Diving in Bay of Biscay
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Bay of Biscay's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Bay of Biscay, sea. This region features 50 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Bay of Biscay has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Bay of Biscay (1)
Popular Spots in Bay of Biscay (50)
As Doval
As Doval is characterized by a calm lagoon that forms at low tide, providing a sheltered environment for snorkeling and beginner scuba diving. The lagoon's bottom is rich in algae and supports a diverse range of marine life during the spring and summer months. Notably, sandy areas within the lagoon are often home to mosaic stingrays, making it an interesting spot for underwater observation.
As Doval de Fora
As Doval de Fora is a rocky reef situated in front of Llas beach, characterized by a diverse marine ecosystem. The maximum depth at this site is 12 meters, making it suitable for novice divers and those looking to practice various diving specialties. The underwater landscape features rocky channels interspersed with sandy corridors. During the spring and summer months, the area is particularly vibrant with marine life, including large lobsters that inhabit the crevices of the reef.
Astillero
Astillero is located at coordinates 43.337000, -1.936300 and features an east-west orientation with three prominent pinnacles that rise from a depth of 14 meters to just 3 meters below the surface. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species including banks of pea, bogas, and bream, as well as triggerfish and sunfish. The north face of the site is particularly rich in nudibranchs. Additionally, sightings of octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, and spider crabs are common. Entry to this dive site is by boat.
Bajo De Las Gorgonias
Bajo De Las Gorgonias is a dive site characterized by its low, mountain-like formation that runs parallel to the coast in an east-west direction. The southern section of this site is notable for its dense population of gorgonians. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species, including banks of pea fish, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moonfish. The north face of the site is particularly rich in nudibranchs. Additionally, sightings of octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, and spider crabs are common, making this a diverse underwater environment.
Bantxa del Este
Bantxa del Este is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 43.337000, -1.926400. The dive begins in shallow waters and gradually descends, providing divers with opportunities to observe various marine life. The site is characterized by rocky formations and diverse underwater habitats, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Visibility can vary, and conditions may change, so divers should be prepared for different underwater environments. The site is known for its rich biodiversity, including various fish species and invertebrates, which can be encountered throughout the dive.
Bantxa del Oeste
Bantxa del Oeste is located parallel to Mount Ulia, near the entrance of Pasajes harbor. The dive site features a ridge at a depth of 5 meters, with a steep drop-off reaching 25 meters along the northern wall. The underwater environment is rich in marine life, including various nudibranchs, planarians, spider crabs, lobsters, conger eels, and snappers. Divers may also encounter mosaic rays, cuttlefish, octopuses, triggerfish, bream, and schools of damselfish. An old tower, which once marked the ground floor, remains submerged at this site.
Biosnar
Biosnar is located along the walls of Jaizkibel mountain, featuring a sandy bottom that is home to various marine species. Divers can expect to encounter abundant populations of scrapie and mosaic rays. The site also hosts schools of chicharros, bogas, and sargos. Other marine life includes octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, and more. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater environment.
Brannec
Brannec is situated in the Gulf of Morbihan and features a sandy bottom that transitions into a rocky drop-off. Divers enter the water from a boat and navigate to the left side, reaching a vertical rock face after approximately 50 meters. This wall descends to a depth of 25 meters, allowing divers to explore various rock strata. Marine life observed at this site includes edible crabs, conger eels, spider crabs, sea eels, sea bass, sponges, seahorses, and cuttlefish.
Cala Illurgieta
Cala Illurgieta features a dive that begins at a depth of approximately 8-10 meters on a slab oriented from west to east. The dive descends to depths of 22-24 meters, where the rocky formations transition to a sandy beach. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes mosaic rays, octopuses, conger eels, soles, cuttlefish, nudibranchs, planarians, mules, and captain's stars.
Cañonero el Tajo
Cañonero el Tajo is a dive site located at coordinates 43.335700, -1.931200, accessible from the shore. Divers can explore the northern section of the wall where the wreck of the Cañonero Tajo, a ship from the Third Carlist War, is situated. The site is home to various marine life including schools of jacks, triggerfish, bream, conger eels, spider crabs, lobsters, nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, sole, and scrapie. The presence of these species contributes to a diverse underwater ecosystem, making it an interesting site for divers.
Digue Artha
Digue Artha is situated in the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and offers a straightforward diving experience suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The maximum depth at this site reaches approximately 10 meters. Divers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including various fish species, crustaceans, octopus, anemones, and vibrant algae.
Digue de Socoa
Digue de Socoa, situated in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, is a dive site accessible from the shore, featuring a maximum depth of approximately 12 meters. The underwater landscape includes notable rock formations and drop-offs, providing a diverse habitat for marine life. Divers can observe various species, including fish, nudibranchs, and crustaceans, along with vibrant algae. The site's structure supports a rich array of fauna, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
El Colector
El Colector is a shore dive site located at coordinates 43.337000, -1.952900. The site features a variety of marine life and underwater structures that divers can explore. The depth ranges from shallow areas suitable for beginners to deeper sections that may appeal to more experienced divers. Visibility can vary, and divers should be prepared for changing conditions. The site is known for its unique underwater features, making it an interesting location for divers looking to observe local marine biodiversity.
El Desfiladero
El Desfiladero is a shore dive site characterized by a rocky reef that features extensive kelp forests, particularly prominent in the spring and summer. The dive site offers a depth range of 10 to 20 meters, with various channels and corridors that provide access to different marine zones. Divers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including numerous species of algae and a rich population of invertebrates, making it an excellent location for macro photography.
El Gabito
El Gabito is a rocky reef that ranges in depth from 12 to 30 meters. The site features kelp forests that are prominent during the spring and summer months. Advanced divers will find the walls adorned with various marine life, including anemones, sponges, and gorgonians. Commonly observed species include pintos, maragotas, and octopuses. The shallow areas attract a diverse array of fish, such as gaianes, porredanas, and sargos, along with large schools of jacks, mackerels, and bogas. This dive site is accessible by boat.
El Seno
El Seno is located at the entrance of the port of Pasajes, characterized by a shelter formed by several rock slabs that extend from the surrounding mountains into the port's channel. Divers can explore a variety of archaeological remains within this area. The marine life here includes lobsters, spider crabs, conger eels, San Pedro fish, octopuses, cuttlefish, baby squid, scrapies, nudibranchs, and planarians.
Epave du Nann Smith
The Nann Smith, a Norwegian cargo vessel, rests at a depth of 24 meters, approximately 3.3 nautical miles from Port de Portivy. This ship sank in 1917 after striking a floating mine. The wreck is situated on the seabed, with its boilers protruding 4 to 5 meters above the surrounding area, allowing for clear visibility of the ship's structure. The site is rich in marine life, hosting large edible crabs, spiders, lobsters, spiny lobsters, and sizable conger eels. Divers may also encounter pout, pollack, Saint Pierre, coquettes, gorgonians, and various sponges around the wreck.
Gavrinis
Gavrinis is an island located in the Gulf, known for its rock cairns. The dive site begins at the ship's anchorage with a gentle slope characterized by rocky formations that are abundant in crustaceans. As divers proceed, they encounter an irregular drop-off that offers various marine surprises. The area is less frequented by fishermen and divers, increasing the likelihood of spotting marine life such as lobsters and torpedo rays, along with a variety of fish species that thrive in this environment.
Gran Cañon
Gran Cañon is situated in a ravine created by two tectonic plates that run parallel to the coastline of Mount Ulia. The upper section of the ravine reaches a depth of 12 meters, while the lower part descends to 22 meters. Divers can observe various marine species including shoals of pea, boga, and bream, as well as triggerfish and moonfish. The site is also home to numerous nudibranchs, octopuses, cuttlefish, moray eels, and sea spider crabs, providing a diverse underwater ecosystem.
Gran Canto
Gran Canto is a shore dive site located at coordinates 43.344400, -1.902300. The site features a variety of marine life and underwater structures, making it suitable for divers of different experience levels. The depth ranges from shallow areas to deeper sections, providing opportunities to observe diverse aquatic species. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for changes in visibility and currents. This site is ideal for those looking to explore a unique underwater environment.
Grotte à Balou
Grotte à Balou is located just 5 minutes from the bay of Saint Jean de Luz and features a rocky plateau alongside a sandy beach. The site is suitable for beginners, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including torpedo rays, stingrays, and schools of fish on the plateau. The rocky areas are home to diverse fauna such as octopuses, scorpion fish, nudibranchs, sea urchins, and starfish.
Hortense Cap Ferret
Hortense Cap Ferret features an artificial riprap structure with a depth of 28 meters. Divers can explore a sunken blockhouse, several shipwrecks, and a stone dolphin. The area is home to various marine life, including triggerfish, conger eels, and lobsters. Entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore these underwater features.
Isla de los Conejos
Isla de los Conejos is part of an archipelago located off the coast of Cuchia in Miengo. This dive site features a variety of diving experiences suitable for both Open Water Divers and advanced divers. The area includes several islands such as Conejera (or Cabrera), Segunda, Solita, Pasiega, and Casilda, each with a depth of approximately 10 meters. The site offers numerous diving options, including exploration and life control dives, making it versatile for different skill levels.
La Cale
La Cale is located on the eastern slope of Île Longue, featuring a notable drop-off that provides an opportunity to observe a variety of marine life. Divers can expect to see crustaceans, conger eels, and occasionally lobsters hidden in their caves at the interface of sand and rock. Be on the lookout for spider crabs that can often be found resting vertically along the drop-off. In shallower areas, particularly towards the end of the dive or during safety stops, the herbarium is abundant with nudibranchs and additional crustaceans.
La Capilla
La Capilla is a dive site accessible from the shore, suitable for divers of all experience levels. The underwater landscape features a rock reef where divers can explore the remnants of an old fishing vessel that sank approximately 40 years ago. The wreckage consists of a few metal structures that lie beneath a dense canopy of kelp. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including conger eels and lobsters, which are often found in the crevices of the reef.
La Catedral
La Catedral is located near the renowned Las Catedrales beach on Spain's northern coast. This dive site features rocky walls that extend to depths of 40 meters, adorned with anemones and sponges. Divers can observe a diverse range of invertebrate species, including the notable presence of black corals and gorgonians. The site is also a known observation point for sunfish, contributing to its rich marine biodiversity.
La Pared
La Pared is located on the west side of Llas beach, featuring rocky reef areas that are suitable for beginner divers. The dive site has depths ranging from 5 to 15 meters, with a seafloor that alternates between sandy patches and rocky shallows. This area is rich in marine life typical of the Galician Cantabrian coasts, making it an excellent spot for observing various species. It is particularly popular among macro photography enthusiasts due to the abundance of nudibranchs and other invertebrates present in the ecosystem.
La Redonda
La Redonda is a shore dive site located at coordinates 43.336400, -1.934600. The dive begins at a shallow depth and features a variety of marine life typical of the region. Divers can expect to see diverse fish species and possibly some invertebrates. The site is characterized by its rocky substrate and natural formations, providing an interesting environment for exploration. Conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for changes in visibility and currents, which may affect the experience. This site is suitable for divers with varying levels of experience.
La Truie
La Truie is a dive site located on the Côte Sauvage, characterized by a rock formation that features a fault. During high tide, divers can access a cave beneath this fault, where natural light enhances the underwater experience. A second cave is located further west; while it is darker, it offers equally impressive sights. Marine life in this area includes starfish, conger eels, shrimp, spider crabs, old lady eels, octopus, nudibranchs, and barnacles. In the summer months, divers may also encounter triggerfish.
Las Grietas
Las Grietas is located parallel to the coast of Mount Ulia, featuring a series of east-west oriented slabs. The dive site has a depth range from a minimum of 14 meters to a maximum of 30 meters. Divers can encounter various marine life, including banks of pea, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moons. Additionally, sightings of nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, and scrapie are common. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Las Langostas
Las Langostas is a deep dive site located near the base of Mount Ulia, featuring a vertical wall that descends from a minimum depth of 20 meters to 40 meters. The site is known for its abundance of lobsters, which is reflected in its name. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including banks of pea fish, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moons. Additionally, sightings of nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, scrapie, and lobsters are common. This dive is classified as advanced due to its depth and the conditions present.
Las Piramides
Las Piramides is characterized by a series of poorly defined slabs oriented east-west, located in the lower regions of Mount Jaizkibel. The site features three prominent stones that extend to a maximum depth of 8 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including banks of pea fish, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moons. Additionally, the area is home to numerous nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, scrapie, and lobsters.
Le Bugalet
Le Bugalet is a wreck dive site featuring a 57-meter landing barge that sank in 1946, located east of the Quiberon peninsula. The wreck lies at a depth of 15 meters and has remained largely intact due to protection from storms. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including lobsters, crayfish, and conger eels, which inhabit the wreck. The site is known for its good visibility, especially on clear days, allowing for excellent light conditions to explore the structure.
Le Chariot
Le Chariot, located in the Arcachon basin, is a dive site that features a submerged former sand dredger, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. The site is inhabited by a diverse range of marine life, including conger eels, lobsters, sea bass, and anemones. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing direct access for divers.
Le Galaxie
Le Galaxie is a wreck dive site featuring a trawler that sank in 1998, located a short distance from Penfret in Glénan. The wreck lies at a depth of 30 meters. Divers can expect variable visibility and unpredictable currents in the area. The wreck has become a habitat for various marine life, including conger eels, crabs, and anemones, contributing to the biodiversity typical of the region.
Le Philomel
Le Philomel is a significant wreck located between Groix and Port Manech, resting at a depth of 40 meters. The wreck is situated on a substrate of sand and mud, where visibility is typically average. The structure of the wreck has collapsed in its central section. Divers are advised to use an Ariadne’s thread due to the current, which aids in safely ascending along the line while making necessary decompression stops. While most of the cargo has been removed, remnants such as sinks, bathtubs, and dishes can still be found. The site is also home to a diverse range of marine life, contributing to the ecological richness of the area.
Le remorqueur
Le Remorqueur is a dive site located in the Bay of Arcachon, featuring the wreck of the tugboat Remorqueur Arcachon. The wreck lies at depths ranging from 18 to 25 meters, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. The site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of fish, starfish, sponges, conger eels, lobsters, and octopus. Divers can access the site via a shore entry.
Les Gorets
Les Gorets is located in the Gulf of Morbihan, west of Long Island, within a protected marine area. The site features a north-south oriented drop-off that showcases a diverse field of European gorgonians. In the shallower regions surrounding Long Island, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, spirographs, glacial starfish, and schools of hunting bass and mullet. This site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore its rich underwater ecosystem.
Ondartxo
Ondartxo is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 43.336700, -1.939300. The dive site features a variety of marine life and underwater structures. Divers can expect to explore depths that vary, providing opportunities to observe different species and habitats. The site is suitable for scuba diving, with conditions that may vary depending on the weather and tides. It is important for divers to be aware of local conditions before diving.
Os Cairos
Os Cairos is located just a short 5-minute boat ride from Rapadoira beach, offering a dive site suitable for divers of all levels. The maximum depth reaches 10 meters, where divers can explore rocky reefs interspersed with sandy areas. This site features submerged galleries that are rich in marine life. Common species observed include bogue, horse mackerel, sea bass, sea bream, bream, pinto, red mullet, octopus, and cuttlefish, which are attracted to the abundant food sources near the estuary's mouth.
Piedra de los Sargos
Piedra de los Sargos is a dive site accessible from the shore, suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features rocky shallows with vertical walls that descend to a depth of 20 meters. The reef's top is located just 5 meters below the surface, providing an excellent location for practicing safety stops. Divers can explore various crevices that serve as shelters for species such as bream and sea bass, along with a diverse array of fish and invertebrates.
Pikatxilla
Pikatxilla features a prominent wall oriented east-west, with a ridge that reaches depths of 3 to 5 meters. The northern face of the wall descends to depths of 30 to 32 meters, while the southern face is slightly shallower, dropping to 25 to 26 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life including nudibranchs, octopus, triggerfish, bream, sea bass, conger eels, lobster, spider crabs, mosaic rays, monkfish, cuttlefish, scrapie, pouts, sunfish, and red-billed sharks. The site is accessed from the shore.
Plateau du four
Plateau du Four is a significant shoal characterized by a diverse marine ecosystem. It is home to various fish species, including sea bass, mullet, and torpedo rays, as well as lobsters and cicadas. The site is particularly appealing for those interested in marine biology, offering opportunities to observe nudibranchs, sponges, and corynactis. Additionally, it serves as a transit area for marine mammals and is located near feeding grounds frequented by bottlenose and common dolphins.
Purrustarri
Purrustarri is characterized by several east-west oriented rock slabs located in the lower sections of Mount Jaizkibel. Divers can explore the remnants of a shipwrecked fishing vessel in this area. The marine life includes various species such as pea, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moons. Additionally, divers may encounter nudibranchs, octopuses, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, scrapie, and lobsters, providing a diverse underwater experience.
Remior Reef
Remior Reef features a mix of rocky substrates and sandy patches, reaching a maximum depth of 12 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The site is characterized by lush kelp forests that thrive in the spring and summer, providing habitat for a diverse array of marine life. Commonly observed species include various labrids such as pintos, maragotas, julias, gaianes, and porredanas. In the sandy areas, divers may also encounter different types of rays, including the mosaic ray.
Sous marin U171
The Sous marin U171, located off the coast of Groix, rests at a depth of 38 meters. This wreck is situated at the boundary of rock formations, which can interfere with sonar readings. The submarine features a notable rise of 7 meters at its kiosk. Visibility can vary, and currents may be present, making it essential for divers to be aware of their surroundings. Marine life is limited, but divers may encounter regional species such as conger eels, spider crabs, and various sponges. A highlight of the dive is the periscope lens, which should not be overlooked before ascending.
St. Sunniva, wreck
The St. Sunniva wreck lies at a depth of 40 meters, where divers can explore the remnants of the ship scattered over an area of approximately 50 meters. The wreck is fragmented into several pieces, providing a unique underwater landscape. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes lobsters, conger eels, and moray eels. In the open water, divers may encounter species such as the Mola Mola and Saint Pierre.
Tacaud Land
Tacaud Land is a recently identified dive site characterized by large, scattered rocks that provide shelter for a diverse marine fauna similar to that found around local wrecks. Upon arrival, divers may observe a significant shoal of pout, along with various marine life including conger eels, lobsters, and shrimps. The site offers a unique underwater landscape that supports a variety of species, making it an interesting location for exploration.
Tambo
Tambo is characterized by a series of east-west oriented slabs located in the lower regions of Mount Jaizkibel. The site features deep canyons that run from south to north, along with large rocks on the southern face that create various caves and passages. Marine life includes banks of pea fish, bogas, bream, triggerfish, and moons. Divers can also encounter nudibranchs, octopus, cuttlefish, conger eels, spider crabs, scrapie, and lobsters throughout the dive.
War Captain
The War Captain, known as "Le Charbonnier de Laon Egen Taer," is a wreck located in the Glénan archipelago. The wreckage is fragmented, with remains scattered between depths of 10 meters and 35 meters along the rocky substrate. Divers can observe various structural components including the shaft, propeller, winches, two boilers, derricks, and a windlass. The site is characterized by clear water and a notable drop-off, providing a habitat for diverse marine fauna and flora.