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Scuba and weighted freedive permits; surface snorkelling without weights does not need the same permit.
Dive Spot Guide•
Islas Cíes
Islas Cíes: protected island dives with clear water
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Local operator required
Boat access and park authorization make operator support the practical default.
Boat-led park dives with sheltered inner-water options and more exposed outer faces; plan around permissions, weather, and sea state.
About Islas Cíes
Islas Cíes is a protected Atlantic island dive in the Vigo estuary with rocky reef faces, cliff-lined shoreline, and rich temperate marine life. Access is usually boat-based and permit-led, so the plan depends on park rules, weather windows, and whether you stay in sheltered water or work the more exposed outer faces.
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Research Estimate At Islas Cíes
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessModerate entry effort
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
CurrentModerate current
SurgeModerate surge
Where Is Islas Cíes?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Islas Cíes Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
9m - 36m
Depth Note
The Cíes area spans several named dive points, so exact depth varies by route; plan the chosen point rather than the archipelago as a single depth band.
Best Season
late spring through early autumn
Typical Conditions
Cool Atlantic water, clear on good days, with sheltered inner-water sections and more exposed outer faces. Weather and sea state can change the plan quickly.
Safety & Access At Islas Cíes
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficCold waterRestricted accessSurgeWaves
Safety Notes
Use an authorised operator, keep the weather window flexible, and treat exposed rock faces as surge-sensitive. Do not collect, disturb, or remove marine life.
Access Restrictions
Scuba diving in the national park requires authorization. Weighted freediving also requires permission, while surface snorkelling without weights is treated differently. Fishing, collecting, and seabed disturbance are prohibited.
Legal Notes
Cíes is a regulated national-park environment with protected habitats and visitor controls. Plan around park permissions, authorised transport, and condition checks.
Local Intel For Islas Cíes
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Operator-led boat dives are the normal format, with scheduling based on conditions and park permissions. The site suits guided planning more than independent casual access.
Freediving
Weighted freediving is regulated like scuba inside the park; unweighted surface snorkelling is the lighter-access option.
Snorkeling
Snorkelling works best in sheltered shallows and surface-only areas when the sea is calm. The outer faces are more exposed and less forgiving.
Wildlife at Islas Cíes
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Islas Cíes
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Islas Cíes
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
