Underwater activities

Diving, both with snorkel and scuba gear, is the activity that draws more visitors to Mallorca because of the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. It is home to many species of spectacular colours. You just have to put on a mask to discover dozens of seaweed, invertebrate and fish species that have nothing to envy to tropical coral reef species.

In the sea around Mallorca, you can see abundant marine wildlife thanks to the marine reserves, interesting caves and several wrecks. Our diving centres meet the requirements of the most demanding divers and offer a professional, comfortable and safe environment.

Most dive centres are affiliated to PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), which means that PADI divers from around the world can dive in Mallorca. PADI certifies that the card holder is qualified to scuba dive. The dive centres offers you over 30 dive sites, many of them within marine reserves. You can rent part or the entire equipment in the dive centres. The price includes the transport to and from the dive site.

As well as being a great scuba diving location, Mallorca also hosts National championships of apnea (breath-hold diving without bottles), fin swimming, underwater fishing and underwater photography. A license is essential to practise these activities. Otherwise, you must abide by the local legislation on underwater activities, especially in regards to fishing. In this respect, the license ensures the minimal environmental impact that underwater activities entail, because the license holder knows how to behave in order not to disturb the seabed.

Futhermore, as mandated by law, the hyperbaric chamber of the Instituto de Medicina Submarina (Underwater Medical Institute) is located less than an hour from all dive sites. The Institute has a portable hyperbaric chamber for use at underwater events. Fortunately, the chamber, which is used to treat underwater accidents, is seldom used.

Underwater paradises

Cala Millor Bay and the surrounding area offer the most crystal-clear and calm waters around the island for scuba diving enthusiasts. Large boulders, Posidonia oceanica beds and large expanses of sand constitute one of the Mediterranean ecosystems with the richest wildlife living in a large variety of beautiful underwater landscapes. You can see grouper fishes, moray eels, conger eels and barracudas. The average visibility is 30 metres and the temperature ranges from 20ºC in April to 28ºC in August. Cave divers can explore a wide variety of caves, cracks and tunnels covering all levels of difficulty.

In addition, divers in El Toro and Malgrats must follow a strict fishing and diving regulation as they have been designated as nature reserves. Fishing is forbidden from May to October and is very restricted for the rest of the year. There are 12 dive sites in an area that is home to the rich Mediterranean wildlife in all its glory (moray eels, grouper fishes, octopuses, gilthead breams, barracudas and hundreds of other species).

The Island of Dragonera, which was given nature park status, is located off the southwest coast of Mallorca. It boasts some of the most attractive dive sites due to its crystal-clear waters and geographical isolation. You can explore 50-metre walls that are home to large pelagic species and caves with air spaces. These are some of the unique sites that you will find around the island.

The Dique del Oeste wrecks are located in Palma Bay. You can dive two wrecks with a length of 40 metres and several other wrecks of shorter length. The maximum depth in the area is 28 metres. Due to the poor visibility in the area, divers must be experienced and be able to use advanced techniques. The wrecks are covered by a large variety of invertebrates and are home to a large amount of fishes. Some wrecks can be dived through.