Scuba Diving in May
on the Costa del Sol
Warm and sunny (20–26°C). Long days, calm seas, the Mediterranean at its most inviting.
May is when the Costa del Sol earns its name underwater. Water temperatures reach 17–19°C — warm enough for a 3mm wetsuit on good days. Visibility can be breathtaking, pushing 25 meters in the strait area. This is the month when the Atlantic influence brings the possibility of sunfish (mola mola) sightings near Gibraltar — a bucket-list encounter for any diver. Eagle rays are common, barracuda schools are massive, and the gorgonia fans are in full bloom adding splashes of red and yellow to the reefs. May is our most popular month for PADI courses. Conditions are perfect for learning, and you'll be certified just in time for summer diving across Europe. Families love May — school holidays haven't started yet, so groups are small and prices haven't peaked.
What to Expect in May
May delivers summer-like conditions above water (20–26°C) with spring's exceptional clarity below. The thermocline starts forming, meaning surface waters warm quickly while deeper sites stay refreshing. A 5mm suit is standard, 3mm works for shore dives on warm days. All sites are fully operational. Gibraltar wreck dives are spectacular with peak visibility. This is the start of our high season — booking 2 weeks ahead is recommended.
Best Dive Sites in May
📍 Strait of Gibraltar
May brings the chance of sunfish encounters as they follow currents through the strait. Also excellent for drift dives with larger pelagic species.
📍 Gibraltar — Camp Bay & Rosy Bay
25m visibility on the wrecks is common in May. Eagle rays, moray eels, and the richest biodiversity on the coast.
📍 Le Lys Wreck, San Pedro
The 300-year-old wreck is at its most photogenic. Conger eels and spider crabs inhabit every crevice. Historical diving at its finest.
📍 Sotogrande & Gibraltar Bay
Seahorses, gorgonias in bloom, and the occasional torpedo ray. The seagrass meadows are a macro photographer's paradise.
Courses Available in May
Try Scuba Diving
No experience needed. 3–4 hours. Perfect for tourists and families.
PADI Open Water
Full certification in 3–4 days. Dive anywhere in the world.
Guided Dive
For certified divers. All equipment included. Small groups.
May Diving FAQ
Can I see sunfish (mola mola) diving in May?
May is when sunfish occasionally pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Sightings aren't guaranteed but are most likely May–June. We know where to look.
Is May better than summer for diving?
Many experienced divers prefer May. Better visibility than July–August, comfortable temperatures, less crowded, and more diverse marine life.
What's the visibility like in May?
15–25m depending on site and conditions. The strait area can hit 25m+ on perfect days. Bring your camera — you'll want to remember this.
How long does the PADI Open Water course take?
3–4 days. In May, conditions are ideal for the open water dives. You'll do theory (eLearning), confined water practice, and 4 open water dives. All equipment included.
Is snorkeling good in May?
Excellent! Our snorkeling trips (€65) are hugely popular in May. Clear water and abundant fish make it perfect for non-divers in the family.
Book Your May Dive
252 five-star reviews. PADI 5-Star Center. Free hotel pickup from Estepona, Casares, Manilva, Sotogrande & San Roque.