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Diving in the The |
Limestone is, of course, a relatively soft rock, and the area is also well faulted. This has allowed the formation of many tunnels, archways and complete cave systems, the most spectacular of which goes through Meda Petita from one side of the island to the other. This is known as the Dolphin Cave and a small, bronze statue of a dolphin has been erected at its southern entrance.
A spectacular cave, from the entrance at the north end, it runs more or less level through the island at a maximum depth of 17m for a distance of about 50m, steadily getting broader and higher as it reaches the several entrances at the much bigger south end.
Apart from their unusual underwater geography, it has been known for many years that these islands are biologically rather special in Mediterranean terms, with conditions that favour the development of marine life. The River Ter enters the sea just a few miles to the south, enriching the water with organic material. A combination of winds and currents from the north causes an upwelling of deeper water around the islands which brings more nutrients from as far away as the River Rhone in southern France. All of this creates a fertile cocktail on which many organisms thrive. Many of the rock walls from 20m down are festooned with beautifully coloured sea fans; red, yellow, purple and even combinations of these colours. They make a stunning sight.
After years of unrestrained exploitation by commercial divers, semi-precious red coral is again developing well on many of the underhangs that it appears to favour. Encrusting life on the rocks is amazing, and anybody who is into macro photography will go wild with delight. There are tame groupers on every dive; shoals of sardines and anchovies attract pelagic predators such as jacks, bonito, bass and barracuda, and there are so many different sorts of bream circling around in front of your mask that they restrict the view.
The reserve is well-organised, with a comprehensive set of sensible, legally enforceable rules backed by a policing system. It enjoys complete local support, even among fishermen, who are excluded from operating within 200m of the islands at the reserve's closest point.
The Medes Island are renowned to be areas of outstanding natural beauty and intrigue. This Mediterranean diving haven covers a range of locations and depths. This means that this is an ideal site for families of all diving abilities, and can cater for all tastes.
Since 1990 the island has been protected, and it is strictly prohibited to take anything living or dead. This has resulted in an abundance of both species numbers and types of marine life, along with the fish’s acceptance of divers and their willingness to come up close and interact.
This area is a paradise for the underwater photographer and videographer; the warm, clear waters provide excellent conditions as well as a picturesque backdrop.
Most dives range from 10-15m at most sites in the area, to depths well in excess of 50m, thus catering for all levels of diver. This means that numerous dives can be undertaken and you will never see the same thing twice.
The islands also provide beautiful caves, drop-offs, swim throughs and many other aesthetically intriguing and mesmerising geological features. These factors all put together make a varied and interesting site that can cater for all types of divers.