2 centers · May – October

Diving in Santa Pola

Gateway to the Tabarca Island Marine Reserve, the first declared in Spain (1986).

8–24 m
Average depth
10–25 m
Visibility
May – October
Best season
2
Centers on Scubia

Diving in Santa Pola: the essentials

Gateway to the Tabarca Island Marine Reserve, the first declared in Spain (1986). About 15 minutes away by boat, its seabeds combine an inner reserve suitable for all levels (Escull Negre, La Galera, artificial reef) and a deeper outer reserve (La Llosa, La Nao) with tunnels and arches. Abundant groupers, barracudas, dentex, octopus and moray eels over Posidonia meadows.

Dive spots

Escull NegreLa GaleraTabarca Artificial ReefLa Llosa (Merolandia)La Nao

Frequently asked questions about diving in Santa Pola

Do I need a permit to dive the Tabarca Marine Reserve?

Yes. Tabarca has been a marine reserve since 1986 and you can only dive with an authorised center, which arranges the access permit; independent diving inside the reserve is not allowed.

What level is required?

The inner-reserve sites (Escull Negre, La Galera, artificial reef) are fine from Open Water level. Deeper outer-reserve sites such as La Llosa or La Nao (19–24 m, with current) are recommended for Advanced divers.

Which is the best dive site?

La Llosa (South of La Llosa, a.k.a. 'Merolandia') is rated the best in the reserve: a rock rising from 24 to 19 m with a large concentration of groupers and fish.

What marine life can I see?

Large groupers, barracudas, dentex, sea bream, octopus, moray eels and sea urchins over oceanic Posidonia meadows.

Other destinations in Valencia Region

View zone →