The diversity of marine life in the waters around Spain is wide and varied.
Some of the species you will find include whales, dolphins, many different shark species, barracuda, groupers, stingrays, pufferfish, parrotfish, octopus, wrasses, bonito, tuna, moray eels, bream, and a number of turtle species.
There are also many wrecks to be found and explored. These wrecks create artificial reefs that have become home to a diverse range of marine life.
Spain is also renowned for its bio-diverse marine reserves that are perfect for recreational diving. These reserves are regulated to offer a quality diving experience that combines conservation whilst raising awareness about the enjoyment of diving as a leisure activity.
Top Marine Reserves in Spain:
- Cala Rajada Marine Reserve – Majorca
- Medes Islands - Catalonia
- Masía Blanca – Tarragona
- Cabo de Palos - Hormigas Islands – Mar Menor
- Tabarca Island – Alicante
- Columbretes Islands – Valencia
- Cabo de Gata-Níjar - Almeria
- Cabo Tiñoso – Murcia
- Isle of Alboran – Alboran Sea
- Graciosa Island – Lanzarote
- Isle of La Palma – Canary Islands
- Punta de La Restinga – Canary Islands
So if you are thinking of taking part in a scuba diving activity on your next holiday to Spain here is a selection of PADI-certified diving schools to get you started.
Costa Brava PADI Scuba Diving
This “Try Dive” activity is aimed at beginners and is located in Tossa de Mar on the Costa Brava.
The experience lasts for around three hours and starts with a briefing, then covers how the equipment works, how to communicate underwater using hand signals, and how the tour will go.
Then its off to kitted up with a provided wetsuit and boots. A quick drive then takes you to a dive site close to Mar Menuda Beach.
The instructors are all PADI qualified and take you through each step to make the whole experience fun and safe.
During your dive, your instructors will take a few photos and video for a perfect holiday souvenir.
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Medes Islands - Catalonia
The Medes Islands, located off the coast of L'Estartit in Catalonia, Spain, are a top dive site for both beginners and advanced divers. This archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea is part of the Montgrí, Medes Islands, and Baix Ter Natural Park, offering a protected marine environment teeming with vibrant marine life and diverse underwater landscapes.
To reach the Medes Islands, you can travel to L'Estartit by car or bus from major cities like Barcelona or Girona. Once there, various dive centres offer boat trips to the islands.
The islands are renowned for their clear waters, extensive underwater caves, and rich biodiversity, including colourful fish, octopuses, and coral formations. Divers can expect to see groupers, known for their large size and friendly nature, and sleek barracudas swimming in schools. Moray eels peek out from rocky crevices, while well-camouflaged scorpionfish blend into their surroundings. Seabream and damselfish add vibrancy with their lively presence, and the occasional sighting of the enormous sunfish is an unforgettable highlight of the underwater adventure.
The range of dive sites, from shallow areas perfect for beginners to deeper, more challenging spots, makes it a special destination for divers of all levels.
PADI Discover Scuba Diving in Barcelona
This diving event is recommended for beginners. You will learn the basics of diving in a safe, controlled environment with an experienced instructor.
Learn how to use diving equipment and discover the underwater world like never before.
Great was to observe a variety of underwater life in their natural habitat close to the Barcelona coastline.
All instructors are PADI qualified and experienced with diving novices.
Take home videos and photos to impress your friends on social media on your dive in Barcelona.
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Puerto del Carmen: Guided Scuba Dive for Certified Divers
Explore one of Lanzarote's best diving spots on a guided dive for certified divers. Marvel at the diverse sea life off the coast of Puerto del Carmen on the south coast of the island.
This advanced diving activity is for divers that hold a current SSI CMAS, PADI, or equivalent dive certificate.
Meet up at the dive centre to get kitted out before boarding the rib boat and setting out for your dive spot. All the divers in your group are of the same certification level for your safety and enjoyment.
The sites offer good visibility for the best marine life views. You will get to swim with angel sharks and other protected flora and fauna. Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, meaning its ecosystems are conserved well.
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Scuba Dive in a Beautiful Nature Reserve On Mallorca
Discover for yourself the magic of learning to dive with qualified guides in a safe environment. See a whole new world of marine wildlife around the Balearic Island of Mallorca.
Instruction starts with a safety briefing and introduction to diving as you prepare for your first underwater drive.
Drive out to the stunning Cala Delta Bay situated in a beautiful nature reserve and a great spot for entering the ocean as a beginner diver.
After you have become familiar with the breathing techniques used, guided by qualified instructors, you will begin to carry out your first dive.
In small groups of no more than 6 with at least 2 guides, begin your discovery of life below the surface. Spend up to 45 minutes exploring the tranquil underwater world and seeing a huge variety of marine wildlife.
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Baptism Scuba Diving in Marine Reserve Menorca
Get to experience your first dive within a stunning marine reserve off the coast of Menorca.
Here you will learn the basic rules of diving with a fully qualified instructor before getting up close with the local marine life.
Either meet up at the dive school or choose to be picked up at your hotel.
Learn dive basics and rules from your instructor before practicing a few important exercises.
You will then travel to the dive site by boat to enjoy an unforgettable dive experience in the warm clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
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Discover Scuba Diving with Free Photos of Tenerife
Discover the amazing underwater world of the Canary Island of Tenerife.
Marvel at the volcanic formations and diverse marine life on your first dive around this stunning volcanic island.
This diving activity is for novices looking to enjoy their first ocean dive.
The activity starts with the theoretical side of diving followed by the basics of how to use the equipment as well as techniques such as breathing and underwater communication.
The dive starts in the shallow waters in calm seas before going a bit deeper, around 12 meters.
The instructors are present at all times to ensure your dive is safe plus they will be taking lots of photos for you to impress your family and friends.
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Ibiza Scuba Diving for Beginners and Snorkelling
This diving activity is perfect for beginners and for all family members from 10 years of age.
Explore southern Ibiza’s underwater world during this beginner’s scuba diving course off San Antonio.
Meet up at San Antonio port, there, will be provided with your dive outfits and equipment, including a wetsuit, mask, fins, and a snorkel.
As you sail to the dive locations, you can relax in the top deck solarium.
The instruction lasts around 35-minutes which includes a 15-minute theoretical class on board.
This is an amazing introduction to the world of diving where you will descend to around 8 meters and explore a beautiful house reef, inquisitive fish, and the odd sleeping octopus. Dolphins are often seen on the cruise back to the San Antonio Marina.
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