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Underwater image of a scuba diver ascending with vibrant fins in the deep blue ocean.
📷 Toon Van Dyck · Pexels

les Ferranelles

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

Les Ferranelles, a protected dive site within Spain's Medes Islands marine reserve, offers year-round diving with reliable access to Mediterranean marine life.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Reserva Natural Parcial C Mari… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPAShore entryFamily-friendlyBeginner
+1 more
PhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round

Top operators here

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Map

This spot Operators Airport Nearby spots
les Ferranelles location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
5.7 kn
Wave
0.32 m
Water
25.9°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: W (19%)
Now: WNW (294°)
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

Les Ferranelles sits within the Reserva Natural Parcial C Marina de les Medes, one of Spain's most carefully managed underwater zones. The site draws divers seeking protected Mediterranean ecosystems where marine life thrives under strict conservation rules. Access is regulated by the reserve authority, which means conditions are consistently maintained and overcrowding is controlled—a major advantage for dive quality and safety. The site hosts diverse Mediterranean species documented by the diving community. Twelve species observations have been recorded at Les Ferranelles, providing a solid foundation of knowledge about what you'll encounter. The area's protected status keeps the seabed and reefs in better condition than unregulated dive sites, translating to healthier fish populations and clearer ecological interactions. Year-round diving is possible here, making Les Ferranelles a reliable option whether you're planning a winter escape or a summer Mediterranean trip. The Medes Islands location offers additional nearby sites if you want variety during a multi-day visit. Community divers have produced three videos documenting the site, giving prospective visitors a genuine preview of conditions and marine encounters. Before diving, confirm access requirements with the reserve authority and any local dive operators familiar with the protected zone's current regulations.

📖 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

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 Les Ferranelles?

Diving is possible year-round. Summer offers warmer water and longer daylight, while winter can bring calmer seas and different species activity. Check with the reserve or local operators for seasonal conditions before booking.

What marine life will I see?

Twelve species observations have been recorded at Les Ferranelles within the protected reserve. The site's conservation status supports healthy populations of Mediterranean fish and invertebrates. Local dive operators and community videos offer specifics on current sightings.

Is access restricted or do I need permits?

Les Ferranelles lies within the Reserva Natural Parcial C Marina de les Medes, a protected marine area. Access is regulated to preserve the ecosystem. Contact the reserve authority or local authorized dive operators for current permit requirements and access procedures.

What depth and difficulty level?

Specific depth and difficulty data for Les Ferranelles are not widely documented. Contact local dive operators or the reserve authority for site-specific details to match your certification level and experience.

Operators near this spot

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

Nautica Borrat

2 km
Dive centre

Costa Brava Divers

2.1 km
Dive centre

Aqua Sports

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

MedAqua - Kayak Snorkeling

2.1 km
Dive centre

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

20 records · 20 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Calyptraea chinensis

Gastropoda · Calyptraeidae
OBIS
Last seen:
6 Apr 2015
×1records

Stenella coeruleoalba

Striped dolphin
Mammalia · Delphinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
22 Nov 2012
×1records

Ebalia cranchii

Malacostraca · Leucosiidae
OBIS
Last seen:
3 Apr 2012
×1records

Arbacia lixula

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

Paracentrotus lividus

Echinoidea · Parechinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
26 Apr 2005
×1records
Depth:
6–8 m

Lucinella divaricata

Bivalvia · Lucinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Apr 1995
×1records

Exogone verugera

Polychaeta · Syllidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Jun 1994
×1records

Tanaidacea

Malacostraca
OBIS
Last seen:
1 May 1994
×1records

Protodorvillea kefersteini

Polychaeta · Dorvilleidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 May 1993
×1records

Glycera capitata

Polychaeta · Glyceridae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Nov 1992
×1records

Loripes orbiculatus

Bivalvia · Lucinidae
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Nov 1992
×1records

Ophiuroidea

Ophiuroidea
OBIS
Last seen:
1 Apr 1992
×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.

Inmersión Ferranelles en el centro de buceo Diving Les Illes (Costa Brava)

Green Diving Spain

Scuba with Paul @ Les Ferranelles, Medes Islands

Paul Chapman

Diving Ferranelles, Medes Islands

Marius Huianu

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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