IOANNA - Medes Islands

The *Ioanna* isn't your typical deep wreck, and that's precisely why we love it. Lying just off the surface, she’s a huge steamship, about 100 metres long, driven aground in a gale back in the 70s. We're talking serious history here, a proper vessel built in Hartlepool, 1948. What you get is this incredible, almost surreal experience of diving a massive wreck in just seven metres of water. Sunlight streams right down onto the deck, illuminating every rivet and twisted metal plate. You can trace the entire outline of the ship, even glimpse into the cavernous holds, all without ever needing to worry about bottom time or decompression. It’s perfect for those longer, relaxed dives where you can just soak it all in. We’ve spent whole afternoons just exploring the superstructure, watching the light play tricks through the openings. It’s a photographer’s dream, and the marine life here is surprisingly good. You’ll find schools of damselfish flitting through the beams, and octopus often tuck themselves into crevices, barely visible until they shift. It’s an easy dive, but don’t mistake easy for boring; the scale of the *Ioanna* at this depth is genuinely impressive.

Location
Medes Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
43.406666, 3.715556
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
7m

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 IOANNA

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 IOANNA

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 depth range for diving at the IOANNA dive site?
The IOANNA dive site is typically found at a depth of 7 meters. This relatively shallow depth makes it an accessible wreck dive for many certified divers. Exploring this historical steam ship offers a unique underwater experience.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at IOANNA?
Divers at the IOANNA site can expect to explore the impressive steam ship vessel itself, which measures 100m x 14m. This wreck, sunk in 1970, forms the primary underwater topography. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, wrecks often become vibrant artificial reefs attracting various species.
What is the difficulty level of the IOANNA dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The IOANNA dive site is classified as having an intermediate difficulty level. This suggests it may not be suitable for absolute beginner divers without proper supervision or additional training. Divers should possess some experience and comfort in open water to fully appreciate this fascinating wreck.
What is the best time of year to dive at IOANNA for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive at the IOANNA dive site for optimal conditions and marine encounters is not available in the current data. 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 to dive at the IOANNA site?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at the IOANNA site. However, given its intermediate difficulty rating, divers should possess at least an Open Water certification and ideally some experience with wreck diving. Always check with local dive operators in the Medes Islands for their specific requirements.
What are the usual currents and visibility conditions like at the IOANNA dive site?
Details regarding the usual currents and visibility conditions at the IOANNA dive site are not provided in the current data. It's always recommended to consult with local dive centers or guides in the Medes Islands for up-to-date information on conditions before planning your dive.