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📷 Maël BALLAND · Pexels

Dolfi Sud

3.8 — based on 15 community signals
4.4 12 species 43 contributors

Dolfi Sud is a year-round dive site within Spain's protected Medes Islands marine reserve, offering access to diverse Mediterranean marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Reserva Natural Parcial C Mari… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAFamily-friendlyShore entry

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner

Top operators here

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Map

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Dolfi Sud location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
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Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
5.3 kn
Wave
0.3 m
Water
25.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (19%)
Now: WNW (289°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 0.21m

Next: Low at 05:00 (-0.56m)

+-0.4 m-0.7 m
▼ 05:00 · -0.56m ▲ 15:00 · -0.46m ▼ 23:00 · -0.57m ▲ 02:00 · -0.56m
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 11 0.44 6 0mm
09-20 5.2 0.2 6 0mm
09-21 5.6 0.4 6 0mm
09-22 7.9 0.42 6 0mm
09-23 6.6 0.24 6 0mm
09-24 8.1 0.22 5 0mm
09-25 7.9 0.32 5 0mm

About this spot

Dolfi Sud sits in the Medes Islands, a protected marine reserve off the Spanish coast. The site benefits from strict conservation status under the Reserva Natural Parcial Marina de les Medes, which means healthier reefs and more consistent marine encounters than many unprotected spots. Year-round access makes it a reliable choice for divers planning trips to this region at any time. The reserve's protection has documented 12 distinct species observations at this location, suggesting rich biodiversity typical of Mediterranean protected areas. Community video evidence from three separate recordings shows active use and confirms the site's accessibility. Divers visiting Dolfi Sud should research current conditions and any permit requirements for the protected zone before arrival, as marine reserve regulations can vary seasonally. The Medes Islands themselves draw consistent diving interest, making this a proven destination for operators and independent explorers alike. Exact depths, visibility, and water temperature data should be confirmed with local sources before planning your dive.

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

Dive types

Reef

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 ↔ 1085km · ~250kg · €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

When is the best time to dive Dolfi Sud?

Dolfi Sud is accessible year-round. Check with local dive operators for seasonal visibility and weather patterns, as Mediterranean conditions vary with season.

What marine life can I expect at Dolfi Sud?

The site has documented 12 species observations within the protected reserve. The Medes Islands marine reserve protects typical Mediterranean fauna, though specific species and abundance vary seasonally.

Is Dolfi Sud in a protected area?

Yes. Dolfi Sud lies within the Reserva Natural Parcial Marina de les Medes, a protected marine reserve. Divers must follow reserve regulations and may need permits—confirm requirements locally.

How do I access Dolfi Sud?

Access is via the Medes Islands. Confirm departure points, boat services, and any required permits with local operators in Catalonia before planning your trip.

Operators near this spot

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

Costa Brava Divers

2 km
Dive centre

Nautica Borrat

2 km
Dive centre

Diving Center La Sirena

2 km
Dive centre

Aqua Sports

2.1 km
Dive centre
Hours: Mo-Sa 09:00-21:00+

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

26 records · 25 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Carcharhinus longimanus

Oceanic whitetip shark
Elasmobranchii · Carcharhinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
27 May 2012
×1records

Mediomastus

Polychaeta · Capitellidae
OBIS
Last seen:
3 Apr 2012
×1records

Munida intermedia

Malacostraca · Munididae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 May 2009
×1records
Depth:
536 m

Aphrodita aculeata

Polychaeta · Aphroditidae
OBIS
Last seen:
3 Jun 2008
×1records
Depth:
89 m

Paraleucilla magna

Calcarea · Amphoriscidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jan 2008
×1records
Depth:
6–15 m

Callianassa

Malacostraca · Callianassidae
OBIS
Last seen:
20 Mar 2006
×1records

Aplysia depilans

Gastropoda · Aplysiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
18 Jul 2005
×1records
Depth:
5–6 m

Arbacia lixula

Echinoidea · Arbaciidae
OBIS
Last seen:
10 Jul 2005
×1records
Depth:
6–8 m

Paucibranchia bellii

Polychaeta · Eunicidae
OBIS
Last seen:
16 Jun 2005
×1records

Sabellidae

Fan Worm, Feather-duster Worm, Peacock Worm
Polychaeta · Sabellidae
OBIS
Last seen:
20 Sept 2004
×1records

Calocaris macandreae

Malacostraca · Axiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
8 Jun 2001
×1records
Depth:
521 m

Aplysina aerophoba

Demospongiae · Aplysinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jan 1998
×1records

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

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Discovery Diving in Spanje L'Estartit Dolfi Sud

Bert Castro

dolfi sud

Jeroen De Boeck

Illes Medes Cave Dive Dolfi Sued

UScheunemann

Local knowledge

OpenStreetMap Notes
  • "Belongs to Wecamp chain, also on the other side of the road #OsmAnd"

    anonymous · 2025-09-01
  • "the house numbers here seem incorrect, the buildings across the side street have numbers 21 and 23 via StreetComplete_ee 61.1"

    Derkades · 2025-08-22
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Sep (100/100) Worst: Nov (0/100) Now: Sep (100/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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