The excitement you feel before starting your diving vacation in Mallorca is undeniable. With over 100 dive sites scattered across the island, this Balearic treasure attracts divers of all levels from around the world, eager to experience its one-of-a-kind underwater wonders.
The most breathtaking diving spots in Mallorca
Wondering where to find the best dive sites in Mallorca? Which locations—and experiences—are simply unmissable during your stay on the largest of the Balearic Islands? This quick guide will help you plan your ultimate underwater adventure.
The best coves for diving in Mallorca
Looking for the best coves in Mallorca for diving? The great news is that there are just as many options as there are diving styles. Whether you prefer the idyllic Cala Deià or the rocky Cala Sa Calobra—both tucked within the stunning Tramuntana Mountains—or the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of Caló des Moro and Cala Santanyí (perfect for snorkeling and spotting fish near the shore), Mallorca is brimming with magical spots for aquatic adventures.
Cala Mesquida, near Cabo de Freu, and Cala Ratjada in the Capdepera region are two renowned diving coves celebrated for their rich marine biodiversity. Close to these beaches, you’ll find the Lion’s Head Cave (great for beginners) and the famous dive site known as "The Cathedral," discovered by renowned diver Jaume Ferriol Escanellas. This spot is reserved for experienced divers due to its awe-inspiring caves and crevices.
For those seeking a challenge, La Mula is an underwater mountain that rises to just 8 meters below the surface, with a staggering depth of up to 32 meters. It’s a favorite spot for encountering large schools of barracudas.
If you're staying at Iberostar Waves Pinos Park, you’ll have easy access to this underwater paradise. Nestled in a Mediterranean pine forest, this sea-facing hotel in Capdepera is ideal for adventurous families. Diving isn’t the only sport to enjoy here—the all-inclusive resort also features an Aquafun zone with water slides, a Star Camp for kids, fitness facilities, a zip-line circuit, and multi-sport courts for soccer, tennis, and basketball. The spacious rooms, complete with separate living areas, ensure your family has the comfort and relaxation they deserve after a day of fun and exploration.
Diving in Alcúdia
Diving in Alcúdia, Mallorca, comes with an extra advantage: its close proximity to the S’Albufera Nature Reserve and the award-winning Playa de Muro, often recognized as the best beach in Spain. With such an idyllic setting, it’s no surprise that the northern part of the island hosts some of the most prestigious diving centers and top-rated dive spots in Mallorca. This enchanting location is also a popular choice for beginner divers taking their first plunge into the underwater world.
If you’re a more experienced diver, immerse yourself in this protected marine ecosystem, where vibrant fish, sea turtles, sea urchins, and stingrays might swim alongside you.
For history buffs, this area offers a fascinating twist—you can dive near the remains of the B1 submarine from World War I, which sank in 1921 just a few miles from Alcúdia Bay. You can also explore underwater archaeological sites that date back to Roman times.
For an unforgettable experience, stay at Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa, a fully renovated adults-only beachfront resort on Playa de Muro. This stunning resort makes the perfect home base for your diving adventure, offering luxurious comfort and unbeatable views.
Diving in El Toro
Some coves in Mallorca open the door to a hidden world beneath the waves, full of breathtaking beauty. The El Toro marine reserve, named after the cove itself, is located near Port Adriano in Calviá. This dive site, which surrounds a stunning Mediterranean reef, is perfect for divers of all levels. Here, you can descend to depths of 35 meters and explore fascinating rock formations of various sizes, home to sea bream, octopus, conger eels, and even the occasional seahorse.
After your dive at El Toro, treat yourself to some well-earned relaxation at Iberostar Selection Jardín del Sol Suites, a romantic adults-only spa hotel nestled in Santa Ponsa Bay in Calviá. This bright and inviting hotel features luxurious suites with stunning sea views, ensuring that you stay connected to the calming energy of the ocean throughout your couple’s retreat.
Diving in Cabrera
The Cabrera Archipelago National Park is home to the largest and oldest natural reserve in the Balearic Islands. Renowned for its unspoiled underwater landscapes and exceptional visibility, the waters surrounding Cabrera are teeming with marine life, including grouper, barracuda, sponges, and cuttlefish—up to 500 different species inhabit this remarkable ecosystem.
The many dive sites around the archipelago are located about 10 kilometers south of Mallorca and can only be reached by boat from Colonia Sant Jordi. The crystal-clear waters make Cabrera perfect for both diving and snorkeling, making it an excellent option for beginners and families with children.
For advanced divers, Cabrera offers breathtaking underwater canyons, vertical walls, and striking coral formations. Regardless of your skill level, diving in Cabrera gives you a rare and privileged view of Balearic nature from a unique and unforgettable perspective.
Cave Diving in Mallorca
Lucerna Cave
Lucerna Cave offers a safe and spacious environment, making it suitable for divers of all levels—even those new to cave diving. The cave has multiple entrances, and you can even stand inside its chambers. If you’re looking to try water sports like cave diving for the first time, this is an ideal spot.
Lucerna is located near Canyamel, close to Cala Rotja and the equally impressive Albardans Cave. The site features three tunnels—the longest stretches 50 meters, while the other two are about 18 meters long. Once inside, you’ll witness a natural spectacle as sunlight streams through two overlapping holes in the ceiling, creating a mesmerizing dance of light.
Sa Madona Cave
Sa Madona is a hidden gem for cave diving in Mallorca. Inside this sea cave, you’ll find a statue of the Virgin Mary at a depth of 18 meters, giving the cave its name.
Located near Cala Llamp in Andratx, the cave is carved into a rocky cliff that descends from 7 to 25 meters. This dive is perfect for experienced divers and requires a flashlight due to the almost complete darkness inside. As you explore the depths, be sure to take in the stunning golden, yellow, and orange hues that cover the cave walls. You’ll also spot peaceful marine creatures like sea bass, bream, lobsters, and scorpionfish.
Devil's Cave
Craving an adrenaline rush? Some dive sites in Mallorca offer extreme adventures, and Devil’s Cave is at the top of the list.
Located beneath the steep cliffs between Porto Cristo and Cala Petita, this cave is not for beginners. The name says it all. In near-total darkness, this labyrinthine cave system features two large chambers surrounded by ancient rock formations. One chamber is completely submerged, while the other has an air pocket where divers can surface.
The entrance can be challenging due to the strong currents in the area, especially on windy days, making this dive an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers.
What Can You See While Diving in Mallorca?
The best diving spots in Mallorca share a common treasure: the presence of Posidonia oceanica, an endemic Mediterranean plant that purifies the waters and plays a vital role in protecting the marine ecosystem. Thanks to these lush underwater meadows, Mallorca boasts some of Europe’s most spectacular seafloors, where fish, mammals, mollusks, cephalopods, and crustaceans coexist in harmony. If you glance above the surface, you might even catch sight of seabirds circling overhead as you dive.
What else can you expect to see? As you explore Mallorca’s caves, shipwrecks, and rocky walls, you might encounter fascinating marine life, including sunfish, red scorpionfish, triggerfish, bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales, blue sharks, eels, and moray eels.
The underwater landscape is also home to vibrant Mediterranean sea plants such as sea fennel, sea hares, and the striking red calcareous algae Lithothamnion, which looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
And the rest? You'll have to discover it for yourself on your next underwater adventure.
