Plongée à Cabo de Palos — Spain

Cabo de Palos marine reserve is one of the Mediterranean's greatest success stories, where 25 years of protection have produced groupers the size of Labradors and shoals of barracuda that rival tropical seas. The Islas Hormigas pinnacles are the crown jewel, with walls plunging below 40 metres.

Score
71.1
Visibilité
10–30m
Température
14–26°C
Meilleurs mois
May, June, July
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Cabo de Palos
SpainEurope
71.1

SCORE

37.6322°N

-0.6917°E

Cabo de Palos marine reserve is one of the Mediterranean's greatest success stories, where 25 years of protection have produced groupers the size of Labradors and shoals of barracuda that rival tropical seas. The Islas Hormigas pinnacles are the crown jewel, with walls plunging below 40 metres.

Spain's Mediterranean Marine Reserve

Visibility10–30 m
Temperature14–26°C
Max Depth45 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$75
Best MonthsMay, June, July, August
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML75.0CH52.0VIS72.0SV70.0TMP68.0DA72.0OP78.0TS72.0GT72.0VAL82.0CRD68.0SP72.0

Marine Life

75.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
70
Megafauna Encounters
62
Reef Fish Abundance
80
Macro Life
65
Endemic Species
68
Marine Life Diversity
75.0
Coral & Reef Health
52.0
Visibility & Conditions
72.0
Dive Site Variety
70.0
Water Temperature
68.0
Depth & Access
72.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
72.0
Getting There
72.0
Value & Cost
82.0
Crowding
68.0
Social Proof
72.0

Dive Types

reefwallwreck

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Great news for traveling couples and families — this is a budget-friendly destination with plenty of affordable topside activities to keep non-divers happy while you explore below the surface.

Activities for Non-Divers

La Manga del Mar Menor beachCartagena Roman ruinsCabo de Palos lighthouseMar Menor lagoon

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Cartagena Roman Theatre
  • Cabo de Palos Lighthouse

Non-Diver Score

7/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber30 km — Hospital General Universitario Santa Lucía, Cartagena
Nearest Hospital25 km

Chamber at Cartagena hospital; Spanish emergency 112

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Planeta Azul

PADI

4.8
220 reviewsNITROX

Islas Hormigas Diving

SSI

4.7
175 reviewsNITROX
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