Just 30 kilometers from the city of Cartagena, near Murcia, lies Cabo de Palos – a 400-meter wide peninsula with a coastline dotted with tranquil coves and clear waters. However, the region’s major attraction – the Formigas Islands – is located two and a half miles from the coast.
Because of their spectacular beauty and conservation efforts, the peninsula’s seabeds have earned the status of an Integral Marine Reserve and are widely recognized as one of the best diving spots in Spain.
Table of Contents
- Exploring the Depths: Diving Cabo de Palos
- About Cabo De Palos
- Different Dive Sites!
- Choose The Best Option For You
- Where Can I Find Dive Centers?
- Safety and Preservation Tips
- You Should Go Scuba Diving!
- Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!
About Cabo De Palos
Cabo de Palos is located between La Manga del Mar Menor and the Spanish city of Cartagena.
Cabo Palos has been inhabited by man for thousands of years, and, despite its small permanent population, it continues to attract many tourists, many of whom are attracted by the numerous diving centers in the area.
Cabo Palos’ coastal location, between the Mediterranean Sea and Marmena, makes it popular, with a variety of beaches ranging from small rocky coves to long stretches of golden sand, all lapped by the clear, warm waters of the central Mediterranean.
Hormigas Islands Marine Reserve
About two nautical miles off the coast of Cartagena, in front of Cabo Palos, there is a group of small islands called Hormigas, the largest of which is 200 meters long and 13 meters high.
The seabed, sandbars, and extensive shallow areas around these islands, along with the heavy shipping traffic that has sailed near the islands for centuries, have resulted in numerous archaeological sites in the region.
Between the islands and Cabo de Palos, there is the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve, a space with a stunning underwater landscape that covers 1.898 hectares. Recognized as the best place for diving in the Mediterranean, it is a genuine paradise for enthusiasts of this activity, offering shipwrecks, stunning landscapes, and rich biological diversity.
Diving Conditions
With excellent temperatures throughout the year, ranging from 14ºC in winter to 25ºC in summer, the area is ideal for diving in all seasons. With exceptional visibility, warm waters and gentle currents, divers will enjoy a comfortable and safe experience. I was in the region at the end of July, the beginning of summer, and I can say that the experience was great!
Scuba Diving In Hormigas Islands Marine Reserve Zones
The Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas marine reserve is one of the most popular destinations among diving enthusiasts in Spain. There, it is possible to observe diverse marine life inhabiting the underwater volcanic rocks, in addition to exploring several shipwrecks that occurred near the rocky promontory over the centuries.
One of the most famous shipwrecks is the El Sirio, an ocean liner that ran aground in 1906, resulting in the loss of around 250 lives. Cabo de Palos’ crystal-clear waters are home to a variety of intriguing underwater attractions, from historic shipwrecks like El Sirio to colorful marine life, including schools of fish, rare fish (like sunfish and cuttlefish), sea turtles, and octopus, which make for a thrilling experience in Cabo de Palos.
You Don’t Need To Be A Professional
You don’t have to be a professional or have extensive underwater experience to enjoy a good dive in Cabo de Palos. You can start with a diving baptism, just like I did.
This type of diving is offered in several of the region’s accredited diving schools. Basically, baptismal diving is an introduction to scuba diving, however, without the need for certification. The practice was completely safe, as throughout the activity, a qualified instructor monitored me, making sure I felt comfortable. Unfortunately, I didn’t have as much exploratory freedom on this first dive as I wanted, but this made me even more eager to obtain new certifications to be able to explore the place.
If you already have underwater experience, there are options suited to your level, from night dives to more technical routes recommended only for experts. You can also find different types of diving courses to improve your skills in the sport.
Different Dive Sites!
There are several diving areas in the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve of Cabo de Palos, each with its irresistible charm.
Bajo De La Testa
The Bajo de la Testa is characterized by a gently sloping plateau surrounded by deeper waters and expanses of oceanic Posidonia. This area is a meeting point for large schools of fish and is notable for the presence of three ancient Roman anchors strategically positioned around the base of the reef.
Bajo De Piles 1
The Bajo de Piles features two distinct rocky mountain ranges stretching towards the Hormigas Islands. With a main crest measuring 75 meters in length, this site is in open waters and suitable for all levels, with different routes for each level. The area is home to a rich diversity of marine life, including groupers, barracudas, and a cave. Conditions vary from light to moderate currents, with more protection on the southern side of the reef.
Bajo De Piles 2
Very close to Bajo De Piles 1, Bajo de Piles 2 is a second, smaller rock ridge that offers a vibrant underwater experience with a thriving marine community. This site is populated by a variety of species, from barracudas to octopuses, providing an enjoyable experience for divers of various skill levels.
Bajo De Dentro
Bajo de Dentro is a high rock formation, home to a great diversity of marine life. With abysms ranging from 4 to 45 meters, this site is appropriate for certified divers and offers the chance to spot large groupers, rays, and even the occasional turtles.
Bajo De Fuera
Bajo de Fuera is known for its wreck diving in shipwrecks and for the historical and environmental richness it offers. With depths ranging from 3 to 70 meters, this site requires Advanced Open Water certification to explore its underwater treasures, which include large schools of fish and fields of shipwrecks.
Bajo De La Morra
This site offers an impressive underwater experience, with a rocky arm that functions as a shelter for moray eels and groupers. With depths between 10 and 30 meters, Bajo De La Morra is appropriate for experienced divers with a high certification level and offers the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life, like groupers, sea bream, and octopus.
Choose The Best Option For You
This site offers an impressive underwater experience, with a rocky arm that functions as a shelter for moray eels and groupers. With depths between 10 and 30 meters, Bajo De La Morra is appropriate for experienced divers with a high certification level and offers the opportunity to spot a variety of marine life, like groupers, sea bream, and octopus.
The dive sites in the area have varying difficulty levels. Some areas are ideal for beginners, with more favorable conditions and shallower depths, while other areas offer more advanced challenges, such as stronger currents or deeper dives. My advice is to choose an area that matches your skill level and experience for a safe and rewarding underwater adventure. Local dive centers often offer instruction and options for divers of all levels.
Where Can I Find Dive Centers?
With so many options for diving centers in the area, I found it challenging to decide which one to pick, mostly because I was unfamiliar with the site.
To facilitate your decision-making process, I’ve gathered a list of the top five diving centers, as rated by Google, complete with their contact details to book your diving.
Balkysub Dive Operations | Diving School
Address: P.º del Puerto, 30370 Cabo de Palos, Murcia, Spain
Phone: +34 661 49 21 43
Appointments: bookeo.com
Diving Center Naranjito
Address: C. Magre, 26, 30370 Cabo de Palos, Murcia, Spain
Phone: +34 696 54 77 18
Appointments: https://naranjitobuceo.com/
Centro de buceo Mangamar Dive Center
Address: Paseo Puerto de Cabo de Palos, 18, P.º Dimas Ortega, 17, 30370 Cabo de Palos, Murcia, Spain
Phone: +34 968 10 08 60
Appointments: https://mangamardivecenter.com/
Islas Hormigas Diving Club
Address: C. Marín, S/N, 30370 La Manga, Murcia, Spain
Phone: +34 968 14 55 30
Appointments: https://islashormigas.com/
Divers Cabo de Palos
Address: C. Punta de la Azohía, 4, 30370 Cabo de Palos, Murcia, Spain
Phone: +34 687 80 28 91
Appointments: diverscabodepalos.com
Safety and Preservation Tips
It is important to follow all safety procedures when diving in Cabo de Palos, which includes using proper diving equipment and practicing responsibly. Divers must respect the marine environment and avoid damaging coral reefs and marine life.
You Should Go Scuba Diving!
In short, Cabo de Palos is an exceptional diving destination that offers a variety of exciting underwater experiences. With its crystal clear waters, lush marine life, and ideal diving conditions, it is a paradise for diving enthusiasts.
I had one of the best experiences of my life exploring the depths of Cabo de Palos. The feeling of seeing every marine animal, cave, or shipwreck was absolutely amazing and made my trip to the region unforgettable.
Cabo de Palos is truly a paradise for diving enthusiasts. Come explore the depths of Cabo de Palos and discover an underwater world full of wonder and adventure.
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