Diving atCarall Bernat (Spain)
Carall Bernat distinguishes itself as the southernmost islet within the Medes Islands archipelago, rising approximately 72 m (236 ft) above sea level. This site offers an enthralling dive experience, primarily defined by its dramatic vertical wall. It's a key destination for exploring the rich Mediterranean biodiversity found in this protected marine reserve, attracting divers with its structural complexity and vibrant ecosystems.
As evening covers Carall Bernat, the local air temperature is measured at 22°C. The current wave height at the surface is recorded at 1 m. These late-day readings characterize the surface conditions for the night.
Dive Site Location & Key Facts
Everything you need to know about this dive site.
Dive Site Overview
Exploring Carall Bernat, divers find themselves immersed in a vibrant ecosystem, inherently linked to the protected Illes Medes marine reserve. A common approach involves circumnavigating the islet, meticulously tracing the impressive contours of its dominant vertical wall.
Along this extensive wall, numerous arches and gaps become apparent, offering crucial refuge for a wide array of marine species. These intricate formations create a dynamic and engaging environment, inviting close inspection and enhancing the overall dive experience. Deeper explorations introduce advanced divers to distinct seabed platforms and dramatic canyons that carve through the underwater landscape, further diversifying the site's rich topography.
The location is consistently reported for its remarkable diversity and high quantity of both flora and fauna, establishing it as a compelling Mediterranean dive. Its designation as a marine reserve ensures a well-preserved habitat, directly contributing to the site's ecological significance and continued health for its varied inhabitants.
Carall Bernat
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Carall Bernat show 22° air, 20° sea temperature, 0.3 m waves, and 15 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Best Time to Dive
Diving at Carall Bernat is feasible throughout the year, though conditions vary with the seasons. For maximum comfort, the summer months offer the most favorable experience, with water temperatures typically rising to 25-26°C (77-79°F). Air temperatures during this period are also warm, averaging around 23-26°C (73-79°F) from June to August, with minimal rainfall. Conversely, winter diving sees water temperatures drop to 13-14°C (55-57°F), alongside cooler air temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) and slightly higher average rainfall, particularly in January, March, and December. These colder periods may require thicker thermal protection. May and September offer a balanced compromise, presenting comfortable water temperatures and air temperatures averaging 18-21°C (64-70°F) with generally low rainfall, often leading to excellent dive conditions.
PEAK SEASON SCORE
Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.
BEST MONTHS TO DIVE
Monthly records compiled from satellite and marine observation nodes over the last 3 years. Data provided by Open-Meteo and MET Norway.
Dive Experience & Conditions
The dive site presents a varied depth profile, ranging from shallower sections at 5 m (16 ft) to maximum depths of 40 m (131 ft). This range accommodates divers of varying experience levels. Beginners can explore the upper parts of the vertical wall and its many crevices, while more advanced individuals can venture into the deeper platforms and canyons formed along the seabed. Observing the vertical wall reveals arches and gaps that act as natural shelters. While exploring, divers might encounter some fairly strong currents, which frequently draw in larger pelagic species. Visibility at the site generally remains good, often extending up to 30 meters, contributing to clear views of the extensive marine life and underwater topography.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Successfully diving Carall Bernat mandates a clear understanding of its distinct conditions and strict adherence to marine reserve protocols. The site's maximum recreational depth of 40 meters and the frequent presence of strong currents indicate that divers benefit from appropriate certification and experience for deeper or drift dive profiles. Being within the protected Illes Medes marine reserve, every diver must respect local regulations governing marine life interaction and environmental preservation. Prior to entry, dive operators usually conduct thorough briefings detailing specific site conditions and essential safety procedures. Planning dives carefully, with particular attention to prevailing current patterns, is strongly advised to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, especially for those new to the area or with less advanced experience.
Recommended Equipment
- Dive Computer
- DSMB
This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Carall Bernat, Spain. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.
Recommended Dive Suit
Divers visiting Carall Bernat today can expect water conditions around 20°C (69°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 22°C (72°F).
5mm wetsuit generally offers enough warmth for most dives under these conditions. Consider warmer surface protection (like a boat coat) due to brisk winds. Surface intervals may feel cooler.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Due to technical issues with our weather providers, data hasn't been fetched for over 48 hours. The data above reflects the conditions at the time of the last successful fetch.
Emergency & Medical Support
Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Carall Bernat.
Hyperbaric chambers are a critical part of dive safety infrastructure. Availability varies significantly by region, and not all dive areas have immediate access.
Before diving, it's recommended to:
- confirm nearest medical facilities
- check emergency procedures with local dive operators
- ensure dive insurance covers evacuation if required
Divers Alert Network
Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.
+39 0642115685- 24/7 emergency hotline
- Diving medical assistance
- Evacuation coordination
Emergency contacts are provided for reference. Always verify local emergency services before diving.
Closest Listed Hyperbaric Chambers
Showing listed hyperbaric chamber facilities within 200 km of this dive site.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances and may not reflect emergency travel time.
Unitat de Medicina Hiperbà rica (UMH)
24/7 ListedPalamos (Girona), Spain•Approx. 23 km straight-line
Unitat de Medicina Hiperbà rica (UMH)
24/7 ListedFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
UTH-CSI
24/7 ListedICU CapableSant Joan DespÃ, Spain•Approx. 123 km straight-line
UTH-CSI
24/7 ListedICU CapableFacility Details
Information is provided for reference and planning purposes only. Dive Navigator does not verify operational status, staffing, availability, or quality of care at listed facilities. In an emergency, contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the chamber directly. Do not travel to a facility without calling ahead.
Marine Life at Carall Bernat
The underwater landscape around the islet supports an abundance of marine life, particularly along its richly textured walls. Red and yellow gorgonians, alongside blue and yellow violet sea whips, densely cover these vertical surfaces, creating vibrant backdrops. Within these colorful habitats, divers frequently spot groupers, moray eels, and scorpionfish. Exploring the gaps and arches often reveals smaller creatures, including various nudibranchs. Further offshore or in open water, the site is known for its pelagic encounters. Barracudas, common dentex, and even tuna are observed here, often attracted by the currents, complementing sightings of graceful eagle rays.
Dive Sites Near Carall Bernat
View all dive sites in SpainDiscover more underwater gems in this area.
Dive Centers Near Carall Bernat
Working Hours
Today: 08:00 - 18:00
Dive Paradis
Orca Diving Center
Euro-Divers Worldwide
Dive Center Palamos
Piscis Diving
Divers Centre D'Immersions
Diving Center Cadaqués
Nearest Airports
Nearest airports to help plan travel to this dive area.
Search Flights
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Search Flights on ExpediaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the typical visibility at Carall Bernat?
Visibility at the site usually offers clear views, often extending up to 30 meters (100 ft). This clarity helps divers appreciate the extensive marine life and complex underwater topography.
Are strong currents common at this dive site?
Yes, divers frequently encounter fairly strong currents here. These currents are an important factor to consider during dive planning, as they can also attract larger pelagic species.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see?
The walls are rich with red and yellow gorgonians, providing habitat for groupers, moray eels, and scorpionfish. Open water sections and canyons often reveal barracudas, common dentex, tuna, and eagle rays.
Is Carall Bernat suitable for beginner divers?
While deeper sections reach the maximum recreational depth of 40 meters, shallower parts of the vertical wall are accessible. Strong currents, however, might necessitate more advanced skills or guidance for less experienced individuals.
What regulations apply when diving within the Illes Medes marine reserve?
As part of a protected marine reserve, strict protocols apply regarding interaction with marine life and environmental preservation. Dive operators will provide specific briefings on these regulations before entry.
What equipment is recommended for diving Carall Bernat?
A wetsuit suitable for water temperatures from 13-26°C (55-79°F) is essential, with thermal protection varying by season. Given the potential for strong currents, a surface marker buoy (SMB) is also highly recommended for diver safety and visibility.
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Carall Bernat
Conditions are Excellent
Best Dive Window
07:00 - 14:00
Optimal conditions expected
Current conditions near Carall Bernat show 22° air, 20° sea temperature, 0.3 m waves, and 15 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.