Diving at Don Pedro (Spain)

Expert Tip: Diving Don Pedro demands respect and preparation. A substantial Mediterranean wreck, reaching depths of 47 m (154 ft), it's not for the uninitiated. Successfully exploring its immense structure necessitates advanced training in deep and wreck diving. Plan meticulously with a local guide to fully appreciate this expansive site, adhering strictly to your personal limits and certifications. This deep wreck offers an immersive, challenging experience for the properly equipped and trained diver.

Evening condition tracking at Don Pedro features an air temperature of 30.5°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.4 m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.

Dive Site Location & Key Facts

Coordinates38.8733, 1.4721

Max Depth45m / 148ft

Entry Typeboat

Water Typesalt

Dive Types

DeepWreck

Dive Site Overview

Don Pedro's story began in the early hours of July 11, 2007, as this modern container ship and truck ferry departed Ibiza. Minutes after setting sail towards Denia, a collision with El Dado islet's underwater pinnacle caused a large hole on its port side.

This led to rapid sinking; the 143-meter (469 ft) vessel disappeared beneath the waves within 45 minutes. All 20 crew and passengers were rescued safely. Initially, the ship settled on a sandy bottom around 40 meters (130 ft).

Following successful removal of heavy fuel oil and other pollutants, Don Pedro transformed from an environmental concern into a captivating dive site. It now stands as one of the Mediterranean's largest accessible wrecks for recreational divers.

Resting intact on its port side, the site features a maximum depth of 47 m (154 ft), with shallower sections beginning around 25 meters. Divers find multiple exploration opportunities, from investigating bow anchors and the stern deck bridge to venturing inside cargo areas for a glimpse of the trucks it once transported.

Don Pedro

Conditions are Excellent

10/10

Confidence: 8/10

Indicates meteorological model agreement and data availability.

Best Dive Window

07:00 - 14:00

Optimal conditions expected

06:12

18:45

H: 10:45

L: 16:20

Air / Sea Temp

30° / 30°

Wave Height

0.5 m

Wind Speed

13 km/h S

Rain Chance

Current conditions near Don Pedro show 30° air, 30° sea temperature, 0.5 m waves, and 13 km/h wind. Forecast data is refreshed regularly to ensure accuracy.

Radius: ~12km

Updated: Aug 4, 2026, 15:53 local time

MARINE: OPEN-METEOWEATHER: YR.NO

Best Time to Dive

Optimizing a Don Pedro dive for peak visibility often means planning for the high season, from April through October. During these months, calmer Mediterranean conditions prevail. Wave heights average noticeably lower, typically below 0.8 meters (approximately 2.6 feet), reducing turbidity and enhancing clarity. Air temperatures are considerably warmer, generally ranging from about 17°C (62°F) in April to a peak of 27°C in August, then settling near 22°C by October. Rainfall is minimal, averaging under 2 millimeters (less than 0.1 inches) per month, which further contributes to improved visibility and a more comfortable surface experience. Good diving is certainly possible outside this window, particularly in November and December. However, April to October consistently provides excellent surface weather and underwater clarity for exploring the expansive wreck.

PEAK SEASON SCORE

91/100

Excellent

Scores combine air & water temps, waves, wind & rainfall for overall conditions.

BEST MONTHS TO DIVE

JUN

JUL

AUG

DIVE SCORE (0–100)	60 JAN	62 FEB	61 MAR	73 APR	81 MAY	91 JUN	91 JUL	92 AUG	89 SEP	83 OCT	73 NOV	71 DEC
AIR TEMP (°C)	14	14	15	17	19	24	27	27	24	22	18	14
WATER TEMP (°C)	16	15	15	17	20	24	27	28	26	23	20	18
WAVES (M)	1.2	1.0	1.1	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.9	1.0	0.8
WIND (KM/H)	26	24	25	21	18	17	18	17	18	21	22	20
RAIN (MM)	1.2	0.9	1.8	0.9	1.2	0.3	0.5	0.7	1.8	0.9	1.1	1.0

DIVE SCORE GUIDE (0–100)

Excellent (90–100)

Very Good (80–89)

Good (70–79)

Moderate (50–69)

Poor (30–49)

Not Recommended (0–29)

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

Approaching Don Pedro's shallower sections, often around 25 meters, its immense structure gradually comes into view. This 143-meter cargo ship lies silently on its port side on a sandy bottom, fully intact, offering a unique perspective. Visibility at the site is generally good, frequently reaching up to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet), which allows appreciating the wreck's full magnitude. Initial exploration often focuses on external features like the impressive bow anchors or the stern deck bridge. For those with appropriate training, deeper sections extend to its maximum depth of 47 meters. Subsequent dives might include limited penetration into cargo areas to observe remnants of trucks and freight. Having sunk in 2007, the wreck is still relatively new; marine growth isn't extensive, ensuring structural details remain prominent.

Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines

Diving Don Pedro presents a significant, rewarding challenge, requiring a robust skill set beyond basic certification. Given its maximum depth of 47 meters and complexities inherent to wreck diving, specialized training is essential. Divers should possess certifications like PADI Deep Diver and PADI Wreck Diver.

For those contemplating interior exploration or extended bottom times, technical diving training such as Tec 40/45/50 is highly recommended. Always plan your dive meticulously with a certified guide familiar with the site.

Adhere strictly to training and experience limitations, particularly concerning no-decompression limits and gas management. Deploying a Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) is advisable for signaling position during ascent, especially with potential boat traffic.

No site-specific hazards are consistently reported beyond those typical for deep and wreck diving; this emphasizes thorough preparation and conservative diving practices.

Recommended Equipment

Technical depth range. Advanced planning, gas management, and appropriate certification required.

Overhead / entanglement risk. Wreck penetration requires proper training.

Dive Computer
DSMB
Primary & Backup Lights
Wreck Reel
Cutting Tool

This gear list is based on verified equipment signals for Don Pedro, Spain. Always confirm final gear choices with your dive operator, guide, or liveaboard.

Recommended Dive Suit

With water temperatures around 30°C (85°F), many divers find a dive skin or rash guard provides comfortable protection.

Local dive briefings can provide the most accurate guidance.

The forecast outlook suggests that temperatures will stay close to current levels.

Don Pedro conditions last reviewed: 15:53 local time (UTC+0), Aug 4, 2026

Emergency & Medical Support

Essential information to help you plan your dive trip to Don Pedro.

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

24/7 Available

Divers Alert Network

Diving emergency assistance available through DAN Europe.

+39 0642115685

24/7 emergency hotline
Diving medical assistance
Evacuation coordination

View official DAN emergency contacts

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.

Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine

Palma de Mallorca, Spain•Approx. 127 km straight-line

+34 971731647 Visit official website

Facility Details

Operating Hours

Not listed

ICU Capable

Unknown

Chamber Type

Not listed

Facility / Hospital

Clinica Juanada

24/7 Listed

Unknown

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.

SourceEUBS / OXYNET

Unidad Hiperbarica Hospital de Castellon UTH-HGUCS

24/7 ListedICU Capable

Castellon, Spain•Approx. 181 km straight-line

+34 964725203 Visit official website

Facility Details

Operating Hours

Not listed

ICU Capable

Yes

Fully equipped ICU on-site

Chamber Type

Multi

Multi chamber facility

Facility / Hospital

Hospital General Universitario de Castellon

Emergency Phone

+34 964725000

24/7 Emergency Contact

24/7 Listed

Yes

Listed as 24/7 available facility

SourceEUBS / OXYNET

Chamber data is sourced from self-reported EUBS/OXYNET listings and has not been independently verified by Dive Navigator. Always contact local emergency services, DAN, your dive operator, or the facility directly before travelling.

View all in Spain

Marine Life at Don Pedro

Don Pedro's wreck, despite its relatively recent sinking, already serves as an artificial reef, attracting diverse marine life. During a dive, expect encounters with pelagic species such as barracuda and jackfish patrolling the upper structure.

Closer inspection of the wreck often reveals moray eels nestled within crevices, utilizing the ship's framework for shelter. Lobsters are frequently observed seeking refuge in the sunken vessel's nooks and crannies.

On the surrounding sandy bottom, particularly near the wreck's perimeter, keen-eyed divers might spot more elusive inhabitants like small-spotted catsharks. An emerging ecosystem continues to develop here, offering diverse photographic opportunities as the wreck integrates further into the marine environment.