Ibiza not only boasts paradisical beaches, a nightlife atmosphere unlike any other in the world or unique landscapes. Its crystal-clear waters hide treasures that only those who partake in scuba diving are able to enjoy.
But make no mistake, visitors don’t have to be a diving expert to enjoy the beauty of its lush underwater ecosystem. Just diving into the waters of its beautiful coves with snorkelling equipment (goggles, snorkel, and water shoes) is more than enough to spend long periods of time admiring the marine fauna. Of course, even the most experienced divers will also find the 200 kilometres of coastline to be a paradise for their dives around the island.
- Diving in Ibiza, the closest thing to paradise in the Mediterranean
- Where to go scuba diving in Ibiza
- Diving centres in Ibiza
- Coves for snorkelling in Ibiza
We’ll go over the main scuba diving and snorkelling spots in Ibiza, with a special focus on the technical aspects to be taken into account. We’ll also take a look at some of the dive centres where we can rent equipment for our dives or go on outings with experienced instructors if we need their guidance. But first, let’s take a look at the characteristics of Ibiza’s waters that make them so attractive for diving.
Diving in Ibiza, the closest thing to paradise in the Mediterranean
Being a Mediterranean island, Ibiza’s waters have a temperature of between 15 degrees in winter and 27 degrees in summer, making it an ideal place for diving all year round. Moreover, its seabed is full of posidonia oceanica meadows, which not only contribute to the biodiversity of the waters, but also mean that the waters of Ibiza are famously crystal clear.
The fact that the Balearic Islands are far from the mainland coast also means that the visibility under its waters is rather good. You can see more than 30 metres ahead, and this visibility can even reach 40 metres.
In addition to the posidonia oceanica, there are also vast areas of coral and sponges. As you would expect in clean waters, the fauna is diverse. You can find everything from conger eels, moray eels, barracudas, and groupers to octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters, and langoustines.
The underwater features found under the waters of the island make it a “diving mecca”; islets and underwater mountains with incredible walls, caves, and caverns that are difficult to imagine, even shipwrecks…
Where to go scuba diving in Ibiza
We take a look at the legendary places to go scuba diving in Ibiza.
La Catedral: the most incredible underwater cave in Ibiza
The cave of Cala Llonga, known as La Catedral, to the south of Santa Eulalia, is the pilgrimage site for divers who set foot on the island. No wonder. After a dive to a depth of 15 metres, you reach the entrance to the cavern, located 8 metres below the surface.
Once inside, you’ll be surprised by the enormous space and the large pocket of air generated around it. It’s worth taking off your snorkel and goggles to admire the enormous dome formed by stalactites and other curious limestone formations on its ceilings.
A visit to “Don Pedro”, the shipwreck off the city of Ibiza
In 2007, the 140-metre-long merchant ship Don Pedro collided with the islet of Es Daus off the east coast of Ibiza town. Its remains rested under the seabed, and since then it has become a popular habitat for marine species and an attraction for divers visiting the island.
Located between 25 and 45 metres deep, the waters in the area are incredibly crystal clear, making it one of the most rewarding dives currently available in European waters. But be warned, this dive is only suitable for the most experienced divers.
The magic of the Cueva de la Luz
Near the municipality of San Mateo de Albarca, in the north of the island, is the cala de Albarca, a quiet wooded area with a steep bay that has become a popular spot for divers. In the easternmost arm of the bay is the Ullal de na Coloms.
Underwater you can enter the cave just 3 metres below the surface. Once inside this magical 15-metre wide space, you’ll see that not only is there another incredible air pocket, but also that natural light enters from a crack at the top of its wide dome, illuminating the entire interior. A truly surprising and unique place.
Diving centres in Ibiza
In Ibiza, you can find diving schools for beginners as well as for those who want to improve their diving skills. Most of the centres also have experienced instructors and equipment that they rent out for outings to the most attractive spots on the island.
Subfari Portinaxt (Puerto de Portinaxt, s/n) is located in Portinatx, San Juan, in the north of the island, and organises dives here, the most unspoilt and unknown area on the island. Another of the most established diving schools is Divestar Ibiza (Cala Martina beach, s/n, Santa Eulália). It offers dives all over the eastern area of Ibiza and courses for all levels. And in the Ponente area is Orcasub (Cala Tarida beach, San José), which specialises in dives in the nature reserves of the islets of Es Vedrà and the surrounding area.
Coves for snorkelling in Ibiza
Snorkelling is the cheapest option but by no means the least satisfying. The quality of Ibiza’s waters means that the experience will be incredible. In this regard, any of the island’s coves are great places in which to explore the waters with goggles and a snorkel. It’s highly recommended to wear water shoes, as you’ll pass by many sharp rocks on your route.
Due to the quality of the water, some of the most interesting coves for snorkelling are Cala d’Hort, Cala Bassa, Sa Caleta or Talamanca beach, among many others.
