The Best Scuba Diving Sites Around the Balearic Islands

This is one of several dive sites around the uninhabited islet and national park of Cabrera, located just south of Mallorca. It is situated next to the island’s port, and known as ‘grouper paradise’ – there’s one such fish in particular so friendly with divers they’ve named him Bernado. Visibility is also incredible (up to 40 metres) and more advanced divers can descend to a depth of 30 metres. Expect to see plenty of other big fish such as barracudas, as well as the occasional tuna.

A well-known dive spot located off the northeast coast of Mallorca, the Cave of Jeroni (or Jeronimo) is really rather special. There’s a huge entrance that goes down to 18 metres and into a spectacular underwater cavern, into which after a short swim you can surface to an inner lake complete with abundance of stalactites. On the way out look out for moray eels or scorpionfish hiding in the rocks. It’s a dive for all levels, and expert free divers can allegedly access the cave with just a mask and snorkel – though this is certainly not recommended!

As the name suggests, this Bay of Palma dive site is a ship cemetery, and one featuring a particularly impressive wreck – a 40 metre-long cargo ship and the largest wreck in Mallorcan waters. Visibility is usually between 10 and 20 metres, and at 28 metres deep it’s only for advanced divers. Those with a wreck diving qualification can also enter the cargo ship’s wheelhouse and below the deck to the engine room.

Another wreck dive, but of epic proportions. Just minutes from the Port of Ibiza, the 142-metre Don Pedro became the Mediterranean’s largest shipwreck accessible to recreational divers when it sank in 2007. It starts at a depth of 26 metres (going as deep as 46 metres) and while you can’t access the inside, advanced certified divers can explore the ship’s wheel house and huge propellers.

Located on in the north coast of the island, the Cave of Light or (La Cueva de La Luz) is another one where the clue is in the name. The dive first involves swimming through some fabulous rock formations – enormous columns created by erosion dubbed the Pillars of Hercules. Divers then enter the cave which is illuminated by a dramatic broad shaft of sunlight. Just be sure to avoid it on a cloudy day.

Known locally as La Plataforma, this dive site is located near the island of Es Pardell just northwest of Formentera. Resembling a sunken oil platform, it was in fact a fish factory that collapsed during a storm around 30 years ago. Dive boats moor to the top of the platform at 11 metres, and more advanced divers can reach 33 metres depth. It is also popular with sealife, often home to barracuda, conger eels and lobster.