Do's and dont's about Spanish Beaches

[Jeff The Wizard]

Hi Fellow Swingers 
Thinking of taking a trip across the water to relieve those Spanish Beaches of their riches
Does anyone have personal experience of Detecting out there? eg, best time to go, what to avoid, do the local Plod take a dim view of this activity, possible problems at Airport with Detector etc etc.

Your advice would be much appreciated 

Many thanks,
Jeff.   

[dingdong]

Hi Jeff,I can't answer all of your questions regarding detecting in Spain.
But having lived and worked in Spain (Costa Blanca) for over ten years I did notice many people that were detecting the beaches that they did so in the early mornings, for the following reasons.Its far to hot to wander up and down detecting you will fry !!!.
Also,if you go to detect in the evening you will be pestered by inquisitive persons wanting to know what you have found.
Also,there is very little tidal movement in the Mediterranean, so virtually all your detecting has to be around the towel /sunbed line(very crowded)
Also if you decide to go go night time detecting, its just not safe to do so,you could be considered fair game for attack from "smack heads"/robbery, and a hell of alot of drunks !!!......need I say more?
So,go very early in the morning and get off the beach by breakfast .
NOW,on the plus side,whilst I  was living/working out there I didn't go detecting, BUT,I had a retired friend who regularly detected the beaches,well not exactly he beaches,more like detecting into the water about two meters out with  a  fully submersible detector plus a face mask and snorkel !!,(This is the sort of areas where people splash and play around and lose jewellery !!)
Now being that Spain is a Catholic country, most Spanish holiday makers wear solid gold crucifix !!! Need I say more !!
His friend of mine had an on line business selling all his " bling" and reconed he was making in excess of three grand a year !!!
With regard to the Police (Guardia Seville)they arnt bothered,especially as there arnt many about in the early morning.
With regards to taking a metal detector on a plane,if it were me,I would check with your airline,tell them that you wish to take a metal detector,and if they give you the OK,ask them to send you official written permission, that will save you a lot of explaining at the baggage check in.
A sticking point could be batteries,if at all possible, DONT TAKE ANY WITH YOU
Buy some in Spain,and ditch them before you return?
Well I think that's about it, but if you think I may be able to help please don't hesitate to give me a shout.

[celticspikey]

I have searched Spanish beaches on and off over the years, mainly surf but dry sand aswell, Mayorca, Minorca and Salou mainland. I have never had problems taking machines through the airport, if your dry sanding search early morning and late evening. Definantly avoid sun bed areas untill the beach attendants are gone, they know what your after some do it them selves and can put the dampers on your search. If your in the surf stick to the same times and avoid locals fishing they will get police involved and then you will have to find another beach, as they may move you on. If you are just going on a detecting holiday consider going May, October less people around less chance of any problems this is when I use to go......good luck Jeff

[Jeff The Wizard]

Many thanks to you both for your advice.
I suspected there may be potential problems times which you have both pointed out, but I still wouldn't mind giving it a go 
Off season sounds like a sensible choice.

Thanks again,
Jeff 

[dingdong]

Good luck !!.👍

[LEJAG]

Hi,
many prospectors French go to Spain
no problem
more problematic in Portugal ...

attention by aircraft, numerous company refuses increasingly batteries detector
provide a battery pack if possible

[Jeff The Wizard]

Hi,
many prospectors French go to Spain
no problem
more problematic in Portugal ...

attention by aircraft, numerous company refuses increasingly batteries detector
provide a battery pack if possible

Hi Lejag,
Thanks for the information, so are you saying it's best not to take rechargeable batteries on the trip?

[dingdong]

Hi Jeff,I think that what is meant is that virtually any battery is n what ever form will be treated with suspicion and will cause inevitable holdups as you go through baggage control,or perhaps they won't even load your luggage if it is deemed by them a suspicious !!= HASSLE !!!
As I previously mentioned, take the easy option,buy your self some batteries in Spain, use them and ditch them prior to leaving for home.
Hope his helps.

[celticspikey]

When I took my Excalibur to Spain, security loved looking at the little bag in the sealed battery pack lol.  never had a problem thank goodness

[LEJAG]

Hi,
many prospectors French go to Spain
no problem
more problematic in Portugal ...

attention by aircraft, numerous company refuses increasingly batteries detector
provide a battery pack if possible

Hi Lejag,
Thanks for the information, so are you saying it's best not to take rechargeable batteries on the trip?

yes, I know several guys who have seen their Excalibur battery
has refuse boarding = hypothetical security reasons ...

it is best to take the sealed cell case
and buy locally cells
Spanish waters are rich, all the gold picking
will largely pay for cells 

[dances with badgers]

Aberavon not good enough Jeffers lol.good look mucka