The province of Alicante concentrates some of the best seabed in the Spanish Mediterranean: protected marine reserves, posidonia meadows, underwater caves and coves with visibility of up to 20 meters. From Denia in the north to Santa Pola in the south, Alicante’s coastline offers options for all levels, from families with children approaching snorkeling for the first time to experienced snorkelers looking for dense fauna and uncrowded spots.
If you are looking for a guided experience in the area, our snorkeling and diving trips in Alicante with PADI instructors take you to the best spots on the coast with all the equipment included.
What to consider before choosing a cove for snorkeling
Not all coves are the same and do not offer the same thing at the same time. Before choosing a destination, three things should be taken into account: the visibility of the water varies according to the wind and waves, so a cove exposed to the east may have cloudy water on windy days although it is usually crystal clear. The type of seabed matters: rocky coves with posidonia meadows concentrate more fauna than sandy seabeds. And the overcrowding in July and August can ruin the experience in well-known coves, so getting up early or choosing low season makes a huge difference.
The best coves for snorkeling in northern Alicante
Denia: Les Rotes
Les Rotes is the most complete snorkeling spot in the north of the province and one of the most underrated of the Costa Blanca. It is an area of rocky coastline south of Denia with several points of entry into the water, bottoms that combine rock, posidonia and sand, and a varied fauna with bream, obladas, octopus, moray eels and, in summer season, schools of barracudas. Visibility is consistently good thanks to the orientation of the coast, which protects it from the westerly swell. It is an ideal destination for snorkelers with some experience who want to explore on their own without crowds.
Jávea: La Granadella Cove and Moraig Cove
La Granadella is possibly the most photogenic cove in the province. Its turquoise waters and rocky bottom with posidonia meadows make it a first class destination for snorkeling, although in summer the overcrowding is considerable. It is best to arrive before ten in the morning or visit it in June or September.
The Cala del Moraig, in Benitatxell, is another level. Its cliffs and underwater caves that form under the rock formations create an ecosystem dense in octopus, crustaceans, obladas and bream. It is a more demanding cove because it requires swimming with some fluency, but the reward is proportional to the effort.
Calpe: El Racó Cove
At the foot of the Peñón de Ifach, Cala El Racó combines very transparent waters with a rocky bottom rich in Mediterranean fauna. It is accessible, has good access from the parking lot of the Rock and works well for both families and more experienced snorkelers. A detail that few know: the northern part of the cove, close to the rock of the Peñón, concentrates more fauna and fewer swimmers.
The best coves for snorkeling in Alicante center
Benidorm: Cala del Tío Ximo and Serra Gelada
Benidorm has a reputation as a crowded beach, but it hides some of the best snorkeling spots in the province. The Cala del Tío Ximo is small, quiet and has a circular snorkeling route along the walls of the cove. Within the Serra Gelada Natural Park, Cala del Metge and Cala de la Mina offer virtually untouched seabeds with excellent biodiversity, although access requires walking or by boat.
Campello: La Illeta dels Banyets
La Illeta dels Banyets is an archaeological site from the Iberian period surrounded by water, which makes it a unique snorkeling spot. Its natural pools are shallow and have great visibility, perfect for beginners and families with children. The town council has installed an underwater route marked with panels identifying species, which adds an unusual educational component. It is the only spot in the province with this infrastructure.
The best coves for snorkeling in the south of Alicante
Cabo de las Huertas (Alicante city)
Cabo de las Huertas is the closest snorkeling spot to the city of Alicante. Its rocky coast, with caves, channels and posidonia sea beds, concentrates a surprising fauna for such an accessible enclave: octopus, bream, castanets and, occasionally, cuttlefish. It is ideal for those who want a quick plan without having to travel far, although visibility can be affected with an easterly wind.
Santa Pola and Tabarca
The waters between Santa Pola and Tabarca are the richest in fauna of the entire Alicante coastline, precisely because the Tabarca marine reserve has been protected since 1986. If you want to know exactly where to snorkel in Tabarca and which are its best spots, we have a specific guide about our snorkeling excursion in Tabarca.
Guided snorkeling vs. free snorkeling in Alicante
Most of the coves in the province are accessible without a guide and you can snorkel on your own without any problem. But there are situations in which having a PADI instructor makes the difference: if it is your first time, if you go with children, if you want to access spots that can only be reached by boat or if you are looking to get the most out of each dive by identifying wildlife and choosing the moments of best visibility.
At Dive Academy we organize snorkeling excursions in Santa Pola and guided trips along the coast of Alicante for groups and families of all levels. The equipment is included and the groups are small to guarantee a quality experience.
Explore Alicante’s coastline with Dive Academy
The province of Alicante has seabed that surprises even snorkelers with experience in other Mediterranean destinations. From the Rotes de Denia to the marine reserve of Tabarca, the Alicante coastline is one of the best in Spain to explore the underwater world without the need for a tank or certification.
At Dive Academy we depart from the port of Santa Pola with PADI instructors and training in marine biology. We know which coves work best in each season, what fauna you will find and how to get the most out of each trip. Book your place on our snorkeling excursions in Alicante and discover what the Mediterranean Sea hides.
