Scuba Diving from Port de Pollença – Formentor Walls, Caves & Reefs
Why Base Your Dives in Port de Pollença
Port de Pollença sits at the mouth of the Formentor peninsula, giving fast access to walls, caverns and bright reef gardens with typically clearer water than the open bays. From Palma Cathedral, plan ~55–65 minutes by car via Ma-13. It’s an easy diver + non-diver base: you dive the headland, friends stroll the pine walk or the beach, and you all reunite for a late lunch on the promenade.
🧭 Getting There from Palma
| Mode | Time | Notes |
| Drive (Ma-13 → Pollença → Port de Pollença) | ~55–65 min | Straight north; free/paid parking near the marina. Arrive 20 min early to check in. |
| Bus (Palma Intermodal → Port de Pollença) | ~1 hr 45–2 hr | Morning departures vary by season; add 10–15 min marina walk. |
| Taxi/Transfer | ~€95–120 one-way | Handy with kit or early boats. |
📍 Dive Sites & What to Expect
Short blurbs first; a quick-specs table follows. Skippers choose the day’s best option based on wind, swell and visibility.
Formentor Walls – Blue Drop-Offs & Overhangs
Sheer limestone faces and ledges with schooling bream and barracuda sightings on calm days. The light here can be magical when the sun is high.
Caverns & Caves (Light-Zone Swim-Ins)
Photogenic caverns with a safe light zone experience in settled seas. Expect reflective limestone, haloclines and that signature blue glow.
Reef Gardens & Rock Spurs
Shallower rock-and-sand patches around the headland with octopus, nudibranchs and busy fish life — relaxed profiles that pair well as a second tank.
At-a-Glance Dive Specs
| Zone | Typical Depth | Style | Highlights | Who it suits |
| Formentor Walls | 14–30 m | Wall, ledges | Vertical faces, blue water, pelagic passes | Intermediate+ when calm |
| Caverns (light zone) | 10–20 m | Cavern/ambient light | Blue glow, reflective limestone | Good buoyancy control |
| Reef Spurs | 8–18 m | Reef, sand patches | Octopus, bream, macro | All certified divers |
Exact site names vary by operator; conditions rule the plan.
⚓ Meeting Point & Orientation
- Boats typically depart from the Port de Pollença Marina; piers are lettered/numbered.
- Arrive 20 minutes early for paperwork and kit fitting.
- Non-divers can café-hop the seafront or walk the Pine Walk.
Port de Pollença Marina (meeting area)
Formentor Headland – general dive zone
🧳 What to Pack (North Headland Edition)
A quick paragraph to set expectations: conditions on the headland can change with breeze and swell; mornings are usually calmer. Pack light but be ready for wind on the ride back.
- Your own mask for comfort and fit
- Reef-safe sunscreen (apply before boarding), light windbreaker for surface intervals
- Dry bag for phone/ID, water and a small snack
- Certification card & logbook (many centres can add day insurance at check-in)
📅 Best Season & Water Temperatures
| Month | Sea Temp | Notes | Our take |
| May–Jun | ~18–22 °C | Quieter, improving viz | Great shoulder season |
| Jul–Sep | ~24–27 °C | Warmest water, popular boats | Book early; go for morning glass |
| Oct–Nov | ~20–24 °C | Soft light, stable days | Lovely late season |
| Dec–Apr | ~14–17 °C | Crisp air, clear spells | 5–7 mm or semi-dry recommended |
💶 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 | Pool/shore intro + sea dive (conditions) |
| Day insurance add-on | €8–€15 | If you don’t hold annual cover |
Island-typical ballparks; confirm exacts with your chosen centre.
🦺 Safety & Good Style
- Follow briefings — headland swell can close cavern options quickly.
- Stay in the light zone in caverns unless appropriately trained/guided.
- Keep neutral buoyancy above limestone and posidonia meadows.
- Plan no-fly windows after diving; schedule flights accordingly.
🗓️ Easy Half-Day Plan from Palma
- 07:30 Drive Palma → Port de Pollença; park near marina
- 08:15 Check-in, kit fitting, site brief
- 09:00 Boat departs → Formentor Walls (first tank)
- 10:30 Surface interval snack with lighthouse views
- 11:30 Second tank in Caverns (light zone) or Reef Spurs (conditions)
- 13:00 Back to port → promenade lunch → optional beach swim → return to Palma
❓ FAQ
Is Port de Pollença good for beginners?
Yes — reef spurs offer relaxed depths and easy navigation; let the centre know your experience.
Are caverns always on the plan?
No. They need settled seas and careful group management. The skipper will decide on the day.
Can non-divers join the boat?
Often yes (snorkellers), especially on calm mornings. Confirm when you book.
What suit should I bring?
3–5 mm in peak summer; 5–7 mm/semi-dry outside high season.
Where should we stay for early boats?
Base in Port de Pollença for the shortest mornings, or in Palma for city evenings and day trips north.
🔒 Related Guides
