the Medes Islands·Spain
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons
A no-take reserve where decades of protection have brought back huge grouper, plus a honeycomb of tunnels and caverns a short boat-ride from L'Estartit. It is the classic Mediterranean dive-reserve day.
In season: May–Oct · Peak: Jun–Sep
Warm, easy diving on protected reef, though the caverns want good buoyancy. Daily diver numbers are capped and operators licensed, so the water never feels crowded — but you must book ahead.
Grouper on the reserve's most protected reef
Shallow cave system off the southern island, good for a first dive
Tunnel through the rock at 20 m, the classic Medes dive
Cavern dive with light shafts, the one for photographs
Base in L'Estartit and dive through a permitted operator; the reserve permit is arranged by the centre. May–October has the warmest water and best visibility.
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