Illa Messina
Illa Messina is a small island about 1.5 nautical miles east of Portlligat in the Cap de Creus park. One listing describes a 12 to 25 m dive with a 40 m-long rocky canyon in the submerged mountain; Roses Sub lists the site at 35 m maximum with many groupers and barracuda and large gorgonian walls. Position estimated from maps and place names, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Catalonia (Costa Brava, Medes Islands, Costa Daurada)
- Area: Cap de Creus & Roses
- Depth: 12–35 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: wall, reef
- Coordinates: 42.2914, 3.3102 (approximate)
- Highlights: gorgonian walls, many groupers and barracuda, 40 m rocky canyon
- Permit: Inside the Cap de Creus Natural Park. Diving is allowed except in the s'Encalladora integral marine reserve, but only through a dive centre authorised by the park (each must use the park's Geoblau tracking and give a pre-dive eco-briefing); private divers must notify the park in advance (limits per boat: 6 dives a day, 30 a week, 120 a year). Night diving in the partial reserves needs a special authorisation, and introductory courses, first-level courses and baptisms are not allowed in the no-fishing sectors.
- Issuer / contact: Parc Natural de Cap de Creus (Generalitat de Catalunya)
- Phone: +34 972 193 191
- Email: pncapcreus@gencat.cat
- Address: Passeig Catalunya s/n, Vilajuïga (visitor information point)
- Tips: Possible current; go with an authorised centre.