There are many ways to experience an unforgettable vacation. You can explore a high mountain or enjoy the beauty of the city’s urban area.
But if you’re looking for something a little different and exciting, scuba diving in Cartagena might be the perfect pick for you. The diving experience lets you explore the beauties of the sea and connect with the sea life that lives in the reef around the beach.
Several options around Cartagena can surely catch the attention of both beginner and advanced divers looking for a thriving experience. If this is the kind of adventure you’re looking for, you came to the right place.
Here, we will show you everything you need to have a fantastic experience while exploring the sea bream and all the other species you’ll find while diving or snorkeling. Make sure to look at each aspect to see what to expect and the main aspects you need to know before packing your things and enjoying what this unforgettable experience offers.
Table of Contents
Why Scuba Diving in Spain
Several places in the world offer scuba diving as one of the main attractions. But why choose Spain as your next destination?
Along with being one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, Cartagena offers an enormous sea biodiversity, and you can find tons of interesting species as you swim through the shore or at maximum depth. While diving, you can find moray eels, seahorses, sea bream, and all kinds of fish.
Moreover, the peninsula boasts beautiful landscapes that will stay in your memories forever. Every island has its own beauties and surprises that will make you want to spend the entire day underwater.
It’s the perfect place for all kinds of dives and surely a great experience for you to enjoy alone, with your family, or with anyone else. Grab your swimsuit and explore all the mysteries the sea has to offer.
What You Need to Know Before Diving
We will show you the main aspects and details you need to know to organize your scuba diving experience. Make sure to take a look at all the items below to ensure you have the best time possible when visiting Cartagena.
The place has a lot to discover and is perfect for diving and numerous other activities. Here’s everything you need to know for the best experience possible:
Great for Beginners and Professionals
One of the reasons why Cartagena is such a great place for diving is because it features activities for all levels and skills. Whether you have never swum before and seek a more relaxed experience with comfortable routes and chilling adventures, or you’re a professional diver with open water certification, the place has everything for you.
Diving in maximum depth and swimming through the wreck of an old ship are just some of the possibilities you can sign up for when visiting the site. Some of the activities require a previous level of experience and courses for you to sign up for, so make sure to get informed about these details.
But don’t worry, even if you don’t have previous experience. Most of the options are available to all people. You can swim with octopuses, explore smaller wreck dives, and do other fun things without taking any special courses before.
Another aspect to pay attention to is age. If you’re traveling with kids, pay attention to age restrictions before signing up for any dive or boat ride. Some scuba diving sites require a minimum age of 18 to sign up for the adventures and they don’t allow underage people to participate in the dives, even with their parents. However, there are selected diving centers that allow both kids and adults to do the activities together.
Make sure to visit the company’s website to get informed about this before traveling. Cartagena has several diving sites and most of the ones that I visited allowed both adults and teenagers to participate.
Water Temperature
One of the main aspects people are curious about before diving into the depths of the sea is the water temperature. This is another reason Cartagena is so loved by divers of all kinds, especially beginners.
According to SeaTemperature, the month where the water temperature is the hottest is August, with an average temperature of 25.6°C (78.1°F), while February is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 14.4°C (57.9°F).
The water is very comfortable to stay in for long periods, mainly thanks to its warm temperature compared to other European countries. It’s not the warmest in the world, especially when compared to other continents like South and Central America, but it will surely please you.
It gets even warmer when considering the suit you’ll be wearing, so don’t worry too much about this aspect. The deeper you explore, the colder it gets, so if you’re a beginner, it is improbable that the temperature will bother you.
The waters of Cartagena are great for all kinds of activities and will provide you with a great experience. Whether you leave the sea after a quick swim or continue in the water for the entire day, the sun’s rays will keep you warm and comfortable, but don’t forget the sunscreen.
Crystal Visibility
Some diving sites worldwide have poor visibility, where you can see only bubbles and nothing else around you. This is definitely not the case for Cartagena, as the water is crystal clear and allows you to easily see all the crabs and other creatures around you as you dive.
The sea is also not as sandy as in other places, which contributes to better conditions for exploring every spot of the site.
Since the water is very clear in Cartagena, sunlight illuminates everything you see, even when exploring the depths. Of course, this can drastically vary depending on the city you’re diving, but Cartagena has a lot of light to help guide you through the seas, whether you’re looking for fish, wrecks, or anything else around the island.
It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited, and the visibility underwater was perfect. I’ll definitely come back more times to enjoy this unforgettable experience. I highly recommend visiting the islands around it not only to observe the incredible marine life but also to see some of the best landscapes of your life.
But if you plan on opening your eyes underwater, make sure to wear proper equipment. The water is very salty and will burn your eyes if you don’t use swimming goggles.
Much More to Do
Don’t think that diving is the only thing you’ll do when looking for a place to do this activity. Most options offer a complete tour throughout different parts of the place. You’ll dive, visit islands, and learn about the region’s biodiversity, among other things.
Also, what makes Murcia, especially Cartagena, so fun is that there’s an infinite number of options to choose from. After scuba diving, you can also visit museums, take a walk in the sand of the numerous beaches of the region, explore nature and its numerous protected reserves, and do many other things.
I spent three hours doing scuba diving and boat activities and during the rest of the day, explored the urban area of Murcia which has tons of museums and interesting places to visit. Whether you want to chill on the beach or look for a culture-rich vacation, the place has everything you need.
It’s the best destination for the next time you visit Spain. Diving on a sunny day is always recommended, not only because the water temperature is much better but also because the underwater visibility improves.
Make sure to save a sunny day for this, while almost every other activity can be done in all kinds of weather, so you don’t have to worry about that. The weather is usually very stable, with numerous sunny days perfect for all kinds of activities, especially during the high season.
Pay Close Attention to Rules and Instructions
Scuba diving is one of the best activities to do in Cartagena, but it can be dangerous. Always listen to the instructor to ensure a safe experience that will stay on your mind forever.
From types of fish you shouldn’t touch to areas you are not supposed to explore, there are several things to pay attention to and rules you should follow both on the ground and underwater. This is the most essential part of diving safely, and ignoring it can cause problems for both you and the region’s biodiversity. If you love nature and everything the sea offers, following these instructions is the best way to preserve them and have a good experience around these beautiful creatures you won’t find anywhere else.
Where to Go for Scuba Diving in Cartagena
When visiting Cartagena, there are numerous great dive spots to explore. It’s crucial to choose a reputable establishment with experienced professionals who can assist you in case of any incidents during your dive.
There are numerous options to choose from, with different diving sites. Here, we will show you some of the main options that have certified divers and capable professionals who are ready to help divers with all kinds of experiences and of all ages:
- Diving Center Hesperides
- Yobuceo Cartagena
- The Blue Jump Ecodiving
- Scuba Murcia
- Adventure Divers & Activity Center
Notice that some of these locations offer more than just Scuba Diving. It is always a good idea to visit their website to check details like the days they’re open and the activities they offer.
Enjoy Your Private Paradise in Villa Murcia!
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Murcia? We’ve got just the spot for you!
Villa Murcia – Your Private Paradise
Wake up to coffee on a sun-drenched terrace, unwind in a warm jacuzzi after a day of exploring, and end your evenings with dinners in the summer kitchen. Nestled in charming Santiago de la Ribera, Villa Murcia offers more than just a holiday—it’s your personal oasis of comfort, style, and unforgettable moments.
Highlights:
✔ Spacious living room with a large sofa and open kitchen – perfect for shared memories
✔ Three elegant, air-conditioned bedrooms with private terraces – your peaceful retreat
✔ Extra fold-out sofa in the living room – ideal for additional guests
Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family getaway, or a relaxing break with friends – Villa Murcia is your dream stay.
Book now and experience the magic of the Spanish sun!
Time to Swim
If you think Cartagena’s tourism options are restricted only to beach walks and taking a sea bath, you’re totally wrong. This piece of heaven holds numerous beauties and fun activities waiting to be discovered.
One of them is the numerous scuba diving sites around the island. Nothing is better than observing this place’s biodiversity as closely as possible. Seeing groupers, turtles, and other creatures helps you connect with nature and gives you an unforgettable experience.
Make sure to pay attention to rules and recommendations to have the best time of your life, ensuring your safety and that of those around you. This way, you get to enjoy all the fun aspects of this type of activity.
Now that you know everything you need, it is time to start packing your luggage to Spain and enjoy the best time of your life. Whether traveling alone or with anyone else, scuba diving is the perfect way to spend a sunny day in this beautiful country.