Explore Santa Pola
Santa Pola is a perfect example of a Valencian Community seaside town. Though popular with holiday-makers, it is quieter than the larger towns along the Costa Blanca, creating the ideal escape. It has a thriving diving industry, with highlights including wrecks and intricate cave systems winding through the rugged cliffs. Another highlight is the smallest inhabited island of Spain, Tabarca, which is great for exploring both above and below the waves.
There are a number of dive resorts and dive centres around Santa Pola, both within the town and up the coast. At these, you can take any diving course from beginner up to instructor. There are currently no liveaboards operating in the area.
Top Santa Pola Dive Sites
1. Cemetery
Located off Tabarca’s old cemetery, this shallow site reaches a maximum depth of 13 m. It features lush seagrass meadows inhabited by schools of barracuda, fireworms, and colorful wrasse. This site is ideal for beginner scuba divers and also suitable for freediving.
2. La Nao
A scenic spot on Tabarca Island with tunnels and swim-throughs, all at depths less than 12 m. A small cave here shelters giant groupers and octopus. The calm conditions make this site perfect for both scuba and freediving, offering engaging underwater topography.
3. La Llosa
As Tabarca’s deepest dive site, La Llosa reaches 28 m and is best suited for advanced scuba divers. A rocky pinnacle peaks at 19 m and is surrounded by lobsters, scorpionfish, cuttlefish, and the occasional giant grouper. Expect excellent biodiversity.
4. Little Conga
Named for its resident conger eel, this skeletal shipwreck lies at a depth of 20 m. It's the oldest known wreck in the area and draws in marine life such as moray eels and damselfish. The site offers an easy to moderate dive with a historical twist.
5. Cabo de Palos
Just a short trip south, this renowned marine reserve features a variety of reefs and wrecks at different depths. Protected from fishing, the site teems with groupers, barracuda, and eagle rays. Suitable for all levels, this site is often cited among Europe’s best diving experiences.
