Wreck of the Garcia del Cid – Catalonia – Costa Brava & Medes Islands
Site Overview
The Garcia del Cid is a former research vessel scuttled off Barcelona in 2017 as an artificial reef, now resting at 20-33 m with resident groupers, barracuda and octopus making it a superb new wreck. Its intact structure is easy to circle and photograph, and the clear Mediterranean water showcases the marine growth. Advanced divers enjoy the depth and the reliable fish life, while the proximity to Barcelona makes it a convenient city dive. The Garcia del Cid is a rising star of Catalan wreck diving. 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
"Boat from Barcelona to the wreck and descend to the deck at 20 m. Circle the hull, peeking into open sections where groupers and congers hide, then ascend with a safety stop and watch for boat traffic on exit. 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
Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Conger Eel
Conger conger
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Sharp edges
- Silt disturbance
- Depth and nitrogen limits
- Boat traffic overhead
- Confined structure
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Suited to Advanced divers wanting a modern, intact wreck with strong fish life close to Barcelona. It appeals to photographers and wreck enthusiasts. Training divers build skills here under guidance. 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
- Barcelona Diving
- Garcia del Cid Dives
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Barcelona • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Barcelona • 5km away