With its crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes, and sandy coastlines, Javea is a scuba diver’s dream come true. Situated on the long cape that juts into the Mediterranean Sea, Javea is well-located for accessing the mysteries of the deep. The waters off the coast of this town on Spain’s Costa Blanca are teeming with marine wildlife the likes of which you’ve never seen. The waves also conceal an untold number of caves, crannies, tunnels, and reefs, all of which only add to the exciting underwater landscape.
Though most people who come to Javea may never venture beneath the surface, if you know how to scuba dive you have access to the area’s most exclusive locations. If you want to get to know this travel destination on a whole new level, check out some of our favourite dive sites.
Can’t get enough adventure on the Costa Blanca? Check out what Benidorm has in store for you and your mates.
Top Dive Sites
Descubridor Island
This islet off the coast of Javea may be small, but there’s much to explore here. Large rock formations are carpeted with a rainbow of sponges and anemones, and schools of sea bream dart beneath your flippers. There’s a small cave to explore here too, its rocky walls full of holes like slice of Swiss cheese.
San Antonio Marine Reserve
The cliffs of San Antonio are well worth a look in their own right. This 179-metre headland, topped with a lighthouse and windmills, is the most easterly part of mainland Spain. But in the waters at the base of the cliffs there’s even more to see! The sandy, rocky marine reserve is home to a huge variety of aquatic species, such as morays, dentons, and sea bream.
The Cathedral
For more advanced divers, the Cathedral is a can’t-miss site. The site gets its name from the huge rocky tower that rises above the waves and spreads out as it reaches the seabed. A tunnel cuts through the middle, which is filled with scorpion fish, eels, octopi, and anchovies, and large enough for two divers to swim side by side.
The Labyrinth
As you can probably tell from the name, this site is not unlike an underwater maze. Zig-zagging rock formations are an adventure to explore, and home to many species of colourful fish.
Punta Portixoll
You’ll have to go a little further out to sea to access Punta Portixoll – perfect for the more adventurous diver. When you jump off the boat, you’ll discover a flat sea bed sprinkled with huge boulders, under which rays and moon fishes hide.
Tango Bay
Sheltered by the San Antonio headland, this sandy, rocky spot is a safe haven for all sorts of marine life such as shrimp, starfish, octopi, and sting rays. Want to take it up a notch? Try diving here at night!
How to Get to Javea
Ready to take the plunge? Luckily, your underwater escapade is only a two-and-a-half-hour journey away. The Costa Blanca area is a perennial favourite with Brits, so you’ll have no trouble finding nonstop flights from London to Alicante airport with airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Monarch, British Airways, and Iberia.
If you’re looking for quick and easy transport for you and your mates, you can’t do much better than a pre-booked airport taxi from Alicante to Javea. With a few simple clicks on the Shuttle Direct website, you can have all your transfer logistics sorted and squared away well before you actually touch down in Spain. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the spectacular one-hour coastal drive to resort.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Javea – For a cool and contemporary spot just a stone’s throw from the beach, check out this great value hotel. Get up every morning and throw open the curtains to take in the sea views and assess the day’s diving conditions. Looking for some land-based activities to round off the holiday? Rent a bicycle from the front desk and explore the town and coastline.
Tosalet – If you’re travelling with friends, consider booking one of these sweet Spanish villas. Well-furnished but equally well-priced, these comfortable units will make you feel right at home with a fully equipped kitchen and an inviting living room. Planning an evening cookout? Make use of the barbecue facilities and outdoor picnic tables.
Hotel Villa Naranjos – Situated right on Playa Del Arenal beach, this is another great choice for a chill holiday with your mates. When you’re not busy diving the depths offshore, enjoy a splash in the pool, a round of darts in the game room, or a drink at the bar.
About Shuttle Direct:
In need of a ride? We’ve got you covered. As the largest provider of airport transfers across Europe and North Africa, Shuttle Direct is the one to call when you need easy and speedy transport from the arrivals hall to your accommodation and back. Book your next trip with us and see the difference for yourself!
