Diving atUllastres (Spain)
Ullastres stands as a prominent dive location off the Costa Brava, where visibility consistently allows for expansive views of its dramatic underwater topography. Divers navigating these three submerged mountains can anticipate clear perspectives, often exceeding 15 meters / 49 feet, revealing vibrant gorgonian walls and diverse marine activity. This clarity enhances the experience, making navigation straightforward and marine observations frequent across all depth ranges.
Evening condition tracking at Ullastres features an air temperature of 11.2°C. We have recorded wave heights measuring 0.48m during this period. These figures outline the environmental parameters currently present.
Dive Site Coordinates
41.8867, 3.2010
Key Dive Site Facts
Dive Site Overview
Embarking on a dive to Ullastres feels like entering a hidden world beneath the waves of the Costa Brava. Roughly 20 minutes by boat northeast of Palamós, near Llafranc, this site comprises three distinct underwater mountains, known as Ullastres I, II, and III, each presenting unique features for divers.
Ullastres I, the shallowest, descends to 30 m / 98 ft, making it suitable for newer divers to explore its wide base at approximately 12 meters. Ullastres II, the middle pinnacle, offers a gentle descent along its walls down to 53 meters, its top visible around 8 meters from the surface.
The outermost and deepest, Ullastres III, plunges to 54 meters, with its highest points reaching within 7 meters of the surface. All three mountains boast walls adorned with colorful gorgonians and a variety of sea life, particularly on their north faces.
Navigation is simplified by mooring buoys typically positioned at the highest point of each mountain.
Best Time to Dive
Planning a trip to Ullastres is best centered around the warmer months, as conditions generally align for optimal diving experiences. From May through October, the region experiences its highest dive scores, indicating more favorable weather. During this period, air temperatures range from 17.7°C / 64°F in May to a pleasant 25.6°C / 78°F in August, gradually cooling to 19°C / 66°F by October. Rainfall is minimal, with July seeing an average of less than 1 mm, significantly reducing run-off and maintaining clearer waters. Conversely, winter months, such as January and March, present lower air temperatures (around 10.5-12.7°C / 51-55°F) and increased rainfall, coupled with higher wave activity, which can lead to more challenging boat access and reduced comfort.
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
These three underwater mountains offer a varied depth profile suitable for different certification levels. Ullastres I accommodates introductory levels with a maximum depth reaching 30 meters, where its wide base at 12 meters provides ample opportunity for exploration. Ullastres II presents a gradually sloping wall that extends down to 53 meters, making it versatile for both intermediate and advanced divers. Its top lies at 8 meters, creating a substantial vertical range. The deepest, Ullastres III, descends to 54 meters, with its upper pinnacles starting around 7 meters from the surface. Water temperatures vary, reaching around 19-21°C / 66-70°F during the summer months. Generally, currents are mild, and visibility averages 15+ meters, allowing for clear views of the vibrant gorgonian-covered walls.
Dive Difficulty & Safety Guidelines
Approaching Ullastres requires adherence to standard dive safety practices, particularly due to the varied depths and potential for boat traffic around Ullastre 2. Divers should always verify their gas management and no-decompression limits, especially when exploring the deeper sections of Ullastres II and III. Given the significant depth potential, appropriate certification is necessary for certain areas, and a dive computer is essential. While navigation is generally simplified by surface buoys marking the pinnacles, maintaining buddy contact is crucial. Always bring a diving lamp; even with good visibility, the crevices and deeper walls benefit from focused illumination to reveal details.
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
In these water temperatures, 5-7mm wetsuit is a common choice for recreational diving. Strong cold advisory: dress warmly immediately after exiting the water. Longer dive profiles can make thermal protection more important than short exploratory dives.
At the moment, divers exploring Ullastres will likely experience water temperatures near 16°C (61°F). Surface air temperatures are resting at 11°C (52°F).
Temperatures look set to gradually increase over the next several 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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Nearest Airports
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Marine Life at Ullastres
The marine environment at Ullastres is characterized by prolific invertebrate and fish life inhabiting its rocky structures. Divers frequently encounter vibrant nudibranchs, octopuses, and groupers sheltering in the numerous crevices. Large moray eels are often spotted, along with rays resting on the sandy bottom. Schools of barracudas are a common sight in the blue, sometimes seen hunting alongside sardines. Seasonal visitors like sunfish may make appearances, while St. Peterfish are more prevalent in winter, adding diversity to the local ecosystem.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ullastres?
The Ullastres are three distinct underwater mountains or pinnacles found off the coast of Llafranc, near Palamós, on Spain's Costa Brava. Each pinnacle offers unique diving profiles and marine life.
How many dive sites are there at Ullastres?
There are three primary dive sites within Ullastres: Ullastres I, Ullastres II, and Ullastres III, each corresponding to one of the underwater mountains.
What are the typical depths at Ullastres?
Depths vary significantly across the three sites. Ullastres I is the shallowest, reaching 30 meters. Ullastres II has a top at 8 meters and descends to 53 meters, while the deepest, Ullastres III, extends to 54 meters.
Is Ullastres suitable for beginner divers?
Ullastres I is generally suitable for initial level divers and trainees, reaching a maximum of 30 meters. Ullastres II can be enjoyed by all levels, but the deeper sections of Ullastres II and Ullastres III require more advanced certifications due to their depth profiles.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
Divers often observe nudibranchs, octopuses, groupers, moray eels, and rays. Schools of barracudas are common in the blue, and seasonal sightings might include sunfish or St. Peterfish in winter.
How long does it take to reach Ullastres by boat?
The boat journey to Ullastres typically takes about 20 minutes from dive centers in Palamós. The ride offers scenic views of the Costa Brava coastline.
What are the water temperatures like?
During the summer months, water temperatures generally range between 19-21°C / 66-70°F. Temperatures will be cooler outside of the summer season.
Are there any specific hazards to be aware of?
Divers should be mindful of potential boat traffic, particularly around Ullastre 2. Always carry a diving lamp for exploring crevices and deeper walls, and manage gas consumption carefully due to the varying depths.
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