The island of Mallorca is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the biggest and most populated of the Balearic Islands belonging to Spain. While scuba diving in Mallorca, the underwater landscape features incredible rock formations with labyrinthine tunnels, ethereal caves lit by the blue-light filtering in from the ocean, and photo-worthy arches. Situated on the southern coastline, close to the popular resort town of Magaluf, there are several spectacular wrecks to dive and easy access to three marine reserves located nearby; Islas Malgrats, El Toro, and Isla Dragonera, which are home to diverse and rich ecosystems. In the east of the island, near Cala Bona and Cala Millor, there are large areas covered with Posidonia seagrass which provide vital breeding grounds to several reef fish.

The majority of Mallorca’s dive centres are located in three main areas; the southwest coastline - where diving is centred around the Bay of Palma and Santa Ponsa -, the west coast - where dive centres cater for the whole western region, from the marine reserve of Cala Ratjada by the north to Porto Cristo in the south and the north coast, which explores the caves near Port Pollensa and Alcudia. Dive resorts are mainly found while diving the southwest coast of Mallorca. Many of the dive centres offer dive courses that range from experiencing scuba diving for the very first time to confessing your undying love for the underwater world and becoming a professional diver.

Mallorca diving is possible throughout the entire year yet the majority of divers tend to favour the period between May and October when the water temperature is at its most comfortable. The water temperature ranges from 14 °C in winter to an average of 25 °C in the summer months. In the months that see cooler waters, there can still be some excellent diving to be had, with basking shark sightings more common in the winter months. If you decide to take a dip in the winter months just ensure to don a thicker wetsuit!

Visiting Mallorca between September and April it is likely that there will be some rainfall, with the heaviest during the months of November and December. Outside of these months, it is likely to find dry weather and sunshine with air temperature averaging 25 °C in the peak of summer. During the summer months, keen-eyed divers are most likely to spot a seahorse clinging to a gorgonian sea fan or in seagrass meadows.

Many of the dive sites on Mallorca are suitable for beginner divers yet, some of the dive sites will require divers to be more advanced - including several of the cavern dives located in the bay of Alcudia and Pollensa such as ‘S Cave’. Despite the southern and western coastline providing more accessibility for beginners, there is also an easy shore entry site in the bay of Alcudia known as ‘Alcanda’, ideal for the training dives in dive courses.

From Santa Ponsa, there is the opportunity to explore three marine reserves while, in the summer months, dive trips are organised to Cabrera National Park, where divers can explore underwater canyons and towering walls. Nearby, from the bay of Palma, the Palma Wrecks can be penetrated with the chance to access the command deck and holds of the ships.

On the east coast, steep vertical walls rise up from the ocean while rocky seafloors are carpeted thick with seagrass. There are several caves, such as ‘Devil’s Cave’ where it is possible to surface inside the cave and breathe fresh air in the air-pocket. At the ‘Column Wreck’, beginner divers can experience wreck diving among a 13th-Century Italian merchant ship. The site gets its name from the marble posts it was carrying which are now visible at 14-metres on the seabed.

There may not be stunning coral reefs to enjoy while exploring the Balearic Islands’ underwater landscape, but a variety of marine life thrives among the rock formations and marine reserves. Divers have the chance to encounter several different species of rays, from the eagle rays that can be spotted while diving in the El Toro Marine Reserve to the majestic manta rays that lucky divers may witness while exploring the sandy seabeds of the east coast. Stingrays are often seen resting on sandy flats while during wreck dives giant schools of barracuda make an appearance. Utilising the wreck as an artificial reef, scorpionfish, octopus, conger eel and moray eel as well as a whole host of crustaceans can be seen.

A day trip to Cabrera National Park from Santa Ponsa provides the opportunity to encounter over 500 different species of marine life, cuttlefish, dolphins and sea turtles included. Giant groupers roam around rock formations and brightly-coloured nudibranch can be witnessed. At sites that experience stronger currents, pelagics such as tuna and amberjacks can be found while in the summer months, it is possible to observe juvenile fish, seahorse and pipefish taking refuge in the east coast’s seagrass meadows. Occasionally, sightings of the awe-inspiring ocean sunfish have been recorded in Mallorca - so ensure to gather up some luck before you dive in!

Descending into the depths of Palma Bay, divers can find four shipwrecks located 35-metres deep. Reserved only for experienced divers, the biggest wreck can easily be penetrated and has several incredible swim-throughs for divers to enjoy. The wrecks, which have since become thriving artificial reefs, are surrounded by huge shoals of fish. Reached from Santa Ponsa, the Island of Malgrats also features an impressive wreck dive. In 2007, an 133-metre ship was sunk in front of the island which is now encrusted with sponges and gorgonian sea fans that provide refuge for moray eel and fan mussels.

Possibly the most spectacular dive site on the east coast of Mallorca is Big Cheese. Located in the Cala Ratjada Marine Reserve, the dive is a 60-metre wide rock perforated with holes and tunnels that interconnect and create a labyrinthine structure. While venturing through the rocks many tunnels, divers will encounter nudibranch, barracuda, groupers and moray eels. On the north coast, the A Cave and Hammer Cave feature two caverns. A very deep one, known as Cave A, which is suitable only for very experienced divers and a much shallower cave, known as the Hammer Cave, with an entrance at 8-metres deep. This dive site provides the opportunity for all levels of divers to delight in some cavern diving.

One of the most famous marine reserves of Mallorca is the dive site of El Toro, located close to Santa Ponsa on the southwest coast of the island. The calm conditions of the site make it an ideal location for beginners as well as more experienced divers who want to discover the incredible biodiversity the marine reserve offers. Here, you will find scorpionfish, amberjacks, red dragonfish and with a little bit of luck, some intricately patterned seahorses. Diving among steep walls, small caves and grottos takes place.