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Barda de l'Illa Negra

3.9 — based on 18 community signals
4.3 12 species 38 contributors

Barda de l'Illa Negra is a rocky dive site off the Catalan coast near Begur, Spain, offering year-round diving in a protected natural area.

⭐ Best for beginners.

updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
PhotoFriendlyFamily-friendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

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Barda de l'Illa Negra location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3.9 kn
Wave
0.28 m
Water
26.5°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: NE (15%)
Now: WNW (290°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.21m

Next: Low at 06:00 (-0.56m)

+-0.4 m-0.6 m
▼ 06:00 · -0.56m ▼ 08:00 · -0.57m ▲ 15:00 · -0.46m ▼ 17:00 · -0.47m
Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24Fri 25
UV5.8 · mod Air PM2.54 · good 07:31 19:50
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-19 10.7 0.46 6 0mm
09-20 6.4 0.2 6 0mm
09-21 5.7 0.38 6 0mm
09-22 6.3 0.42 6 0mm
09-23 6.6 0.24 6 0mm
09-24 8.1 0.18 5 0mm
09-25 7.9 0.36 5 0mm

About this spot

Barda de l'Illa Negra sits in the Muntanyes de Begur region along Spain's Costa Brava, a rugged stretch of Mediterranean coastline known for rocky formations and clear waters. The site draws divers to its underwater rock features and abundant marine life typical of this northeastern Spanish coast. Local species observations document diverse fish and invertebrate populations in the area, making it a worthwhile destination for divers interested in Mediterranean biodiversity. The site operates year-round, meaning conditions remain diveable across all seasons. This accessibility makes it convenient for travel planning, though divers should check local conditions before booking trips during winter months. The rocky underwater terrain creates natural habitats and interesting topography for exploration. While not inside a designated marine protected area, the site sits within the broader Muntanyes de Begur natural landscape, which carries conservation importance. Divers visiting the spot should follow standard environmental practices and respect any local guidelines. The relative accessibility and year-round availability make Barda de l'Illa Negra a solid option for exploring Mediterranean diving without extensive travel restrictions.

📖 Guide: Diving in Spain: 91 Sites From Kelp Forests to Barracuda Walls

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Dive types

ReefShore

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type C/F · 230V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 1095km · ~252kg · €5

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 77/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 7h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 6h east · 4 days recovery

FAQ

Can you dive Barda de l'Illa Negra year-round?

Yes, the site is diveable year-round. However, winter months may bring rougher conditions, so check local weather and sea state before planning trips during November through February.

What marine life can you expect to see?

The site has 12 documented species observations on record. Mediterranean fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates inhabit the rocky terrain, though specific species lists vary by season.

Is a permit required to dive here?

Barda de l'Illa Negra is not inside a formal marine protected area, so standard Spanish diving regulations apply. Always verify current local requirements with dive operators or regional authorities before your trip.

What is the underwater terrain like?

The site features rocky formations and natural rock structures typical of the Costa Brava. The terrain creates interesting topography and habitat for marine life.

Operators near this spot

Dive centres, kite & surf schools within 10 km, sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Stollis Divecenter

3.3 km
Dive centre
Speaks 🇩🇪
Hours: Apr-Oct PH,Mo-Su 09:00-18:00

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

3 records · 3 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Cliona viridis

Demospongiae · Clionaidae
OBIS
Last seen:
14 Jul 2005
×1records
Depth:
6–8 m

Alpheus glaber

Malacostraca · Alpheidae
OBIS
Last seen:
26 May 1999
×1records
Depth:
302 m

Illex coindetii

Cephalopoda · Ommastrephidae
OBIS
Last seen:
27 May 1997
×1records
Depth:
139 m

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Jul (100/100) Worst: Feb (0/100) Now: Sep (94/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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