56 km from Castellón. Authorisation from the Government Sub-delegation. Authorised dive centres must apply one week in advance. Protected since 1990: groupers, lobsters, superior corvinas. Visibility 25-40 m. Red and white gorgonians. No permit required for snorkelling.
The Columbretes Islands, 56 km off the coast of Castellón, are one of the most pristine underwater paradises in the Spanish Mediterranean. Being a full marine reserve, access is regulated and limited, which has preserved an exceptional density of fauna: groupers, lobsters, moray eels, and barracudas. Divers debate the logistics of permits, the waiting list for authorized boats, and the best months to visit.
Access for diving requires express authorization processed at the Government Sub-Delegation in Castellón; authorized dive centers must submit a dive forecast one week in advance. Strict protection since 1990 has allowed densities of groupers, lobsters, and meagre far exceeding those of the adjacent coast, with typical visibility of 25 to 40 meters and a rich community of red and white gorgonians. The main island, La Columbrete Grande, is the only one with permanent monitoring staff. No permit is required for snorkeling, but touching the seabed is prohibited.