The Costa Brava offers some of the best diving in Spain, and with an abundance of interesting sites along its rugged coastline, has something to offer divers with all levels of training and experience. It is now easier to get to than ever before, with RyanAir flights from Stansted to Girona and flights to Barcelona from budget airlines all over the UK.

With water temperature varying from 13 degrees Celcius in the Winter up to 24 degrees in the Summer, divers can participate in their sport all year round providing the northerly tramuntana stays away - icy winds from the Pyrenees can gust at well over 100 km/h - and although some dive centres operate throughout the year there are many occasions when the weather does not allow it it in the winter months.

Some of the highlights of the Costa Brava include the submarine nature reserves of the Medas Islands and sites in the Cap de Creus natural park, while the cruel seas have laid wreck to many unfortunate boats over the centuries. With such a number of dive sites there are naturally many dive centres along the coast. In addition to daily, or several times daily excursions in the Summer, these teach courses to beginners upwards, rent out equipment and fill air tanks. Diving in the Costa Brava is relatively cheap compared with the UK and USA. A single boat dive including a 15 litre tank and weights will cost €20-€25 if you have your own equipment, although if you need a wetsuit, mask, fins and BCD you should not expect much change out of €50.

Since there is so much to see and do in the Costa Brava you needn't worry about your family. While they are on the beach, you can participate in your sport and join them later in the day - they're sure to be envious if you've been followed around a dive at the Medas Islands by a tame four or five foot grouper as often happens, or seen hundreds of silvery barracudas in the waters at Massa d'Or.