What fish and other marine animals can I see while snorkelling in Gibraltar?

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Snorkellers commonly see shoals of fish, damselfish, wrasse, starfish, sea urchins and, with luck, octopus and cuttlefish. Camp Bay and Little Bay on the west side are the most popular spots, with rocky shores and artificial reefs nearby.
Gibraltar sits where Atlantic and Mediterranean waters mix, so its marine life is unusually rich for such a small coastline. The Nautilus Project highlights the shoals of fish between Camp Bay and Little Bay as one of the Rock’s marine highlights.
Camp Bay is the best-known site. It has bathing facilities, rocky edges and an artificial reef created by sinking vessels offshore. Divers there see octopus, conger eels, nudibranchs, damselfish, anthias, cuttlefish, pipefish and torpedo rays. Snorkellers near the surface typically see shoals of fish, damselfish, wrasse and bream, plus starfish, sea urchins and anemones on the rocks below. Octopus are sometimes seen among rocks in shallow water, and local divers are working with the University of Gibraltar and the Department of the Environment on artificial dens to boost their numbers.
Conditions are generally calmest and the water warmest from May to October. Currents can be strong around the Rock, so stay close to shore, snorkel with someone else and use lifeguarded beaches during the bathing season.
Do not touch, feed or collect marine life. Taking sea creatures and using spearguns are prohibited without a permit under the Marine Protection Regulations.

What fish and other marine animals can I see while snorkelling in Gibraltar?

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