El Dofi

The Dofi complex is the Medes' signature swim-through: broad limestone galleries that pierce the islet and frame blue exits like cathedral windows. Groupers loiter in the half-light, corvina stack in the shadowed chambers, and torch beams pick out scarlet cardinalfish and encrusting sponge where sunlight never reaches. Passages are wide enough that this remains cavern-style diving rather than true penetration, but lights, trim and an unhurried pace make the difference between corridor and silt-out. Outside, the reef slope carries morays, octopus and scorpionfish in classic Medes density.

The moment you come for: Tunnel arches with blue-light exits, groupers and corvina in the chambers, easy access

Topography: Limestone tunnel network threading the islets, opening onto rocky slopes and coralligenous patches

Entry: Minutes from L'Estartit by boat; moorings are fixed and dive slots managed under park rules.

Hazards: Overhead environment: stay within natural light and training limits; summer diver traffic inside the tunnels.

Permits & rules: Diving in the park runs on a daily quota through authorized centers.

Conservation: Strictly protected no-take zone; touching walls damages slow-growing encrusting life.

Nitrox: Worth it here: profiles sit in the range where enriched air meaningfully extends no-stop time (with the training to use it).