Gibraltar
Gibraltar stands where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Although not as warm or as clear as elsewhere in the Mediterranean, Gibraltar boasts a profusion of marine life together with a wide variety of diving sites as well as offering plenty to do for non-diving parties.
HISTORY
The Rock of Gibraltar is part of the sea floor upended by powerful geological processes and dropped at the southern tip of Europe to form one of the Pillars of Hercules guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean. Underwater, the topography follows that of the land with a steeply shelving seabed. Neanderthal man lived in the caves around Gibraltar between 120,000 and 60,000 years ago and the Rock was visited by Phoenician and Roman sea-farers who left offerings to the Gods there.
The Muslim invasion of Europe began in Gibraltar in 711 and the Moors dominated for 700 years until 1462 when the Spanish captured the Rock. In 1704, a combined Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar and the Treaty of Utrecht in 1813 ceded Gibraltar to the Crown of Great Britain. Recognising its importance as a Naval base, Britain maintained a presence on the Rock.
More recently, General Eisenhower master-minded the invasion of North Africa from Gibraltar and the naval base and airstrip assumed great importance during the period. The war time period also saw attacks against shipping in the harbour by Italian underwater chariots/human torpedoes and the exploits of Buster Crabb and other Royal Naval divers in countering the threat.
DIVE SITES
The most popular and heavily dived sites are found on the west coast. Good wreck diving can be found all along the moles that protect the harbour from the elements.
The Cormorant or Pilot Boat sank in 1917 between the north and detached moles in 34 metres of water. This well preserved 15 metre wreck sits upright on a sandy bed and makes a moderately challenging dive.
The SS Excellent was a 1,000 ton steamer that sank in 1888 off the detached mole in 28 metres. Sitting upside down, the ship has split in two allowing safe and simple penetration.
On the south mole, the SS Rosslyn lies in 23 metres. This 3600 ton steamer sank in 1916 to become the largest wreck in Gibraltar. Standing 10 metres proud of the bed with a slight list to starboard, this is a very popular site.
Also off the moles are the cannon pile, a mound of cannon and balls dating from the 1780s and lying in 29 metres, and the remains of a Second World War Italian underwater chariot.
Further south can be found the scenic sites of Seven Sisters, a site boasting a great variety of sealife, and Ink Wells, the anchorage for vessels resupplying the Royal Navy and where remains of bottles, pipes, crockery and ink wells can be found.
Further south again lies Camp Bay, the site of an artificial reef made from barges and other boats deliberately sunk.
At the southern tip of Gibraltar lies Europa Reef, a challenging dive given the confusing currents and rapidly changing sea conditions.
The eastern side of Gibraltar is dived less frequently but has a variety of scenic sites as well as the wreck of an aircraft just off the end of the runway.
DIVING CONDITIONS
Visibility is generally worse than that found elsewhere in the Mediterranean with 5 - 10 metres being typical although local knowledge suggests that 10 metres + is more typical in the summer.
Water temperatures arer typically 14°C in summer and cooler in winter.
Tidal flows within Gibraltar Bay are unpredictable and care must be taken to assess conditions before diving commences.
Natural hazards include scorpion and weever fishes. Small cream coloured hard wedges, looking like cheese, may be found around Gibraltar. These are phosphorous from ammunition and combust spontaneously on contact with air and must not be rasised. Jet skiers and power boaters are also unpredictable. Boat cover, A flags and SMBs are recommended.
FOR NON DIVERS
Gibraltar has a wealth of interesting sites to visit on land. The Museum has a wide ranging display, including relics from Phoenician and Roman sea-farers. A cable car runs from the town to the top of the Rock and provides access to the breath-taking St Michael's cave as well as to various fortifications and the famous Gibraltar apes. The siege tunnels are a visitor attraction, recreating the 1779-1783 Spanish siege and the Tower of Homage is one of the best-preserved parts of the Moorish Castle dating back more than 6 centuries. Tours can also be arranged of the 32 miles of second world war tunnels that turn the Rock into a giant Gorgonzola.
Water sports are popular across Gibraltar with saling, canoeing, rowing and jet biking all available. Off-shore, dolphin watching is popular with commercial craft 'guaranteeing' the opportunity to watch dolphins above and below the water in Gibraltar Bay.
Gibraltar boasts a hectic social life, mainly centred on the pubs around Casemates Square. Eating out was similarly priced to UK with the 'eat as much as you can' at Pizza Hut being particularly popular.
WHEN TO GO
The climate is typically Mediterranean with mild winters and warm dry summers, although May to September can get very hot and humid. There is no rainy season, but most rain falls in the winter months when the average temperature is 59°F (15°C). In summer the temperatures hover around 86°F (30°C). Summer is the best time for diving.
CURRENCY
The official currency is the Gibraltar Pound (GIP), which is divided into 100 new pence. UK notes and coins are also accepted and have the same value, but Gibraltar Pounds are not accepted in the UK and any unspent Gibraltar Pounds should be changed before leaving. Euros are also widely accepted, and foreign currency can be exchanged at any one of the numerous banks or exchange bureaux in town. All major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted.
GETTING THERE
There are daily flights to Gibraltar from London's major airports - Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton. The airport is serviced by British Airways and Monarch Crown Service. There are also charter flights available. Another option is to fly into Malaga and take a taxi or bus - it is only 90 minutes away.
DIVE ORGANISATIONS
Dive Charters (PADI 5 Star Centre)
4 Admirals Walk
Marina Bay
Gibraltar
phone: Gibraltar 45649
email: divegib@gibtelecom.gi
web: www.divegib.gi
Dive Hire NAUI Centre
36B/36C Watersport Circle
PO Box 537
Sheppards Marina
Gibraltar
phone: Gibraltar 73616
email: divehire1st@gibtelecom.net
web: www.divehire.co.uk
Rock Marine
The Square
Marina Bay
Gibraltar
phone: Gibraltar 73147
fax: Gibraltar 74754
email: fred@gibnet.gi
GIBRALTAR TOURIST BOARD
The Gibraltar Tourist Board can provide details of a wide range of accommodation and may also be able to offer combined flight/accommodation deals. The Board has offices in London and can be contacted at:
Gibraltar Tourist Board, Arundel Great Court, 179 The Strand, London, WC2R 1EH
Tel: 020 7836 0777 Fax: 020 7240 6612
Website: www.gibraltar.gov.uk
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Somehow so very British and yet with an intriguing Spanish flavour too - Gibraltar is a unique destination, steeped in history. It's just a short hop away from the UK and yet offers fantastic summer diving - especially for the wreck diver. Some good day trips are available - Morocco and Spain within easy reach. The apes look cute but they can be very unpredictable. It is best to take a tour with official guides who are used to predicting their behaviour - you have been warned!
Rock Marine
Rock Steady! by Jon Gunns
Wrecking Arount The Rock by Jules Kelley
Rock of Wrecks
Inside Story
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