Dive into Spain’s Hidden Marine Reserves: Scuba Paradise Awaits

How to Enjoy Scuba Diving in Spain’s Marine Reserves: Spain is one of the most popular destinations for diving enthusiasts. The country has a number of marine reserves where you can observe a wide variety of flora and fauna. The best-known include the Cabo de Palos–Islas Hormigas, Islas Columbretes, Cabo de Gata-Níjar, and Cabo de Creus reserves. You can dive in the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and in nearly all the mainland coastal provinces. Most of the companies providing services are members of the Spanish Federation of Underwater Activities (FEDAS). The Cabo de Palos–Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve in Murcia is one of the most spectacular in the Mediterranean. It is located around the headland and the Hormigas Islands, and is rich in marine flora and fauna. Large groupers, dentex fish, barracudas, and even the odd moonfish are all regular sightings. The highlight is the Bajo de Fuera, a peak of rock with beautiful coral and a large number of shipwrecks. The Islas Columbretes Marine Reserve is located off the coast of Castellón in the Valencia Region, and is a series of small volcanic islands. The Cristal and La Llosa dive sites in La Columbreta Grande are particularly spectacular. You can dive down to 30 metres and see shoals of barracudas, groupers, and corvinas, as well as red coral and crustaceans. You can also explore the wreck of the merchant ship El Lublín. The Cabo de Gata-Níjar Marine Reserve in Almería is a biosphere reserve and geopark, which is also part of the Mediterranean Basin Biosphere Reserve. This geologically spectacular area is home to a number of species of great ecological value. The Cerro Gordo-Maro Marine Reserve is located on the coast between Granada and Malaga, and features crystal-clear waters and a range of dive sites and caves to explore. The Cabo de Creus Marine Reserve in Girona is a rocky headland which is home to a wide variety of marine ecosystems, including coral, sponges, and fish. The Illes Medes Marine Reserve is located off the coast of Barcelona, and is a group of seven islands and islets. The reserve is home to a wide variety of marine life, including groupers, moray eels, and starfish. The Balearic Islands are a popular destination for divers, with a number of marine reserves to explore. The Cabrera Marine Reserve is located off the coast of Majorca, and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and rays. The Ses Salines Marine Reserve is located off the coast of Ibiza, and features a range of dive sites to explore. The Canary Islands are another popular destination for divers, with a number of marine reserves to explore. The La Palma Marine Reserve is located off the coast of La Palma, and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and rays. The El Hierro Marine Reserve is located off the coast of El Hierro, and features a range of dive sites to explore.