reef

Log This Dive

Iles des moyades

The Iles des Moyades holds a special place for us in the Medes, a spot we often find ourselves heading back to. It’s a series of rocky islets that break the surface, and below, those rocks just keep going down, creating some truly dramatic walls and crevices. We're talking about a real Mediterranean classic here, with impressive swim-throughs carved into the rock. Drop down and you'll quickly be surrounded by schools of blotched picarel, a shimmering cloud that parts as you swim through. Keep an eye out for the deeper ledges where we've spotted some surprisingly large conger eels peeking from their holes, and the occasional anglerfish, perfectly camouflaged against the rock, waiting for a meal. Our favourite part is exploring the smaller cracks and overhangs; that's where you'll find the unexpected. We've seen butterfly blennies darting between the sponges, and if you’re patient, you might spot a Risso’s crab scuttling across a rocky patch. The site is pretty exposed, so you'll want to pick a calm day. When the sun hits just right, it streams into those crevices, creating a beautiful play of light and shadow. It's a site that rewards a slow, observant dive, perfect for those who appreciate the intricacies of a rocky reef rather than just chasing big pelagics.