Spain in-depth: Adventure
Scubadiving in Spain
Scuba-diving in Spain
Thanks to the excellent connection to the island of Mallorca from the Peninsula and other major European cities, the seabed of the Balearic Islands is one of the best spots to enjoy diving in Spain. This is due to the warm, clear waters and a vast submarine canyons that protects countless species.
The network of specialized diving and countless sites in the islands makes this sport one of the most widespread. Scuba diving is made possible at every level of experience as there are departures from shallow beaches or dives at greater depths to visit wrecks. You also have the opportunity to do night dives and cave diving (for instance in the vicinity of the caves of Drach departing from Porto Cristo).
In recent years, the number of natural reserves in the Balearic islands has increased, allowing the seabed to recover many of its native species such as its impressive groupers and moray, conger eels and breams – completing its fauna and flora.
As for the best diving spots in Mallorca we can point out: the Tramuntana spot in the north; the Cap de Formentor; the Morro de Sa Vaca, situated in the mouth of the Torrent de Pareis and the Isla de Dragonera in the south along with Bahia de Palma. In the northeast through Bahia de Pollença you will find diving areas suitable for those with less experience. To the east of the Cala Varques, with its numerous caves and coral reefs, you will find diving spots for those more experienced.
The Archipelago of the Cabrera National Park, declared a maritime heritage since 1991, is worth a special mention as it has one of the largest and most well-preserved beds of Posidonia seagrass in the Mediterranean, thus helping to clean the waters and improve visibility up to 50 meters. This is due to its historical isolation enabling an excellent state of preservation, both on the coastline and the seabed. Here in Cabrera you’ll be able to dive in various locations of the National Park but you will need a special permit – one that must be requested well in advance.
On the Island of Menorca and in its caves, you will be able to dive regardless of your level. Forcat is for the less experienced; galleries of coral and sea anemones. For more experienced divers you will find much including a sunken ship.
In Ibiza, and around the largest of the Pitiusas Islands, you’ll find various small islands perfect for scuba diving like Es Vedra, Tagomago and the site of the largest shipwreck in Europe: Don Pedro cargo ship – found 47 meters below sea level. This dive is for very experienced divers with a minimum of registered dives.
Between Ibiza and Formentera you’ll find the marine reserve of Ses Salines that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It is the largest protected area of the Spanish Mediterranean, where the richness of the landscapes captivates with its Posidonia sea grass meadows and its vertical walls of stunning red gorgonian coral.
Lastly, there is Formentera with numerous diving spots of various levels, difficulty and beauty. Starting with simple and shallow dives, you have the Arco and Punta Gabina spot that are spectacularly beautiful with a lot of scenery to enjoy. For deeper, more advanced dives there is the Plataforma area and the Florin Brother’s sunken fishing boat.
