Scuba Diving from Port d’Alcúdia – Quick Boat Runs & Family-Friendly Base
Sites & Why Base in Alcúdia
Port d’Alcúdia puts you close to Cabo Menorca and the north-bay reefs, with fast boat access and easy logistics for mixed groups (divers, beach time, and boat trips). From Palma Cathedral it’s roughly 45–55 minutes via the Ma-13 (≈55–60 km). The bay’s shape often gives calmer morning windows before the sea breeze, and the resort set-up keeps non-divers happy on Platja d’Alcúdia or Playa de Muro while you dive.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| Mode | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Port d’Alcúdia) | ~45–55 min | Large public car parks near the marina; arrive 20 min early for check-in. |
| Bus (Palma Intermodal → Alcúdia/Port) | ~1 hr 40–2 hr | Morning departures vary by season; add walking time to the marina. |
| Taxi/Transfer | ~€85–105 one-way | Handy with gear or for early boats. |
Helpful reads: Public Transport in Mallorca, Driving in Mallorca, Port d’Alcúdia, Mallorca.
🌊 Alcúdia Dive Sites at a Glance
Brief notes first, then a quick-specs table so you can pick your day.
Cabo Menorca – Reefs, Spurs & Clear Water
A classic local run with reef spurs, sand patches and small overhangs. Navigation is straightforward and fish life is reliable — great for a first north-coast immersion.
Coll Baix Side – Rocky Reefs & Caves
On calm days, boats edge toward the Coll Baix area for rock gardens, bream squads and the chance of light swim-throughs. Visibility pops after quiet nights.
Formentor Edge (conditions dependent)
Longer run toward the peninsula’s outer faces for limestone walls and brighter blue hues. Skippers choose this when wind/swell line up.
At-a-Glance Dive Specs
| Site/Zone | Typical Depth | Style | Highlights | Who it suits |
| Cabo Menorca | 8–18 m | Reef, small caverns | Reef “fingers”, sand/rock mix, octopus/bream | All certified divers |
| Coll Baix area | 12–22 m | Reef, light overhangs | Rock gardens, occasional swim-through | Confident Open Water+ |
| Formentor edge | 14–30 m | Wall, drop-offs | Clearer blue, dramatic faces | Intermediate on settled days |
Actual sites vary day-to-day with wind, swell and visibility.
⚓ Marina, Briefing & Where to Meet
Most boats depart the Port d’Alcúdia Marina. Check your confirmation for pier letter/number, and arrive 20 minutes early to sort gear and paperwork.
Port d’Alcúdia Marina (meeting point area)
Cabo Menorca (general dive zone reference)
🎒 What to Pack (North-Coast Edition)
- Your own mask for comfort/fit
- Reef-safe sunscreen (apply before boarding), windbreaker for surface intervals
- Dry bag for phone/ID, water and a small snack
- Certification card & logbook; day insurance if you need it
📅 Seasons & Water Temperatures
| Month | Sea Temp | Dock Vibe | Our Take |
| May–Jun | ~18–22 °C | Quieter, improving viz | Shoulder-season sweet spot |
| Jul–Sep | ~24–27 °C | Peak season, busy boats | Book ahead; mornings are gold |
| Oct–Nov | ~20–24 °C | Calmer, softer light | Lovely late runs to Formentor |
| Dec–Apr | ~14–17 °C | Quiet bays, crisp air | Thicker suits/semi-dry needed |
💶 Prices You Can Expect
| Activity | Typical Range | Includes |
| 2-tank boat dive | €85–€130 | Guide, tanks/weights; kit extra |
| Full equipment rental | €25–€40 | BCD, reg, wetsuit, fins, computer (varies) |
| Try Dive / DSD | €90–€130 | Intro + short sea dive (conditions permitting) |
| Day insurance add-on | €8–€15 | If you don’t have annual cover |
Ballpark ranges for Mallorca; confirm exacts when you book.
🪝 Cross-Sell: Reef/Bottom Fishing from the Same Port
If your group mixes divers and anglers, Port d’Alcúdia is ideal: boats reach deeper water quickly, and half-day reef/bottom fishing charters are common. Non-divers can fish while you dive, then regroup for late lunch on the promenade. See Deep Sea Fishing in Mallorca for planning notes.
🦺 Safety, Briefings & Good Style
- Follow skipper/guide calls — breeze and swell shape the day’s sites.
- Practise neutral buoyancy above limestone and posidonia meadows.
- No touching/feeding marine life; keep lights low in caverns.
- Respect no-fly windows; if you’re heading back to Palma the same day, schedule flights for a later date.
🗓️ Sample Half-Day from Palma
- 07:30 Drive Palma → Port d’Alcúdia (park near the marina)
- 08:15 Check-in, fit kit, site brief
- 09:00 Boat departs → Cabo Menorca first tank
- 10:30 Surface interval snack
- 11:30 Second tank toward Coll Baix or Formentor edge
- 13:00 Back to port → promenade lunch → optional beach swim → return to Palma
❓ FAQ
Is Port d’Alcúdia good for beginners?
Yes — Cabo Menorca offers relaxed depths and easy navigation. Tell the centre your experience so they group you well.
Can non-divers join the boat?
Often yes (snorkellers). Always confirm at booking and pick calm-sea mornings.
Which suit thickness works here?
3–5 mm in peak summer; 5–7 mm/semi-dry the rest of the year.
Are there wrecks?
Local diving is mostly reefs, walls and caverns; any wreck options are usually deeper/technical and weather-dependent.
Where should we stay for early boats?
Base in Port d’Alcúdia/Playa de Muro for the shortest mornings, or in Palma if you prefer city evenings and day trips.
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