The grouper is one of the most characteristic species of our coast and an identifying symbol of the dives that can be experienced on the Costa Brava.
It’s a big fish, usually calm and very territorial and an indicator of a very good state of conservation of the seabed. Observing this fish is always a reason for joy and many divers define them as an objective that must be seen during their dives.
For a long time, the great groupers almost disappeared from our coasts due to overfishing, but since marine reserves and environmental protection policies have been established, which have restricted underwater fishing, we are able to see them again, especially adult males with their imposing size.
Our recommended dive: Tascons, Medes Islands
Tascons is one of the emblematic dives of the Medes Islands. The two islets, Tascó Gros and Tascó Petit, accompanied by the legendary Carall Bernat and Ferranelles, form a diving area with an explosion of life.
It is composed of a shallow rocky area, between 7 and 16 metres deep and surrounded by rocky slopes that descend to a depth of between 25-30 metres and which in many cases, end in vertical walls or rocky formations covered with gorgonians. In this diving area there are various routes that can be taken, but in all of them, the large number of great groupers that come together is to be highlighted.
One of the routes involves descending along the southern slope of Tascó Petit to the maximum planned depth. During the descent we will find rocky formations with highly characteristic yellow and purple gorgonians and once we get to the bottom we will begin a route heading east, slowly ascending and enjoying a landscape of large rocks and gorgonians and where we will see some great groupers near the walls. The time will come that we will have to head back to the boat visiting the less deep areas along the way.
Tascons is a diving area exposed to currents and the wind, we must monitor our orientation and follow our guides’ instructions, and it is advisable to have an advanced level.
It is also an excellent dive to see gorgonians and corals and is full of organisms without any feet or heads. Being a natural park , the schools of fish form part of its nature and being so exposed to the open sea makes it also a good place to observe the deep blue sea and the special fish. The Tascons dive has everything: from nudibranchs and tiny organisms, as well as fish of a thousand colours and large predators.
A respectful attitude and maintaining a safe distance is crucial to enjoy the calm conduct of the groupers found around the Medes Islands.