Cíes – Bajo de la Serpiente – Galicia – Rías Baixas & Costa da Morte
Site Overview
The Bajo de la Serpiente is a pinnacle off the Cíes Islands swept by strong current that draws barracuda, amberjack and the reserve’s signature spider crabs. Advanced divers drift along the granite summit at 12-28 m, enjoying some of Galicia’s most dynamic diving in clear, cool water. The protected status and permit system keep the site pristine and uncrowded, and the fish action is excellent. Bajo de la Serpiente is a favourite for experienced Atlantic divers. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season.
Dive Briefing
"Take the permitted boat to the pinnacle and descend the shot line against the current, drifting along the summit watching for barracuda and amberjack. Ascend with a long safety stop and careful air management. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."
Signature Marine Life
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: Summer
Spider Crab
Maja squinado
Best: Year-round
Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Strong current
- Depth and nitrogen limits
- Kelp entanglement
- Cold thermocline
- Permit rules
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Designed for advanced and drift-experienced divers who want current-swept pinnacle action with big crustaceans. It rewards wide-angle photographers and experienced explorers. The strong flow demands solid skills. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Cíes Diving
- Galicia Dive Center
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Vigo • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Vigo • 5km away