Can you go scuba diving or dolphin watching in Gibraltar?

Question

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gibraltar is known for wreck diving, with an artificial reef of sunken vessels at Camp Bay suitable for beginners and deeper historic wrecks for experienced divers. Dolphin-watching boat trips leave daily in season from Marina Bay and Ocean Village, where sightings in the Bay of Gibraltar are very common.
Diving
Gibraltar's diving centres on wrecks. An artificial reef programme begun in the 1980s has placed more than 30 vessels on the seabed, creating habitats for octopus, conger eels, bream, cuttlefish and spider crabs. Camp Bay, on the west side near Europa Point, is the main shore-diving site, with wrecks such as Batty's Barge, the 482M and the Spanish Barges lying at roughly 10 to 18 metres, which suits Open Water divers and try-dive students. Experienced divers can visit deeper historic wrecks such as the SS Rosslyn. Local PADI dive centres, based mainly around Marina Bay, run courses, guided dives and equipment hire, and try-dives are usually available from around age 10.
Conditions
The meeting of Atlantic and Mediterranean waters brings rich marine life but also currents and variable visibility, so dive with a local operator who knows the conditions. Visiting divers may need a diving permit, which dive centres can arrange.
Dolphin watching
The Bay of Gibraltar is home to resident populations of common, striped and bottlenose dolphins, and sightings on organised trips are very likely. Boat trips of around an hour to 90 minutes depart from Marina Bay and Ocean Village, with more frequent departures in summer. Operators follow a code of conduct to avoid disturbing the animals.
Tips
Book ahead in peak season. Trips can be cancelled in strong Levante winds, so keep plans flexible.

Can you go scuba diving or dolphin watching in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Detailed answer

Diving

Conditions

Dolphin watching

Tips