Diving atReggio Messina (Spain)
Once a functional ferry transporting trains between Sicily and Italy, the Reggio Messina now rests beneath the waves off Spain's Costa Brava. Deliberately sunk in 1991 to foster marine life, the substantial vessel presents a striking contrast between its industrial past and current role as a vibrant artificial reef. Though winter storms have left it in three distinct sections, its imposing structure continues to draw experienced divers.
Evening condition tracking at Reggio Messina features an air temperature of 10.6°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.48m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
42.0807, 3.2018
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
A 122m (400 ft) long ferry, the Reggio Messina wreck was intentionally scuttled to create an artificial reef. Its hull rests on a sandy bottom, with sections found at depths between 24 m (79 ft) and 32 m (105 ft).
Uppermost structural elements reach up to 27 m (89 ft), while the deepest parts extend to approximately 35 m (115 ft). Originally built in Italy in 1970, the vessel served to transport train traffic across the Strait of Messina before its new purpose as a dive site. Today, winter storms have significantly impacted the wreck, breaking the imposing structure into three substantial pieces: the stern, a central area, and the bow.
Exploring the exterior of its fragmented structure is the primary focus for most divers, offering extensive areas to traverse. Internal penetration is an option, but it's reserved strictly for experienced divers due to the complex, confined layout and the inherent challenges of deep wreck diving.
Best Time to Dive
While the Reggio Messina dive site allows for year-round diving, the summer months offer the most favorable conditions. From June through September, water temperature typically rises to a comfortable 25-26°C (77-79°F), contrasting with winter temperatures that range between 13-18°C (55-64°F). Air temperatures during summer average between 21.17-25.82°C (70.1-78.5°F), providing pleasant surface conditions. Summer months also bring minimal rainfall, generally less than 1.61 mm (0.06 in) per month, and calmer seas with average wave heights below 0.91 m (3 ft). Cooler air temperatures from December to February, around 9.75-11.14°C (49.5-52.1°F), alongside slightly higher rainfall and wave activity, can make winter dives more challenging.
Climate Historical Averages
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
Diving the Reggio Messina requires a minimum certification of an experienced diver, such as Advanced Open Water Diver or Level 2, primarily due to its significant depth and the inherent complexities of potential wreck penetration. The substantial vessel rests on a sandy bottom, with its shallower sections beginning at 27 meters and the maximum depth extending to 35 meters, placing it firmly within advanced recreational limits. Visibility at the site generally ranges up to 15 m (49 ft), which is usually sufficient for navigating the extensive, fragmented structure. Accessing the site typically involves a boat trip, usually lasting between 5 to 25 minutes, from nearby dive centers in L'Estartit or L'Escala. Dive operations here are highly dependent on prevailing weather conditions, as strong winds or high waves can prevent trips to the wreck, making flexibility in planning beneficial.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Safety at the Reggio Messina wreck prioritizes careful planning, particularly concerning bottom time and ascent procedures. Given its substantial depth, no-decompression limits can be reached quickly, necessitating precise dive computer monitoring. As the wreck is broken into three main fragments and has sustained damage from storms, penetration should only be attempted by experienced divers specifically trained for such environments. Divers are advised to follow the buoy rope during ascent or remain near the cliff face during their safety stops. This practice ensures a controlled return to the surface and often provides opportunities to observe shallower marine life.
Recommended Equipment
No verified equipment items yet.
Verified equipment recommendations for this dive site are being reviewed and may be added as additional source checks are completed.
Recommended Dive Suit
With water temperatures around 16°C (61°F), many divers find a 5-7mm wetsuit provides comfortable protection.
Local conditions can vary slightly across different parts of the same dive site.
Surface conditions are expected to warm up slightly in the coming days. A warming trend is expected over the next few days.
Conditions last reviewed: 18:00 using the latest environmental data.
Dive Logistics & Preparation
Hyperbaric Chamber
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Entry Requirements
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Currency
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Marine Life at Reggio Messina
A habitat for various marine species, the Reggio Messina attracts life particularly around its fragmented structure and within its interior spaces. Outside the wreck, divers commonly observe snappers, damselfish, and sargos. Inside its holes and crevices, divers frequently encounter conger eels, along with lobsters and octopus. As divers ascend along the buoys or near the adjacent cliff, spotting scorpion fish, additional octopus, and moray eels is possible, as these tend to inhabit the shallower reef sections.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of dive is the Reggio Messina?
It's a wreck dive, specifically an artificial reef created from a deliberately sunken ferry. It offers both external exploration and, for qualified divers, opportunities for penetration.
What is the maximum depth of the Reggio Messina wreck?
Deepest sections of the wreck extend to approximately 35 m (115 ft), resting on a sandy bottom. Shallower parts begin around 27 m (89 ft).
What level of diving experience is required?
Experienced divers, such as those with an Advanced Open Water or Level 2 certification, are recommended for this site, due to its depth and potential for interior exploration.
What marine life can I expect to see?
You can anticipate seeing snappers, damselfish, sargos outside the wreck. Inside, conger eels, lobsters, and octopus are common. Scorpion fish and moray eels may also be spotted during ascent.
When is the best time to dive Reggio Messina?
While diving is possible year-round, the summer months (June-September) offer optimal conditions with warmer water temperatures around 25-26°C (77-79°F), less rain, and calmer seas.
How is the Reggio Messina wreck accessed?
Access is via a boat trip, typically lasting 5 to 25 minutes, from nearby towns like L'Estartit or L'Escala. Dive trips are dependent on favorable weather conditions.
Is wreck penetration allowed?
Yes, wreck penetration is possible but is strictly reserved for experienced divers who possess appropriate training and certifications for overhead environments.
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