Explore the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands, a gem in the western Mediterranean, offer a remarkable diving experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. Nestled east of the Spanish mainland, these islands boast over 80 unique dive sites across their five islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera. The crystal-clear waters reveal a treasure trove of underwater landscapes featuring rocky formations, sheer walls, and intriguing caves. Diving in the Balearic Islands is a journey through history and natural beauty. The remains of ancient ships scattered across the seabed provide a glimpse into the past, while labyrinthine tunnels and awe-inspiring caves with stalactite formations create an exhilarating underwater adventure. In the southern islands, such as Ibiza and Formentera, divers find excellent wrecks and cavern dives, while Mallorca and Menorca offer steep vertical walls and marine reserves teeming with life. Although flourishing coral reefs are scarce, the islands' rich marine environment includes eagle rays, stingrays, and schools of barracuda circling the wrecks. For those seeking both tranquility and excitement, the Balearic Islands deliver. Cabrera National Park, an uninhabited archipelago, presents one of the best-preserved seafloor landscapes in the Mediterranean, perfect for exploratory dives. Meanwhile, Mallorca's marine reserves and Menorca's hidden spots offer opportunities to encounter octopuses, dolphins, and other marine life. Whether diving from the shore, boat, or enjoying a liveaboard experience, the Balearic Islands promise unforgettable memories beneath the waves.
Places to Explore
Ibiza
Ibiza is the third largest island in the Balearic Archipelago, nestled in the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is famed as the party capital of the world, as well as for its rich cultural heritage. The island is a tourist hotspot, with over 7 million tourists flocking here each year and as such, diving in Ibiza is big business.
Formentera
Formentera is the smallest and least known of the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain. Being the lesser-known of the Balearic Islands, it is often called the ‘last paradise’ due to the island’s expansive unspoilt beaches. Beneath the ocean’s surface, Formentera diving offers spectacular rock formations, from caves to arches, unique wreck dives such as an abandoned floating fish farm, and acres of seagrass meadows. Basking sharks, angel sharks, and several rays have all been spotted while exploring Formentera’s underwater landscapes.
Minorca
The easternmost Balearic Island of Menorca offers a unique diving experience, moving at a mellow pace compared to its bustling neighbors, Mallorca and Ibiza. Known for its unspoilt beaches, Menorca's waters are home to a myriad of caverns, tunnels, and canyons, providing exhilarating journeys for divers. Beneath the surface, divers can explore impressive caves adorned with stalactites and labyrinthine tunnel systems. The island's waters also feature thriving artificial reefs created from ancient shipwrecks, appealing to both experienced and novice divers.
Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest and most populated of Spain's Balearic Islands, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and pristine white-sand beaches. However, the island offers much more beneath its azure waters. Situated in the Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca is a diver's paradise, boasting a stunning underwater landscape filled with intricate rock formations, labyrinthine tunnels, and ethereal caves illuminated by the ocean's blue light. The island's southern coastline, near the bustling resort town of Magaluf, is particularly notable for its spectacular wrecks and easy access to three marine reserves: Islas Malgrats, El Toro, and Isla Dragonera. These reserves are thriving sanctuaries for diverse marine life, including sea turtles, seahorses, and large schools of barracuda.
Top Dive Sites Map
Diving in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands offer a diverse range of dive sites that cater to both novice and experienced divers. Notable wreck dives include the "Don Pedro" near Ibiza, a sunken ferry that provides a fascinating underwater exploration with its intact structure and abundant marine life. For those interested in shore dives, the island of Mallorca offers the "El Toro" marine reserve, where divers can experience vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish species just a short swim from the beach.
Unique underwater experiences in the Balearics include night dives where divers can witness the nocturnal behaviors of marine creatures, such as octopuses and cuttlefish. The islands also offer a balance between shore and liveaboard diving options, allowing divers to explore secluded sites accessible only by boat or enjoy the convenience of diving directly from the shore. This versatility makes the Balearic Islands a top destination for dive travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Year-Round Diving in the Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands offer favorable diving conditions throughout the year, making them a popular destination for divers. Water temperatures range from 14°C (57°F) in winter to 26°C (79°F) in summer, providing comfortable diving experiences. Visibility is generally excellent, often exceeding 30 meters, especially during the summer months when the waters are calmest.
Diving is possible year-round, but the best conditions are typically from May to October. During this period, the weather is warm, and the sea is generally calm. However, divers should be aware of the Tramuntana wind, which can cause rough seas and affect visibility, particularly in the northern parts of the islands. Winter months may bring cooler water and less predictable weather, but diving remains feasible for those prepared for the conditions.
Statistics
Historical data and trends
Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions
Centers Map
DIVE CENTER MENORCA
Avenida Los Delfines, Parcela 6, Derecha, 07769 Ciutadella de Menorca, IB - ESP
Big Blue Diving
PALMANOVA: Carrer Martin Ros García 6 · Local 11A 07181 · Palmanova · Mallorca, 07181 Mallorca, IB - ESP
Mar Balear Dive Center
Port Adriano - El Toro, 07182 Calvia, IB - ESP
Formentera Divers
Calle Almadraba 7, 07870 La Savina, IB - ESP
Eco Island Adventure
Carrer Cami de la Mar, 1, 07687 S’Illot, IB - ESP
DIVING MENORCA
Avenida Poeta Gurmersind Riera 98, 07748 Fornells, IB - ESP
FIRUSUB
PLAZA SON LLAUT 37 LOCAL 15, 07320 SANTA MARIA DEL CAMI, IB - ESP
PETRO DIVERS
Calo des Moix 8, 07691 PORTO PETRO - SANTANYI, IB - ESP
SEAHORSEDIVINGIBIZA
C/ Vizcaya 8, Edificio Yais 5, 07829 San Jose, IB - ESP
OCEANIDES AQUAVENTURA
C/ VICENC JUAN I ROSSELLO 9 BAJO, 07013 PALMA, IB - ESP
APNEA BALEAR
Calle Esglesia 10, 07108 Puerto de Soller, IB - ESP
Blue Islands Diving
Passeig del Riu, 7 Urb. Serpentona, 07750 Ciutadella de Menorca, IB - ESP
Robinson Club Cala Serena
Avda de S `Horta s/n, 07660 Cala D`Or - Mallorca, IB - ESP
Tramuntana Diving & Adventure
C/ Elcano, 9, 07470 Port de Pollença, IB - ESP
Scuba Plus Menorca
Avda. Jaime I el Conquistador 66A, Atico, 07760 Ciudadela de Menorca, IB - ESP
Anfibios Ibiza Scuba Diving
Calle Porreres num 3 bajos 14 - Playa d´en Bossa - Sant Jordi, 07817 Ibiza, IB - ESP
BLUEWATER MENORCA
CALLE LLEVANT LOCAL 1-3, 07769 CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA, IB - ESP
Big Blue Ibiza Cala Vadella
C/ Castelldefels S/n - Cala Vadella, 07830 Ibiza, IB - ESP
MALLORCA DIVING ADVENTURE
Plaza Nova 1, Local 1, 07157 PUERTO DE ANDRATX, IB - ESP
Dive & Fun Font de Sa Cala
Avda. de Canyamel s/n, 07589 Font de Sa Cala, Capdepera - M, IB - ESP