When it comes to enjoying the sea and the underwater world, Spain has a treasure for many, still unexplored. The seabed surrounding the peninsula and its islands is full of life, history and breathtaking underwater landscapes. In this article we take you to the best places to dive in Spain, from secret coves on the Costa Blanca to otherworldly marine reserves in the Canary Islands.
Why dive in Spain?
With more than 8,000 kilometers of coastline, Spain is a top diving destination. It offers a perfect combination of marine biodiversity and an excellent tourist infrastructure.
- Diversity of marine ecosystems: Its waters present an amazing variety, from the cold Atlantic with shipwrecks, to the warm Mediterranean and the Canary Islands with unique volcanic landscapes.
- Rich marine life: The Spanish coasts are home to exceptional marine life. You can see everything from colorful fish and octopus to turtles and dolphins, in rocky bottoms, caves or artificial reefs.
- Favorable weather conditions: The climate is ideal most of the year. This ensures comfortable water temperatures and plenty of sunny days to enjoy.
- Quality infrastructure and services: The country has professional diving centers that offer courses for all levels. In addition, qualified instructors and first class equipment.
- Shipwrecks and underwater archaeology: For history buffs, there are numerous sunken shipwrecks that are now vibrant reefs, and areas of underwater archaeological interest to explore.
- Scenic beauty and local culture: Beyond the water, Spain offers you culture, gastronomy and breathtaking landscapes. They turn your diving experience into a complete and enriching adventure.
Best dive sites
Spain is full of incredible underwater spots, ideal for all levels of experience. Whether you are a beginner or a diver with hundreds of dives, you are sure to find your ideal underwater spot.
Costa Brava
The Costa Brava is one of the most emblematic diving areas in the Mediterranean, with spectacular underwater landscapes.
Cap de Creus
This natural marine park is perfect for those looking for dives with vertical walls, caves and colorful gorgonians. The underwater scenery is as impressive as the surface.
Medes Islands
Probably the most famous diving destination in Spain. Located off the coast of L’Estartit, the Medes Islands have been a protected reserve for years. There you will see huge groupers, barracudas and nudibranchs in every corner.
Balearic Islands
The waters surrounding the Balearic Islands are among the most crystalline in Europe, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
Islets of Columbretes
Although technically they are not part of the Balearic Islands, but of the Valencian Community, you can access them from Ibiza or Castellón. These islets are of volcanic origin and are surrounded by crystal clear waters, ideal for photos and snorkeling.
If snorkeling is your thing in Mallorca, you will also find ideal coves for it, especially in the eastern part of the island, such as Cala Varques or Cala Mitjana.
Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca is an area with multiple accessible dive sites. Ideal for both experienced divers and beginners.
Cabo de Palos
Although many associate it with Murcia, this diving jewel is close to the Costa Blanca. Its marine reserve is one of the most spectacular in Europe. You can enjoy wrecks, barracudas, groupers and even occasional sharks. If you are thinking of diving in Cartagena, you will love this place.
Tabarca
The island of Tabarca, in front of Santa Pola, is ideal for both experienced divers and beginners. Its seabed combines caves, posidonia meadows and rocky walls. It is the perfect place for a first diving or snorkeling experience.
Palmera Cove
Located near Albufereta in Alicante, this cove is very popular with local divers. There are walls, rocks, marine life and good visibility. An excellent spot for shore dives.
Cartagena
Cartagena deserves a special mention. With dozens of accessible dive sites, caves and wrecks, it is a place where you can dive for days without repeating site. At Dive Academy, the best diving school in Alicante, we organize personalized diving trips in Cartagena for all levels.
Northern Spain
Although the waters are colder, northern Spain offers unique and lively diving environments.
Dive sites in the Basque Country
In the Cantabrian Sea you can also dive. The waters are colder, but very rich in marine life. In Bermeo, Getxo or San Sebastian you can find octopus, conger eels and rock walls covered with algae during your dives.
Galicia
Galicia offers a wilder and more authentic diving experience, perfect for nature lovers.
Cíes Islands
The Cies Islands are a protected area where you can snorkel and dive in cold and transparent waters. Diving in Cies Islands is a different experience, wilder, perfect for those seeking a pure contact with nature. Undoubtedly, one of the most recommended places if you want to dive safely.
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are a dream destination for divers because of their stable climate, volcanic seabed and impressive visibility.
El Cabrón Marine Reserve
In Gran Canaria, this reserve is a gift for the senses, the visibility is usually excellent. Underwater volcanoes, lava tunnels, manta rays, turtles and all the tropical life that you do not find in other Spanish coasts.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is famous for the Museo Atlántico (a gallery of underwater sculptures several meters deep). In addition, you can explore caves, walls and impressive volcanic formations.
The Cathedral
It is one of the most technical and spectacular dives in Las Palmas. As its name suggests, it looks like an underwater temple, with arches and natural chambers formed by lava.
Explore the best places to dive in Spain with Dive Academy
At Dive Academy, we are fans of the underwater world and we want to share that passion with you. We organize snorkeling trips, diving courses and trips to the best spots on the Costa Blanca. From the tranquility of snorkeling in Tabarca to the adventure of diving in Cartagena, we have options for everyone.
Contact us to live personalized experiences, adapted to your level and style. You already know which are the best places to dive in Spain, now you just need to put on your wetsuit and join us, see you in the sea!
