 DERNA

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 DERNA

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 typical diving depth range at the Derna dive site?
The Derna dive site, a fascinating steam ship vessel, is located at a depth of 33 meters. This makes it an ideal spot for divers interested in exploring a historical wreck.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Derna?
The primary attraction at Derna is its impressive wreck topography, featuring a steam ship vessel sunk in 1943. This 83.2m x 11m vessel, classified as a dangerous wreck, offers a unique historical exploration. Specific details regarding marine life are not provided in the available data.
What is the difficulty level of diving at Derna, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at the Derna dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. Due to this rating, it is generally not suitable for beginner divers, who should seek out less challenging sites.
What is the best time of year to visit Derna for optimal diving conditions and marine encounters?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to visit Derna for optimal diving conditions or marine encounters. For general guidance on seasonal diving in the Spain region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific scuba diving certifications required or highly recommended for diving at Derna?
Given the Derna dive site's intermediate difficulty and depth of 33 meters, divers should possess certifications appropriate for advanced or deep diving. While specific certifications are not explicitly listed, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent would be highly recommended to safely explore this wreck.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures experienced at the Derna dive site?
The available data does not include specific information regarding typical currents, visibility, or water temperatures at the Derna dive site. We recommend contacting local dive operators in the Medes Islands for the most current conditions before planning your dive.