Mallorca, the largest Balearic island, is a multifaceted holiday paradise that offers a wide range of activities. You can hike in the Tramuntana, windsurf on the beach, stroll through colourful markets or enjoy art and culture in the capital Palma. Less well known is how rewarding diving is in Mallorca. You can spend days or even weeks exploring the most beautiful diving spots around the island or combine your beach holiday with a short trial dive in Mallorca if you want to get to know the hobby first. Here we have compiled the most important tips for you.
Why is diving in Mallorca worthwhile?
Of course, diving in Mallorca cannot be compared to global hotspots like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or the Blue Hole in Belize, but the Spanish island is also much easier and cheaper to reach. Especially for beginners and the curious, Mallorca is a good choice. For example, you can easily book a holiday with all the amenities at a hotel like the TUI BLUE Rocador and take on-site introductory courses or PADI courses with German-speaking instructors while your less diving-interested companions relax on the beach or pursue other hobbies.
Once you’ve acquired a taste for diving, you can return at another time, alone or with like-minded people, and devote your time to diving during your time in Mallorca. On steep walls, in grottos and in caves with crystal-clear water, you will encounter groupers, moray eels, octopuses and many other sea creatures.
Hotels in Mallorca
Where are the most beautiful diving spots on the island?
Diving in Mallorca is a great experience, especially in the south and southwest of the island, as the largest and most beautiful marine protected areas are located here. Accordingly, many diving schools have settled here. But no matter on which of the beautiful beaches of Mallorca you book your accommodation, you can reach all dive centres within one or two hours drive.
If you don’t book organised diving trips with transport from your hotel, you should go to Port Andratx for diving in Mallorca. The place is not only known for its celebrity density, but also for the particularly large selection of diving schools.
The most beautiful diving spots on Mallorca at a glance:
- The Illa del Toro Marine Reserve (off Santa Ponsa)
- The Illes Malgrats (also off Santa Ponsa), a protected nature reserve.
- The offshore island of Sa Dragonera (in the southwest)
- Cabrera National Park (in the southeast)
- The pirate cave Cala Varques (near Porto Cristo)
- The bay of Palma with numerous shipwrecks
In general, you can explore many wrecks while diving in Mallorca. Some ships sank due to accidents or attacks, others were deliberately sunk to give fish and other sea creatures a new home. For example, the B1 submarine, sunk by the Spanish military in 1949, lies at a depth of 34 metres off Alcudia, and four spectacular large wrecks await experienced divers off Palma.
When is diving possible in Mallorca?
If diving is the main focus of your trip to Mallorca, you should choose the autumn months. The Mediterranean Sea is pleasantly warm after the long summer and the water is very clear during this time, so you have good visibility. However, many dive schools close at the end of the high season and there are lots of jellyfish in the water. Another option is the spring months of April to June, if you can handle the very cold water temperatures (14-15°C).
How much does diving cost in Mallorca?
For one-time diving in Mallorca, prices from 40 to 50 euros are normal. This includes the boat trip to the dive site, the equipment and the insurance. If you book several dives with the same provider, there is usually a discount. Introductory dives in the sea cost between 60 and 90 euros, depending on the duration and provider.
Comprehensive diving courses are much more expensive. A regular PADI Scuba Diver course costs about 240 euros, the PADI Open Water Diver 370 euros.
What else can I do on Mallorca?
If you don’t want to spend every day underwater, you can combine diving in Mallorca with relaxing days at the beach or pool, as well as other activities. Very popular and ideal for the mild but not too hot days in spring and autumn is hiking in Mallorca. There are hiking trails on the island to suit all tastes and fitness levels – from easy walks to challenging climbs in the Tramuntana. Some tips:
- Once around the bay of Port de Sóller followed by a sundowner at the harbour
- Along the west coast from Sóller to the artists’ village of Deia
- Reservoirs and dramatic mountain peaks in the northern Tramuntana
- Natural beauty in the Parc Natural de s’Albufera
In addition, the best viewpoints on Mallorca can be reached on foot. From the Hotel TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins in Alcudia, for example, you can reach the Mirador Penya del Migdia on the mountainous peninsula of Talaia d’Alcudia. From here you have a wonderful view over part of the north coast. Even more impressive is the hike to Cap Formentor, the northernmost tip of Mallorca. When the deep blue sea spreads out below you in all directions, you will immediately want to dive in again…
Tip: If you can’t convince your family or partner to dive with you in Mallorca, plan a trip to the Palma Aquarium in C’an Pastilla. Here you’ll all stay dry while observing the underwater world of the western Mediterranean in huge aquariums. At the same time, you’ll gather valuable biological information that you can later use when diving in Mallorca to more easily identify various marine life.
Discover Mallorca from a different side while diving
No matter whether you are travelling to the beautiful Balearic island for the first time or, like so many others, are already a regular visitor, whether you want to try diving for the first time or already have your PADI licence in your pocket: You will experience Mallorca from a completely different perspective and take home many unforgettable impressions of the magnificent underwater world.