Illas Cíes (Atlantic Islands National Park) – east side
The Cíes archipelago guards the mouth of the Ría de Vigo inside the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. The gentler, forested east side facing the ría (with the long Rodas beach) is sheltered from Atlantic swell, while the west side is a wall of cliffs over 100 m high with many sea caves. Dive routes for all levels start about 50 m from the coast according to Galicia's tourist board; local pages describe forests of brown algae up to 2.5 m high with octopus, crabs, lobsters and conger eels, plus anemone beds with sea urchins and seahorses. Spearfishing has been banned here since 1992. Position estimated from the nearest coast or published location text, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Atlantic North (Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Basque Country)
- Area: Galicia
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, shore
- Coordinates: 42.226, -8.8945 (approximate)
- Highlights: brown-algae (kelp) forests up to 2.5 m, octopus, conger eels and lobsters, anemone beds with seahorses, national park – written diving authorisation needed
- Permit: Written authorisation is required to dive in the waters of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park (Law 15/2002, arts. 4.1 m and 10.3 e, as cited by the official procedure page). It is requested via the national park's website; applicants not obliged to use e-administration may apply in person. Visiting the islands is separately limited and needs advance authorisation from the Galician Government. Check the current form and deadlines with the park before booking.
- Issuer / contact: Parque Nacional das Illas Atlánticas de Galicia (Xunta de Galicia) – diving authorisation; procedure page hosted by Concello de Vigo
- Phone: 010 / 986 810 100 (Concello de Vigo e-administration helpline, not the park)
- Website: https://illasatlanticas.gal/
- Tips: Diving in the national park waters needs a written authorisation (see permit note) – go through a local centre that handles it. Visiting the islands in season needs a separate Xunta visitor authorisation and a ferry ticket; do not assume one covers the other.