Scuba Diving From Port de Sóller – Sites, Seasons & How to Plan
Northwest Mallorca Boat Dives from Port de Sóller
Port de Sóller is your Tramuntana sea-gate: sheltered harbor, quick boat runs and dramatic limestone walls minutes from the marina. From Palma Cathedral it’s roughly 35–40 minutes by car via Ma-11, making it one of the easiest west-coast bases for a half-day dive. If you’re building a wider plan, start with Hiking in Mallorca from Palma, Best Hiking Trails in Mallorca, and circle back to a sunset dive-day dinner on the bay.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| Mode | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-11 → Port de Sóller) | ~35–40 min | Straight run via Sóller tunnel; paid/marked parking by the marina. |
| Bus from Palma Intermodal → Port de Sóller | ~55–70 min | Add buffer for check-in; morning boats leave on time. |
| Palma to Sóller vintage train + tram | ~1.5–2 h | Scenic but slower; good for non-divers joining later. See Palma to Sóller Train. |
📍 Dive Sites & What to Expect
Short, descriptive blurbs first; a quick-specs table follows.
Sa Illeta – Reef Fingers & Sheltered Corners
Just outside the bay, Sa Illeta offers easy navigation over reef “fingers”, small caverns and rich fish life. Great as a first west-coast immersion or a relaxed second tank.
Sa Cova Blava – Blue-Lit Cavern Experience
A photogenic blue cave experience on settled days. Expect mesmerizing ambient light, reflective walls and calm finning. Skippers watch swell closely; calm mornings are best.
Northwest Walls – Dramatic Tramuntana Drop-offs
Boat along the cliffs toward Cala Tuent/Sa Calobra for vertical walls, overhangs and occasional swim-throughs. When the sea is glassy, this stretch is the star.
At-a-Glance Dive Specs
| Site | Typical Depth | Style | Highlights | Who it suits |
| Sa Illeta | 8–18 m | Reef, small caverns | Reef fingers, schooling bream, octopus chances | All certified divers |
| Sa Cova Blava | 10–20 m | Cavern light zone | Blue glow, reflective limestone | Confident buoyancy, calm conditions |
| Northwest Walls | 12–30 m | Wall, overhangs | Sheer faces, swim-throughs | Intermediate and up on settled days |
Exact sites vary with wind, swell and visibility; skippers pick the day’s best option.
🚤 Marinas, Check-in & Orientation
- Arrive 20 minutes early for paperwork and gear fitting.
- Boats typically stage from the central marina; piers are signed by letters/numbers.
- Non-divers can café-hop along the promenade or ride the seafront tram.
Port de Sóller Marina (meeting point area)
🎒 What to Pack for West-Coast Dives
- Mask you love (comfort beats rental)
- Reef-safe sunscreen applied well before boarding
- Windbreaker or hoodie for surface intervals
- Dry bag for phone/ID; extra water and a small snack
- Logbook & cert card; day insurance if you don’t already have cover
See general kit notes in Outdoor Activities in Mallorca.
📅 Best Season & Water Temperatures
| Month | Sea Temp | Notes | Our take |
| May–Jun | ~18–22 °C | Quieter docks, improving viz | Great shoulder season |
| Jul–Sep | ~24–27 °C | Warmest water, more boats | Book ahead; go early |
| Oct–Nov | ~20–24 °C | Often stable, fewer crowds | Lovely late season |
| Dec–Apr | ~14–17 °C | Crisp air, clear days | Thicker suits/semi-dry |
💶 Prices You Can Expect
| Activity | Typical Range | Includes |
| 2-tank boat dive | €85–€130 | Guide, tanks/weights; add full kit if needed |
| Full equipment rental | €25–€40 | BCD, reg, wetsuit, fins, computer (varies) |
| Try Dive / DSD | €90–€130 | Pool/shore intro + short sea dive |
| Day insurance add-on | €8–€15 | If you don’t have annual cover |
These are island-typical ballparks; confirm at booking.
🦺 Safety & Good Style
- Follow briefings closely — swell and surge change cave/wall plans fast.
- Practise neutral buoyancy around limestone and seagrass meadows.
- No touching/feeding marine life; keep lights low in caverns.
- Respect no-fly windows after diving; plan your return to Palma accordingly.
🗓️ Half-Day Plan from Palma
- 07:30 Drive Palma → Port de Sóller, park near marina
- 08:15 Check-in, gear up, site briefing
- 09:00 Boat departs → Sa Illeta first tank
- 10:30 Surface interval snack with cliff views
- 11:30 Second tank at Sa Cova Blava or Northwest Walls
- 13:00 Back to port → lunch on the promenade → return to Palma
❓ FAQ
Can beginners dive here?
Yes — Sa Illeta is a great start. Let the centre know your experience so they can group you well.
Is Sa Cova Blava always possible?
No. It needs settled seas. The skipper will choose the safest, best-viz option that morning.
Do boats accept snorkellers?
Often, yes. Ask when booking; calm-sea days are best for mixed groups.
What suit thickness should I bring?
Most divers are comfortable in 5–7 mm outside high summer; 3–5 mm in peak season.
Where should I stay for early boats?
Base in Palma for city evenings or Port de Sóller for roll-out-of-bed check-ins.
🔒 Related Guides
