Castillo de la Duquesa
Part of Manilva Reefs →About This Spot
Castillo de la Duquesa offers an excellent shore diving experience along Manilva's coastline, accessible directly from the rocky shoreline near the historic watchtower. This shallow dive site features a mixed terrain of rocky outcrops, sandy patches, and seagrass meadows extending to depths of 8-12 meters. The underwater landscape attracts abundant marine life including octopus, moray eels, and various wrasse species. Divers frequently encounter schools of sea bream, colorful nudibranchs, and seasonal visitors like barracuda. The rocky formations create small caves and swim-throughs perfect for macro photography enthusiasts seeking crustaceans and small fish. Best diving conditions occur during calm weather with minimal swell, typically in summer months. Entry requires careful navigation over rocky terrain, so sturdy boots are essential. The site suits beginner to intermediate divers, though surface conditions should always be assessed before entry. Parking is available near the castle ruins, and the protected bay location often provides shelter when other coastal sites are too rough for comfortable diving.