Beaches

What Else does Gibraltar offer?

Well, besides the sightseeing, touring, caving, wildflower spotting, bird, dolphin watching, and wildlife watching mentioned in the last chapter, Gibraltar has some great beaches, scuba diving, fishing, as well as shopping. As well, there are some excellent restaurants to go to...

Our Lady of Sorrows at Catalan Bay

Catalan Bay

Nestled on the eastern side of the rock there is a feeling of isolation in the little village that curls around the bay beneath the steep slopes of the rock of Gibraltar. Catalan Bay was settled under Spanish rule by Genoese who lived in the fishing huts around the bay. They decided to remain there when the British took power and they were joined by other Italians, Portuguese, British and Spaniards who fled Napoleon ’ s army during the Peninsular War.

Improvements to the beach have made this already popular area even more so. Great quantities of sand were hauled in and a mini breakwater was formed below Caleta Palace to protect the shore.

During the hot days of summer this is one place where locals and tourists like to cool off.

The four star Caleta Hotel overlooks the beach on the south edge of the village. Some of the best seafood in Gibraltar can be enjoyed at the beach restaurants here.

Catalan Bay

Eastern Beach

Eastern Beach is located off Devil’ s Tower Road stretching up to the end of the airport runway.

This is the longest of Gibraltar ’ s beaches. There are changing facilities and a number of food kiosks and restaurants operate in the summer.

Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is located beneath Both Worlds on the eastern side of the Rock a short distance south of Catalan Bay. Although it is called “ sandy ” bay, the beach is a mixture of pebbles and sand. This beautiful bay is both is great for those who love a sandy beach, sun and sea a place suitable for a family day out, we are sure you will leave with fond memories and a great tan.

Diving

The waters around Gibraltar have been witness to the sea going vessels which have plied the waters from the earliest of man ’ s sea

faring days.

A combination of accidents, sea battles and the scuttling of vessels have contributed to the interesting dive sites which nature provided.

Diving in Gibraltar is different from diving in other areas of the Mediterranean. The flow of water from the Atlantic, although not as clear as other areas of the Mediterranean, is less polluted and full of nutrition leading to a vast array of marine life.

Visibility is normally near the 10m+ mark with better visibility in the winter months. It is colder than the rest of the Mediterranean so divers need a full wet suit all year round and a semi-dry suit in winter. Some of the 30 sites include:

SS Rosslyn - a huge freighter foundered during a fierce storm in 1890, lying just 20metres below the surface the bow and stern sections are fairly intact although the mid section has not stood the

test of time quite so well. Covered in bright soft corals she is certainly one of the Rock’ s prettiest wrecks.

Seven Sisters - a group of rocks and a must for any underwater photographer.

Stunning rock formations and dense marine life will keep even the most discerning photographer snapping away for hours.The most popular wreck in Gibraltar has got to be the 482 cable laying barge, scuttled less than ten years ago she has evolved into a most exciting dive. Only 17 metres deep, divers have plenty of time to explore this large wreck that is now home to Octopus, Spider Crabs and some rather large Conger Eels.

Europa Reef - a reef with depths of 15 - 40m and abundant marine life. The top of the reef is fairly flat with the odd rocky ridge and trench to add to its interest.

This reef is littered with Phoenician and Roman anchors as well as a large Admiralty anchor.

Tides in the area can produce good drift divers.

SS Excellent - a 1600 ton, 260 foot steam schooner which sank after a series of collisions on the 29

th

of February 1888. She sits upside down in a maximum depth of 30m. Much of her remains intact with a large cavernous interior. Her engine remains in place as does one of the boilers.

The large iron screw makes an impressive sight with the rudder lying on the sea-bed. Portholes can be seen on this wreck along with a profusion of marine life.

Los Pecos - A spectacular rock reef with a vertical wall from 20 60 m+.Abundant large marine life makes it one of the best dives in the western Mediterranean. Situated south of Europa Point in the Strait between Europe and Africa this area is susceptible to strong and unpredictable currents, but it is well worth the effort for experienced divers.

Aircraft Wrecks - located near the end of the airport runway at Eastern Beach. They lie in 7 - 20 metres of water but they are not always visible because of moving sand.

Gibraltar has two experienced dive companies: Dive Charters, 4 Admiral’s Walk, Marina Bay Tel: (+350) 20045649, Mobile: (+34) 685608208, E-mail: info@divegib.gi www.divegib.gi Dive Hire 1st, Coaling Island, Tel: (+350) 20073616, Mobile: (+350) 56668000 E-mail: divehire1st@gibtelecom.net

Fishing

With its unique position with regards to the Atlantic Ocean,