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    Cíes – Bajo de la Serpiente – Galicia – Rías Baixas & Costa da Morte

    28m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    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

    high

    Sphyraena viridensis

    Best: Year-round

    Amberjack

    medium

    Seriola dumerili

    Best: Summer

    Spider Crab

    high

    Maja squinado

    Best: Year-round

    Grouper

    medium

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Moray Eel

    high

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Strong current
    • Depth and nitrogen limits
    • Kelp entanglement
    • Cold thermocline
    • Permit rules
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital de Vigo Hyperbaric Unit
    25km away

    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.

    reserve
    pinnacle
    drift
    galicia

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentstrong
    Water Temp12-20°C
    Best TimeJune - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Cíes Diving
    • Galicia Dive Center
    Pricing Guide
    $85 - $155
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm

    Best for: wide_angle

    Nearby Stay

    Local Dive Lodge

    Vigo3km away

    Check Availability

    Coastal Guesthouse

    Vigo5km away

    Check Availability