Costa Brava

Stretching along Spain's northeastern Mediterranean coastline, the Costa Brava is a premier diving destination celebrated for its rugged topography and protected marine sanctuaries. The jewel in its crown is the Medes Islands Marine Reserve, a small archipelago teeming with an incredible density of marine life. Divers can explore a variety of underwater landscapes across its 37 sites, from dramatic walls and vibrant reefs covered in gorgonians to intriguing caves and historical wrecks, offering a diverse and captivating experience for all.

Diving conditions are generally excellent, with visibility often exceeding 20 meters in the summer. Water temperatures peak around 25°C (77°F) in August, making it an accessible and comfortable European dive spot. The sheer abundance of life, combined with the stunning underwater scenery and professional dive infrastructure, makes Costa Brava, Spain a must-visit. It provides a perfect blend of challenging and relaxed dives, ensuring every diver, from novice to expert, will find something to marvel at beneath the waves.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Costa Brava, Spain?
The Medes Islands (Illes Medes), off the coast of L'Estartit, are undoubtedly the most popular. As a strictly protected marine reserve for decades, the area boasts an unparalleled abundance of marine life. It's famous for its huge, resident groupers that are very accustomed to divers. Iconic sites like La Vaca and Dofí Nord feature impressive tunnels and swim-throughs teeming with fish.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Costa Brava, Spain?
Well-known sites include the Medes Islands and the Boreas wreck near Palamós. For excellent, less-crowded diving, explore the coastline around Begur, where sites like Furió de Fito offer stunning walls and gorgonian fields. The Cap de Creus Natural Park in the north also has spectacular, wilder dive sites with dramatic rocky landscapes and fewer boats, providing a more adventurous experience.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Costa Brava, Spain?
Water temperatures vary significantly. In winter (Dec-Feb), it drops to 12-14°C (54-57°F). Spring (Mar-May) sees temperatures rise from 14-18°C (57-64°F). Summer (Jun-Sep) is warmest, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F), though thermoclines are common. Autumn (Oct-Nov) cools down to 17-20°C (63-68°F).
When is the best time to visit Costa Brava, Spain?
The prime diving season in Costa Brava, Spain runs from May to October. For the best combination of warm water, great visibility, and pleasant weather, visit in June or September. This helps you avoid the peak tourist crowds and higher prices of July and August, while still enjoying fantastic dive conditions.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Costa Brava, Spain?
Visibility in Costa Brava, Spain is typically very good, especially during the main season. From June to October, you can expect visibility ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50-100 feet). It can be lower in early spring due to plankton blooms or after heavy rainfall, but clear Mediterranean water is the standard for most of the year.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Costa Brava, Spain?
Costa Brava, Spain is not known for large pelagic migrations like whale sharks. However, divers may encounter seasonal visitors like the oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) in late spring and summer. Eagle rays and torpedo rays are also sometimes spotted. The main attraction is the incredible density of resident Mediterranean life, which is most active and abundant during the warmer summer months.
What marine life can I expect to see in Costa Brava, Spain?
You can expect to see large groupers, schools of barracuda, moray and conger eels, octopus, cuttlefish, and scorpionfish. The rocky reefs are covered in vibrant red and yellow gorgonians, sponges, and anemones. Look closer for a wide variety of nudibranchs, spiny lobsters, and colorful wrasse. The Medes Islands are particularly famous for their high density of fish life.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Costa Brava, Spain?
In peak summer (July-August), a 5mm wetsuit is generally comfortable. For the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (May, June, Sep, Oct), a 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended as the water is cooler. For winter diving, a 7mm semi-dry suit with a hood and gloves or a full dry suit is essential to stay warm in the cold water.
How do I get to Costa Brava, Spain?
The easiest way to reach Costa Brava, Spain is by flying into either Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), which is very close, or Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), a major international hub about 1.5-2 hours away. From the airport, renting a car provides the most flexibility to explore the coastal dive towns like L'Estartit, Palamós, or Tossa de Mar. Bus services are also available.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Costa Brava, Spain?
Shore-based diving is the norm in Costa Brava, Spain. The coastline is dotted with excellent dive centers in towns like L'Estartit and Palamós that offer daily boat trips to the numerous nearby sites. The dive spots are close enough to the coast that liveaboards are not necessary and are not a common way to dive in this region.
All Dive Sites in Costa Brava (68)
Agua DolBaix De ColsBajo De CulleroBajo De La TorreBajo Del MoliBau De La FerreraBoreasCala GuillosaCala Punta Santa AnaCala SardinaCala ViudaCanons De TamariuCap GrosCarai BernatCarall BernatContentinCorrec LlargCova De La SalDofDof SudEl Boc I La CabraEl BrascoEl GatEl WoodsideEncalladoraFigarolaGorgoniesGuixIlla FerriolIlles FormiguesIsla De PortaloIsla GaleraIslas FullolasLa VacaLa XinxaLembarcador Del FrancsLes 3 FrresLes FerranellesLlosa PalamosMar MenudaMargaritaMarmolerMassa DorNegre Del FalaguerPedra De DeuPoblat IbericPopa Del VaixellPort Del ReiPort PelegriPota Del LlopPuig De La SardinaPunta De Los FarallonsPunta Del FerroPunta SalinasPunta Santa AnnaReggio MessinaReinaRoca MuladeraSaint ProsperSalinasSalpatxotSant IstiuSanta AnnaTasc GrosTasc PetitTrencabraosUllastresUllastres Iii