San Sebastián & Getaria · Spain · Reef · Wall
Bajo de las Gorgonias
Large gorgonians over a rocky south face full of crustaceans
A shoal on Mount Ulia a few metres from the mouth of Pasaia, named for the number and size of its gorgonians. The north face steps down to 20 m and then to about 30 m, while the rocky south face is full of holes where crustaceans and conger eels hide under large sea fans. Nudibranchs are common on both sides.
Also known as Gorgonias.
Where it is and how deep
43.3368° N, 1.9378° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The boat anchors on the north side of the shoal at 10–12 m, because the gorgonians grow on the south side. The shoal runs east-west and loses height toward its east end until it stops abruptly. Its north face drops in a first step to 20 m and a second to the bottom at about 30 m.
The usual dive goes down the south side and heads east, either along the bottom at 23–26 m or along the wall. The rocky bottom is full of holes where lobsters, conger eels and spider crabs hide among large gorgonians, with nudibranchs and octopus on the rock. Divers can follow the corridor between this shoal and the next slab, or explore the rocks further south.
Where the wall cuts off abruptly, the dive turns back along the north face, the best side for nudibranchs, octopus and sea hares, with an eye on the blue for sunfish. Heading west, the shoal rises to 6–10 m, and over the ridge schools of jacks and bream pass, with jellyfish in season. Gorgonians grow only 1 to 2 cm a year, so fins and buoyancy need care near them.
Marine life and season
- Nudibranchs
- Octopus & cuttlefish
- Mola mola
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows San Sebastián & Getaria: Getaria boats sail Tuesday to Sunday from June to September and only at weekends from October to May; August has the warmest water.
Know before you go
- Gorgonians grow only 1 to 2 cm a year; divers keep fins clear and buoyancy steady near them.
Dive videos
Bajo de las Gorgonias - Festival de peces luna · Buceo Donosti on YouTube
Sources
- Buceo Donosti - Bajo de las Gorgonias — Buceo Donosti
- Scubago - Bajo de las Gorgonias — Scubago
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