Scuba Diving in Mallorca: Sites, Seasons & How to Plan
Diving Mallorca from a Palma Base
From the heart of Palma to the soul of Mallorca. Most boats leave the Bay of Palma (5–12 minutes from the Cathedral) or the southwest coast (15–30 minutes via Ma-1), with the east and northwest coasts offering superb day trips on calm forecasts. Expect rocky reefs, walls, caverns and protected zones that keep fish life healthy.
🌍 Mallorca’s Dive Areas
| Area | From Palma (drive) | Typical sites | Why go |
| Bay of Palma | 5–12 min | Reefs, wrecks, easy training | Closest logistics; great refreshers |
| Southwest (Santa Ponça / El Toro MPA) | 20–30 min (Ma-1) | Reserve walls, groupers, schools | Most reliable marine life + short rides |
| Northwest (Port de Sóller / Tramuntana) | 45–65 min (Ma-11) | Cliffs, caverns, blue water | Dramatic topography on calm days |
| North (Alcúdia / Formentor) | 55–70 min (Ma-13) | Clear bays, walls, drift options | Fast access to depth in settled weather |
| Southeast (Cala d’Or / Mondragó) | 50–70 min (Ma-19) | Caves, arches, gentle reefs | Scenic coves; good summer viz |
MPA = Marine Protected Area. Boats choose sites based on wind, swell and visibility.
🗺️ Departure Marinas & Orientation
Deep-sea charters use the same docks; for diving, these are your easiest Palma-first launchpads. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for paperwork, kit checks and the skipper’s briefing.
Real Club Náutico de Palma
Closest to Old Town; ideal for training dives and easy 2-tank mornings.
| From Palma | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 5–10 min | Paseo Marítimo | On-site/nearby paid | Refreshers, mixed groups |
Club de Mar Palma
Smooth logistics and short rides out of the bay.
| From Palma | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 8–12 min | Paseo Marítimo (west) | On-site/nearby paid | 2-tank days, small groups |
Santa Ponça / Portals (Southwest jump-off)
Best base for El Toro reserve and sheltered coves.
| From Palma | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 20–30 min (Ma-1) | Calvià coast | Marina lots | Marine-life heavy dives |
Port de Sóller (Northwest)
For cliff & cavern days when the Tramuntana is calm.
| From Palma | Access | Parking | Good for |
| 45–55 min (Ma-11) | Harbourfront | Paid lots | Blue-water walls & caves |
🐟 Signature Sites & What You’ll See
Southwest Highlights – El Toro (MPA) & Malgrats
Reserve walls with dusky groupers, bream schools and seasonal pelagics. Easy navigation, frequent fish.
Palma Bay Reefs & Wrecks
Short boat rides; great for refresher or check-out dives. Expect rocky ledges, octopus, nudibranchs, and occasional rays on sand.
Northwest Caverns – Port de Sóller / Sa Foradada
Cathedral-like chambers and swim-throughs in clear blue. Dive only in settled seas; bring a torch for colour.
North & Formentor
Sheer cliff lines, sand channels and fast drop-offs; superb when winds ease and visibility spikes.
Southeast Arches – Cala d’Or / Mondragó
Photogenic arches and caves near sheltered coves. Gentle profiles make relaxed second dives.
💶 Prices & What’s Included
| Experience | What you get | Typical price |
| Discover Scuba (try dive) | Pool/shore intro + short boat dive | €80–€120 |
| Certified 2-tank boat | Boat, guide, tanks/weights (rental extra) | €80–€130 |
| Full gear rental (per day) | BCD, reg, suit, computer | €35–€55 |
| PADI Open Water course | 3–4 days, equipment included | €380–€520 |
Prices vary by season, fuel and equipment brand; bring your cert card & logbook.
🌡️ Seasons, Water Temps & Best Time to Dive
| Month | Water °C | Notes from Palma |
| May–June | 20–23° | Longer days; great for courses and calmer mornings |
| July–August | 24–27° | Warmest; busiest boats — book early |
| September–October | 23–25° | Sweet spot: warm water + fewer crowds |
| November–April | 14–19° | Clear days possible; use 5–7 mm or semi-dry |
🎒 What to Pack (and What Centres Provide)
- Musts: mask you trust, reef-safe sunscreen (apply before boarding), towel, light windbreaker for surface intervals
- Nice-to-haves: SMB + spool, small torch for caverns, dry bag for phone/ID
- Centres provide: tanks, weights, boat logistics; rental of BCD/reg/suits/computers as needed
🦺 Safety, Rules & Good Practice
- MPAs (e.g., El Toro): dive with licensed operators and follow briefings.
- Buoyancy: protect posidonia seagrass — no finning contact.
- No-fly: observe 18–24 h after multiple dives.
- Weather: boats may shift coasts for shelter; trust the skipper’s call.
🧭 Getting There from Palma (Car, Bus, Taxi)
By car/taxi:
- Bay of Palma marinas (Real Club Náutico, Club de Mar): 5–12 minutes.
- Santa Ponça / Portals: 20–30 minutes via Ma-1.
- Port de Sóller: 45–55 minutes via Ma-11.
Without a car:
Taxis are best for early check-ins; buses work later but add walking time to the dock. See Public Transport in Mallorca and Driving in Mallorca for planning.
Can beginners dive in Mallorca?
Yes. Book a Discover Scuba or a full entry-level course. The southwest offers sheltered sites for first boat dives.
Do I need my own equipment?
No. Centres rent full sets. If you bring one item, bring your own mask for best fit.
Is Cabrera worth a full day from Palma?
Absolutely on calm forecasts. Protected waters mean clearer viz and richer life; plan your no-fly window after diving.
Is dive insurance required?
Some centres ask for proof. Many can add day insurance at check-in.
Can non-divers join the boat?
Often, yes. Many boats accept snorkellers — confirm when you book.
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