Diving is all the rage and an increasing number of people are taking the plunge so they can marvel at the depths of the ocean. Which is where Alicante’s Costa Blanca, one of the best places on the Iberian Peninsula for diving, comes in. As a matter of fact, Alicante is home to the largest number of diving centres in the region of Valencia. This owes to the good visibility its waters offer and the abundant sea life that can be found in the different marine reserves along Alicante’s coastline.
Read on to find out where the best places to go diving in Alicante are. Whether you’re a first-timer or not, in Alicante you’ll find veritable underwater treasures that are suitable for all levels. The rocky coast boasts spectacular coves with crystal-clear water, where diving is a true delight.
Diving in Jávea
The town of Jávea is, without a doubt, one of the diving capitals of the Costa Blanca. There, you will find several key dive sites:
- Cabo de San Antonio Marine Reserve: Situated between Jávea and Denia, this ecologically-important marine area stands out for its underwater riches, including Neptune grass, coral, groupers, langoustines and much more. It is one of the best places to go diving in Alicante with various coves, such as those of San Antonio, and the spectacular Cova Tallada.
- Cala Portitxol: The Portitxol area is another important place for scuba diving and snorkelling, also boasting crystalline waters and abundant underwater life.
- Cala Granadella: This picture-postcard beach boasts turquoise waters and marine life such as slippery octopus, gilt-head bream and other species. Granadella is a popular choice for diving beginners.
Diving in Denia
In Denia you can find lovely spots that are perfect for diving and admiring the ocean floor. Cala del Fresquito, close to Les Rotes, is one of the key locations for the activity, above all thanks to the wildlife that inhabit its waters.
For more advanced divers, Denia’s coast boasts countless wreckages, mostly from Roman times and from the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries, some of which are situated in the area of Les Marines. Denia was a fortified town, as attested to by the castle which stands in the highest part of the city.
Diving in Calpe
The coast of Calpe offers one of the most magnificent places for diving. On the underwater slopes of the Peñón de Ifach limestone outcrop, which emerges from the water as if it were a giant, are the underwater arches of Calpe, formations that lie 10 metres below sea level and are home to white sea bream, octopus, moray and grouper.
In the surrounding area of the Peñón de Ifach is Cala del Racó, another key place for those just starting out in diving. What’s more, the seabed holds a surprise: the wreckage of a small fishing boat.
Diving in Altea
The coast of the city of Altea is also home to interesting dive sites, especially in the area bordering the municipality of Calpe. Around Cabo Toix and its famous Pared del Mascarat cliffs there are various places boasting interesting formations and ample marine life. These include:
- Punta de la Raya and Cala Mascarat: The shallow waters of these two neighbouring spots make them a perfect place for diving beginners.
- Las Fuentes: Named after the perfectly visible springs of fresh water that flow out of the rock walls from an interior lake. It reaches a depth of eight metres.
- The Bear: A bear statue submerged 24 metres below sea leave is the main draw in this area, which is characterised by the wide range of fish species to be found.
Moreover, on the other end of the coast of Altea, around the Sierra Helada or Serra Gelada Natural Park, lies Isla Mitjana or Illeta de Penyes d’Arabí. This small island is a great site for advanced divers with a maximum depth of 30 metres. The rocks on the ocean floor are home to a beautiful array of octopuses, lobsters and conger eels.
Diving around Tabarca Island
Along with the above-mentioned areas, the coast of Alicante offers a whole host of other places for practising diving. The Tabarca Island Marine Reserve, opposite Santa Pola, offers some of the best biological diversity in eastern Spain, as well as incredibly clear waters. On the seabed you can admire fields of Neptune grass and grouper populations.
The area surrounding Tabarca Island is one of the best places for diving on the Costa Blanca. There are various sites within the reserve, such as Islote de la Nao, Escull Negre and the coral reef situated opposite Tabarca beach.
Snorkelling in Alicante
If you prefer snorkelling, you’ll find excellent spots on the coast of Alicante where you can put on your goggles, grab your snorkelling tube and see the wonders of the ocean floor.
- Cala del Tío Ximo (Benidorm). Particularly worth a mention, this small cove is characterised by its cliff walls where many shoals of fish and plant species such as Neptune grass can be found.
- Baños de la Reina (El Campello). These artificial rock pools are perfect for observing the seafloor. What’s more, the town council has prepared a route with waterproof audio guides to complete your underwater experience.
- Cala del Racó (Calpe). In addition to diving, you can also go snorkelling at El Racó, which boasts submerged information panels so you can learn about the species that inhabit the area. Thanks to the fact the cove is closed off and protected, the water has extraordinary visibility.
- Tabarca Island. In addition to diving, Tabarca Island is also an excellent place for snorkelling.
<h2>Diving for beginners in Alicante</h2>
So, having run through the main sites for diving and snorkelling in Alicante, we’re sure you’ll agree that the coast of Alicante has everything you need to jump right in. If you’d like to learn and enjoy your first diving experience in Alicante, it’s simple; all of the aforementioned places boast certified diving centres and places that are just right for making your first submersion.
After reading all about the wonders of the Costa Blanca, you’ll no doubt be dying to take the plunge. So, if you’re thinking about travelling to Alicante, don’t hesitate. Find the place that best suits your plans, choose a diving centre, one of the places we’ve recommended… and dive!
