Ibiza hides a wonderful and little-known world beneath its shores that can be explored by diving. Plunging into its waters and discovering the richness of this part of the Mediterranean is one of the most rewarding experiences on the island, which can be enjoyed nearly all year round. A good reason to visit Ibiza.
This sport is recommended for people of all ages who are curious and eager to investigate the marine fauna and flora of Ibiza, explore its coves, forget their worries, breathe deeply and enjoy the sensations that diving awakens. Everyone who dives in Ibiza is amazed by the clarity and transparency of the waters surrounding the island, resulting from the purifying effect of the vast Posidonia Oceanica meadows.
We propose two underwater routes so that both beginners and experts can embark on this adventure around the island; always in the company of professionals, of course!
The Canyons d’es Vedranell route, suitable for beginners
This is a route through the deep waters surrounding the islet of Es Vedranell, located in southwest Ibiza and belonging to the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia. It is a small, uninhabited, protected rock that belongs to one of Ibiza’s greatest tourist attractions: Es Vedrà. These two islets belong to the Nature Reserve comprising the vast majority of the islets located on the western coast of Ibiza, Reserva Natural des Vedrà, es Vedranell i els Illots de Ponent, which can also be seen during this boat trip.
Divers of all levels can follow this easily accessible route, which begins with a boat trip from Cala d’Hort. As you sail towards the emblematic Es Vedranell, a horseshoe-shaped islet, you will get a glimpse of the famous and impressive Es Vedrà, which looks like a volcano and has indescribable cliffs that reach 382 metres in height and form the breath-taking architecture of this legendary place, which has been the inspiration for several novels, stories and legends.
When you reach Es Vedranell, the boat will anchor on the northern side and you will dive to the seabed, where you will find canyons with walls in the shape of “needles”, which run parallel on the underwater trails that lead to Es Vedrà.
With the help of a compass, the aim is to swim through these canyons, descending along the north face in a southwestern direction. In the first phase, about 8 metres below the surface, you will reach a rock that covered with Posidonia seagrass, alongside which the route passes until it reaches a depth of 26 metres. Next, you come to the first canyon, which is estimated to be 3 metres wide and has the appearance of a colourfully upholstered passageway.
Continuing along the route, you leave the wall on the right and immediately come to the second canyon, at the same depth as the first and in the shape of a round stone. To get to the third canyon, you have to turn around and head south until you find yourself at 12 metres below the surface. At this point, the great variety of underwater species you will see while diving between the canyon’s walls is truly impressive.
Once the route is completed, you will carefully ascend to the surface and return to the boat to finish the trip and enjoy the peace and quiet of the beaches in this area, such as Cala d’Hort or Cala Carbó.
Ses Margalides route, medium level, for more experienced divers
This underwater route, located on the west coast of Ibiza, off the famous “Portes del Cel”, is a trail for true diving lovers, reaching a depth of up to 60 metres.
Caves, passages, shipwrecks, dazzling light effects and other wonders of nature characterise this dive known as “Ses Margalides”, which are two rocks that emerge from the sea half a kilometre from the coast, between Cap Negret and Punta del Caire des Castellar. The larger rock, “Ses Balandres”, is shaped like a horseshoe and its central part forms a natural arch through which small boats can pass. The smaller rock is located about 14 metres to the west of the former and is known as “Picatxo”.
To embark on this experience, it is necessary to take a boat trip, anchor at one of the submerged buoys on the northern arm of “Ses Balandres” and be equipped with a torch and the full diving kit.
Once there, divers must prepare to go down a vertical wall to a depth of 25 metres. At this point, a steep, rocky slope begins, reaching a depth of 40 metres, which only the most experienced diving enthusiasts will be able to reach, and where the shades of blue transport you to a whole new world. It is a place of indescribable beauty where the sun’s rays become dimmer the deeper you go.
Thanks to the large cracks in the rocky walls in the deepest areas, visitors will be able to discover a variety of fauna and flora unique to the area, such as the shoals of barracudas and the small coral reefs. Other species such as different types of sponges, red coral, lobsters and sea urchins can also be observed on this route as you descend.
Going up the northern arm of the main island, you will find a 25-metre wide underwater tunnel, completely covered by a mantle of encrusted yellow anemones that line the way to an upper dome. Located just 3 metres from the surface, this dome is the high point of this route, illuminating the last moments of the dive with its peculiar natural light before reaching the surface.
In order for visitors to enjoy this wonderful underwater scenery, prior training is essential.
If you are not an expert in this sport, we recommend that you go in the company of professionals, whereas if you are already an expert diver, you can experience this route without monitors, but always with at least one companion.