Some people go their entire lives on land without ever realising what amazing sights lie just beneath the waves. But for scuba divers, exploring the lesser-known worlds underwater provides a rush like no other. From caves to tunnels to exotic marine species swimming beneath your fins – life beneath the sea is just an interesting as that on land!
Novice and experienced scuba divers alike will find plenty to explore off the shore of Mallorca. The largest of the Balearic Islands is home to a vibrant and diverse array of marine life, along with plenty of intriguing wrecks, reefs, and rock formations. The temperate and clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea are a diver’s dream come true, plus Mallorca offers plenty to do on land at the end of a long day of diving.
Once you’ve got the right equipment and a few classes under your belt, Mallorca’s underwater worlds are wide open to you. Check out a few of our favourite dive sites and get to know a side of the island most visitors never see!
Keen to see the capital? Spend a day in Palma.
Best Dive Sites
El Toro – Located on Mallorca’s south-west coast, not far from Magaluf and Palma, this multi-level dive site is situated within the biologically diverse El Toro Marine Reserve. Here you’ll encounter a rich array of marine life: amberjacks, barracudas, moray eels, grouper, octopi, red corals, and much more.
Big Cheese – Just one kilometre away from Cala Ratjada harbour, this dive site gets its unusual name from the colossal rocky formation that rises 60 metres out of the sea. Like a giant slice of Swiss cheese, the islet is riddled with underwater caves, holes, and tunnels that are an adventure to explore. The many crevices and mild sea currents mean Big Cheese is a great place to spot marine species, too.
Column Wreck – Just south of Big Cheese, between Cala Bona and Cala Millor, this dive site gives you the chance to explore the sunken remains of a 13th-century merchant ship. The vessel was carrying a cargo load of white marble columns and capitals (hence the name) when it sank off the west coast of Mallorca. Today you can still dive down and explore the ship’s ribs, cannons, and ballast nestled in the sandy seabed.
Devil’s Cave – If you’re seeking something a little more challenging, Devil’s Cave isn’t too far from Column Wreck. The Cueva del Diablo, as it’s known, consists of two large chambers. The first is smaller and completely submerged, and leads into a second, larger chamber filled with air. Here you’ll find awesome rock formations on the walls and ceilings, which cast an eerie glow in the light of your torch.
El Sec – Just south of Magaluf, this dive site is famous for its two shipwrecks (one real, one deliberately sunk) which lie on the seabed at depths of 18m and 25m. Both wrecks are now artificial reefs and home to all sorts of marine creatures like scorpion fish and eels.
Madonna Cave – Set on a promontory called Cap de Llamp, this dive site is sheer cliffs that drop off abruptly into the water. Just below the surface you’ll find the cavern, with an entrance about 20 metres across. Explore the seabed and then venture inside the cave to visit the statue of Madonna placed here to thank the sea for being kind to fishermen.
How to Get to Mallorca
Though Mallorca may feel like another planet entirely, it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the London area. Since the island is a popular destination for Brits on holiday, you’ll have no trouble finding plenty of nonstop flight options from Ryanair, easyJet, Monarch, British Airways, and Iberia.
If you’re headed for one of the more remote beach towns to access the top diving sites, you’re best off pre-booking a transfer from Palma Mallorca airport. With just a few easy clicks, you can get your transportation sorted well before you land in Mallorca, leaving you more time for the more important things – like scuba diving!
Where to Stay:
Apartamentos Sol y Vera – Located in the heart of Magaluf, this chilled-out apartment complex is well situated for accessing any number of dive sites on Mallorca’s south-west coast. After a long day under the waves, come home to your own kitchen, living room, and private terrace. Going with your mates? There’s room for them too!
Vincci Bosc de Mar – Just a five minutes’ walk from the beach, this hotel is particularly well-located if you’ve got Big Cheese on your diving wish list. Throw open the curtains in the morning and you’ll get a great view of the day’s sea conditions from your balcony. After a day in the water, come back to the hotel for a drink on the deck or a hearty meal at the restaurant.
Catalonia del Mar – Located near Cala Bona marina, this is a great choice if you’re planning to dive at Column Wreck or Devil’s Cave. This adults-only hotel is practically made for a getaway weekend with the mates – think darts and table tennis by the pool, and a well-equipped fitness centre to keep you in your best diving form.
About Shuttle Direct:
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