Bilbao Bizkaia is also home to several specialized diving centres, offering training, equipment rental, and guided excursions—making everything easy!

The best dive sites in Bilbao Bizkaia: marine life, geology and history

The waters of Bilbao Bizkaia feature diverse habitats, ranging from rocky seabeds and sandy shores to dramatic cliffs and underwater caves. This variety creates the perfect environment for a wide range of marine species, offering exciting diving experiences for both beginners and seasoned divers.

Some of the top diving spots include:

• Muskiz: Sunken ships have transformed into artificial reefs, providing shelter for diverse marine species.
• Sopela: Rocky ridges and submarine chimneys serve as habitats for conger eels and lobsters, blending biodiversity with stunning scenery.
• Gorliz: Crystal-clear waters and well-preserved shipwrecks make this a paradise for wreck divers.
• Armintza: Famous for its abundant lobsters and spider crabs, offering a chance to observe these creatures in their natural habitat.
• Bermeo: this traditional fishing town is home to impressive underwater caves and cliffs and also stands out for its abundance of marine species, such as sunfish and John Dories.
• Matxitxako: The wreck of the Mina Mari ship attracts divers interested in maritime history and underwater exploration.

Bilbao Bizkaia’s coastline is also rich in unique underwater formations, such as the fossilized volcanic chimneys in Sopela and the magmatic dykes in Zierbena, making it a dream location for divers passionate about marine geology.

When is the best time for diving in Bilbao Bizkaia?

The best diving conditions are typically from May to September; with good weather and when the sea is calm, visibility can exceed 15 meters.

However, water temperatures in Bilbao Bizkaia remain cool year-round, ranging from 12°C in winter to 22°C in summer. A semi-dry wetsuit is recommended for most dives all year round.

The coast of Bilbao Bizkaia is, in short, a little treasure trove for diving enthusiasts, combining rich biodiversity, impressive geological formations and a variety of dive sites to suit all levels of experience.

Whether you’re exploring historic shipwrecks, underwater ridges, or vibrant marine life, Bilbao Bizkaia promises unforgettable underwater adventures.