Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there such abundant marine life off the Costa Brava?

The sea life is abundant off the Costa Brava because the rocky coast provides many different habitats and there are seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) that are important breeding and feeding grounds for many fish species, molluscs like sea hares and nudibranchs, and crustacea.

What can I expect to see at the Medes Islands Marine Reserve?

The Medes Islands Marine Reserve is an outstanding dive location and a model of good practice as a marine protected area. There are actually 13 dive sites at the Medes Islands Marine Reserve and dive permits are strictly regulated and limited to 200 per day. Illes Medes is an archipelago of 7 islands offering a wide range of habitats for an amazing array of marine life. There are seagrass meadows within which you’ll see the rare fan mussel. Around 18 meters there are the most beautiful gorgonian corals. Big Dusky groupers are probably the most famous Medes inhabitants and always willing to pose for photos! Bream, picarel and damselfish form thick shoals and eagle rays, barracuda, sunfish are frequently seen. Dolphins are known the feed at the Medes Islands at night and are sometimes seen there during the daytime. One of the most famous dive sites at Illes Medes is the Dolphin Cave where you’ll see a dolphin statue. There are a number of interesting caves at Illes Medes.

Is diving at the Medes Islands included?

As volunteer divers we carry out conservation activities within the Parc Natural del Montgri, les Illes Medes i el Baix Ter Medes, and assist with specific tasks when required by the Medes Office in addition to our regular work for the SILMAR Project and Project Aware. You will also have the option to dive at the Medes Islands and the Cap de Creus marine reserves as an optional extra on your days off from Eco Diving.

What is L’Escala like as a holiday destination?

L’Escala is a small, friendly town that has retained its charm and character. It is not plagued by mass tourism yet offers everything you could want for a relaxing holiday.

What’s the weather like?

July and August are very hot, May, June, September and October are sunny  but a little cooler, winters are usually very mild unless the North wind blows.

What sort of divers volunteer as an Eco Diver?

Eco diving attracts divers who care about preserving the marine environment for future generations to enjoy and want to play an active role in marine conservation. We often get volunteers who are students studying marine biology, or people who want to enter that field, as well as divers with other science backgrounds. However, full training is provided so that any qualified diver is able to take part in our projects. With good buoyancy skills and sufficient time to become familiar with the key species that we are studying, Eco Divers can make an important contribution to marine conservation.

What age groups and nationalities do you get?

All ages between 18 and 65, and any nationality is welcome as long as you can speak some English. We get most of our volunteers from the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and the USA.

Can I volunteer as part of my gap year travels?

Yes, we welcome gap year volunteers and provide greater subsidies for long stays.

Who subsidises the Eco diving?

Our main sponsors are Kenna Diving SL, which offers diving holidays, learn to dive courses, discount scuba equipment, and boat charter.

Do volunteers get any days off?

Yes, each weekend is free to do whatever you like - extra fun diving, partying, exploring the area, relaxing on the beach, etc.

Are towels and linen supplied?

Volunteers staying in the bunkhouse have the option to bring their own towels and linen/sleeping bag or to hire them. Linen, but not towels, is provided for those taking the other accommodation options.

If I don’t want to stay in the bunkhouse can I upgrade?

Yes, we have private apartments and villas available in L’Escala, for groups provided you book early.

Are flights included in the price?

No, volunteers must make their own travel arrangements and are collected from Girona airport or nearest train station.

Do you have to be really fit to be a diver?

There is a medical form to complete when you book to take a Discover Scuba or Open Water course. If you answer yes to any of the questions about your health, then you need to have a medical. To qualify as an Open Water diver you have to be able to swim and tread water. You also have to be able to bear the weight of the dive cylinder and dive weights. Diving is easier and more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit. However, people with disabilities are able to dive too.

Is the SILMAR Project in Spanish?

The SILMAR Project is a Spanish project. However, Kenna Eco Diving conducts the research in English, with English-speaking volunteers.

Do I have to be a marine biologist?

Not at all. Any diver is welcome to join in the fun as an Eco Dive volunteer. Full training is given to take part in the research and volunteers soon learn to identify and count key species. For marine biologists Eco diving provides excellent fieldwork experience and the opportunity to develop your own areas of research.

Do I have to be a qualified diver?

Yes, you need to have a PADI Open Water certificate (or equivalent qualification) and can take the course at the beginning of your trip, if necessary.

What is the sea temperature like?

July to September the water temperature gets into the mid 20s. In winter it drops to 15 degrees C.

Please email with any other questions.