Diving in Spain
Everything you have to know and the best Dive Sites
Spain is primarily known for its excellent cuisine, beautiful beaches and lively cities. However, Spain is also a very good travel destination for divers. A diving holiday in Spain is quick and simple for European citizens: No visa is necessary and getting there can be done within a few hours by plane. Whoever wants to take their own equipment with them can even travel by car. Reason enough for taking a closer look at diving in Spain.
Besides the Spanish mainland, there are two archipelagos that are not only particularly interesting for tourists but also for divers. Why don’t you visit the Balearics or the Canary Islands on your next diving holiday! We will give you tips on the best diving sites and hot spots around Spain.
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What is the best time for a diving holiday in Spain?
Due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea, the temperatures in Spain are namely quite pleasant all year round – diving though is particularly recommendable from March to November. Whoever also wishes to dive at cold temperatures in Spain is well-advised to do so with a dry suit in winter.
Especially on the Atlantic Coast of Northern Spain, the temperature of the ocean can sink down to 10 degrees. In summer, the Mediterranean is particularly pleasantly warm: A thin wet suit is sufficient here since the sea has an average temperature of 26 degrees and this can even go up to 30 degrees on especially warm days.
Hot spots for diving on the Spanish mainland
You do not necessarily need to go to the Spanish Islands for impressive diving experiences. The Spanish Mediterranean coast in the north of the country, above all, offers a lot of reefs and diving sports worth seeing. Thereby, Callela is a popular point of departure for diving tours. The Atlantic coast is more appropriate for experienced divers due to the cooler water, the strong current and often restricted visibility.
Among others, both of these places on the Mediterranean coast can be recommended for diving:
- S’Ullastres Reefs (Calella): The three reefs are located close to each other and almost look like pyramids – the impressive rock formations stretch from 40 to 7 metres below the surface of the water and are inhabited by corals, numerous types of fish as well as small marine creatures. Wreck diving enthusiasts can also discover a lot of sunken ships which ran aground nearby.
- Furio de Fito: A little bit further north is Furio de Fito – likewise an impressive reef which extends from 40 to 10 metres below the surface of the water. Here you can explore a steep slope and encounter a lot of marine creatures. Due to the strong current, it is more suitable for experienced divers.
The best sites for diving on the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are situated to the south of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. Five islands belong to the archipelago, namely Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera. Thanks to their location in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the wonderful beaches, the islands are very popular with tourists. Nevertheless, the Mediterranean islands also have something to offer for divers.
Among others, the following diving destinations are recommended:
- Ship wrecks: To the south of Mallorca and the north of Menorca, there are numerous small wrecks as well as one large one. The “Don Pedro” can be found near Ibiza – with 146 metres, the ship that was sunk in 2007 is the largest, diveable wreck of the Mediterranean!
- Exceptional relics: In Santa Eulalia near Ibiza, a lighthouse which was toppled into the sea in 1955 can be marvelled at. You can dive to a fish farm which was sunk off Formentera in 1995 – a lot of fish still reside here. Wrecks of a different kind!
- Caves and Grottoes: A myriad of caves of volcanic origin can be visited all around the south coast of Mallorca in particular.
This is what you should have seen when diving on the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands belong to Spain although they are located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 100 to 150 kilometres from the coast of Morocco. Seven islands belong to the archipelago, namely Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. There is a visibility range up to 30 metres here and ideal light conditions for underwater photography.
Among others, the following diving spots that are worth seeing on the Canary Islands:
- Museo Atlántico (Lanzarote): The sculpture park was recently opened in 2016 and it is an underwater art museum. More than 400 sculptures can be seen here – a controversial project, which is definitely worth a trip. Caution: You are only allowed to go on discovery tours here when you are accompanied by a specially trained guide!
- Reefs off Fuerteventura: A lot of small marine creatures, schools of fish and interesting rock formations can be found here.
- El Bajon (El Hierro): Current diving for advanced divers. Impressive rock formations and caves below the water. Renowned as a mystical diving site.
Diving in Spain at a glance
- Peak tourist season: March to November
- Appropriate for: All diving levels, from beginners to advanced
- Water temperature: 10 to 26 degrees (large range of variation)
- Entry requirement: For Europeans, only the national ID card is required
- Particular diving experiences: Underwater museum, wreck diving, corals
- Duration of trip: A few days up to 2 weeks, can readily be linked to a beach holiday
- Diving equipment: Can be rented on site in most cases, better to enquire beforehand
- Travelling: Plane, car, public transport
- Particularities: Diving insurances are obligatory in Spain but they can be taken out at the diving schools on site as well.
Fancy diving in Spain?
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