Scuba diving in Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of the autonomous community of Catalonia (Spain), on the northeast coast of the Iberian Peninsula. The coast of the Province of Barcelona is a paradise for diving enthusiasts because there are many dive sites for all levels, as well as lovely seascapes and beautiful beaches. A combination of cold and warm water attracts a large variety of aquatic life, especially in nearby marine reserves. The area is accessible by car, train or plane. Barcelona is one of the world's leading tourist, economic, trade fair and cultural-sports centers, and its influence in commerce, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities. A popular attraction at Barcelona's waterfront is the aquarium, which boasts a large oceanarium with ferocious-looking sharks. One of the nearest places where scuba diving can be done is Costa del Maresme (or simply El Maresme), which stretches from the River Besòs, bordering Barcelona to the north, 50km/31mi northeast to the River Tordera (the beginning of Costa Brava). Costa del Maresme offers excellent diving opportunities in the Barcelona area. There is a nice variety of rocky platforms, caves and wrecks to be found in these waters. In the southern part of the Province of Barcelona lies Costa del Garraf (or El Garraf), its northern part at the foot of the Garraf massif, with cliffs of over 200m/656ft in height. Also interesting in the Garraf area are the dive sites accessible from the port of Vilanova i la Geltrú, such as the Neptune grass meadow of El Brut, the shipwrecks of Padruell and Domingo and the underwater mountain of El Montañazo. Divers can explore rocky reefs and wrecks, drop-offs and walls, caves and caverns. Popular dive sites just around the city of Barcelona are Pampina, Roquer Visera, La Vil•la Olímpica, L’escullera del Port Vell or Rompeolas and the Derelicte or Pecio Mallorquín shipwreck.

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate. Its average annual temperature is 20C/68F during the day and 11C/52F at night. In the coldest month (January), air temperatures average 8-17C/46-63F during the day and 2-10C/36-50F at night. In the warmest month (August), air temperatures average 25-31C/77-88F during the day and about 20C/68F at night. The average sea temperature is 13C/55F in January and 25C/77F in August. The water is exceptionally clear, often providing more than 30m/98ft of visibility.

What to see

Groupers, eels, morays, moonfish, cod, eagle rays, dolphins, whales, turtles and barracudas can be found here. The invertebrate life and abundance of corals may be of particular interest to photographers.