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7 best places in Spain to scuba dive

The coastal waters of Spain are widely recognised as the best diving spots in Europe

Spain’s crystalline seas are a hotbed of activity during the summer months, with all manner of water sports and activities on offer across the country. Swimming and snorkelling are a great way to explore the sea life and marine vegetation close to shore but for those with a more adventurous spirit, only scuba diving will do.

Part of the appeal of diving, aside from the fact that it takes swimmers to such dizzying depths, is that it’s a sport open to pretty much anyone. Divers don’t have to particularly athletic, since it’s more about technique and patience than strength, and the activity can be equally enjoyed by children and older adults.

Where to learn to dive

Spain is home to many diving schools spread throughout the country and while most are naturally dotted along the vast coast, those living or holidaying inland should have no trouble finding a course in the larger cities.

As with the rest of the world, Spanish schools offer a variety of different diving qualifications but it’s best to sign up for a course that’s internationally recognised, in order to be able to dive in other countries.

The minimum age to join a scuba course is usually 10 years and there’s no maximum, assuming a relative level of fitness. Training consists of both theory and practical skills, the latter learned first in a pool and then tried out in the open ocean.

Once qualified, the experts in Spain recommend that divers always enter the depths with a buddy; not only is it safer to have company if you run into trouble, it’s also a lot more fun.

When you enroll in a course, you normally won’t have to face any other expense since the diving school should have all the equipment you need, such as isothermal suits, diving masks, oxygen tanks etc.

The best spots in Spain to scuba dive

Now on to the fun part. The coasts of Spain are widely acknowledged as the very best in Europe, the Mediterranean Sea being a stand-out for is huge choice of diving schools and crystal clear waters.

Here are some of the best spots in Spain for scuba diving:

1. Medes Islands

Located on the Costa Brava, the Medes Islands, or Islas Medas in Spanish, is a compact, craggy group of seven islets that make up one of the richest marine reserves in all of Spain.

2. Los Ullastres

Also on the Costa Brava, this dive site comprises three underwater mountains with a breathtaking array of flora and fauna. Los Ullastres is just a couple of kilometres from the port of Llafranc and boast wonderfully clear water.

3. Balearic Islands

Always a favourite holiday destination, this archipelago is also paradise for divers and stands out for its monumental submerged caves and its excellent visibility.

4. Tabarca

Making the first appearance on the list for Alicante is the Tabarca Marine Reserve, which offers one of the best examples of the Mediterranean nautical ecosystem.

5. Cabo de Palos

The outer shoals of this well-loved Murcia beach are generally acknowledged as one of the best diving spots in the entire Mediterranean Sea.

6. Cabo de Gata

Moving down to Andalucia next to the picturesque province of Almeria, and curious divers can explore Cabo de Gata, a protected area whose shallow and varied coasts are suitable for all diving levels. The cove is most famous for its wide meadows of marine plants and underwater caves, where you can search for the legendary hidden treasure.

7. Canary Islands

The year-round mild climate and clear waters make the Canary Islands one of the most popular destinations for divers. Its volcanic beds are inhabited by a multitude of tropical species absent from mainland Spain and the tiny island of El Hierro is one of the best preserved sites in the Canary Islands.

Now read: These are the cheapest regions in Spain to rent a holiday home this summer

Images: Freepik

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