Huelva Coast · Spain · Reef
Piedra Dorada
A 12 m rock ridge off El Rompido where gilt-head bream hide in the holes
Piedra Dorada is a small underwater ridge one mile off the coast in front of the El Rompido lighthouse, with a maximum depth of 12 m. Its rocky bottom is full of gilt-head bream hiding in the holes, and at certain times of year large numbers of rays and torpedo rays gather here to spawn. The shallow depth suits try-dives and new divers.
Where it is and how deep
37.1915° N, 7.1267° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The boat stops one mile off the coast, facing the lighthouse at El Rompido, over a small underwater ridge of rock that runs perpendicular to the coast like a rib. The dive never goes deeper than 12 m, which keeps the profile simple for new divers, and seeing the whole ridge takes more than one dive.
The rocky bottom is full of holes, and gilt-head bream, the fish that gives the site its name, shelter in them in numbers. At certain times of year a large number of rays and torpedo rays gather on the site to spawn. The shallow depth makes Piedra Dorada a good site for try-dives and for divers who have just finished their first course.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Huelva Coast: Diving runs all year; May to October brings the warmest water and the best visibility, and trips are cancelled when sea conditions do not allow them.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Piedra Dorada?+
The dive does not go deeper than 12 m, which is why it is used for try-dives and new divers.
Where is Piedra Dorada?+
It lies one mile off the coast, facing the lighthouse at El Rompido, and is reached by boat.
Sources
- Los 6 mejores sitios para bucear en Huelva — Bucear Huelva
- Buceo - Huelva — Andalucia.com
- Salidas de buceo - Bucearhuelva — Bucear Huelva
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