Ever gazed upon Europe’s first artificial reef? Welcome to Camp Bay Gibraltar.
Camp Bay a small rocky beach boasts a fascinating history. Originally known as La Cala de Los Remedios it was named after a 16th-century hermitage. British soldiers camped on the cliffs above it after 1704. This led to its renaming as Camp Bay.
Camp Bay’s unique feature is its artificial reef. Environmental activists created it to boost marine life. Early attempts using derelict cars failed due to storms. Later they successfully sank ships including a large cable ship called the 482. Today this underwater haven attracts thousands of divers yearly. Eleven wrecks now reside in Camp Bay. Three more are in nearby Little Bay. These shipwrecks teeming with marine life are covered in vibrant corals and sponges. You can see large schools of fish octopuses lobsters and more. Even snorkeling offers amazing views.
Camp Bay also has a rich history of quarrying. In the 1870s quarrying expanded to supply materials for the South Mole extension. Convict labour was used. Rocks were transported by barges from Camp Bay’s quay. Later tunnels were built for wagon transport. The local name El Qwari reflects the quarrying activity. Civilian access was restricted until after World War II.
In the 1960s Gibraltar invested in tourism. Camp Bay and Little Bay were transformed. Simple pebble beaches became public lidos. This provided a much-needed escape for local families during hot summers. The phrase Ir al Qwari became popular among Gibraltarians.
Today Camp Bay offers both a unique diving experience and a glimpse into Gibraltar’s history. From its origins as a quiet cove to its modern role as a tourist destination Camp Bay has a captivating story to tell. So explore this beautiful bay take a dip in its crystal-clear waters and dive into its vibrant underwater world.