Explore Mallorca Magazine May/June 2013 | Page 27

ACTIVITY REPORT

ACTIVITY REPORT SCUBA DIVING
Long gone are the days when scuba diving was considered an adrenaline sport of the young and fool-hardy. Today swimming (and breathing) below the waves attracts those of all ages and is fast becoming a popular family activity. Mallorca offers excellent scuba diving opportunities, both for experienced divers and those wanting to get involved, and has one of the Mediterranean’s healthiest eco-systems. MALLORCA UNDERWATER Mallorca’s greatest appeal for scuba divers is its warm waters, whose visibility can reach an impressive 30 to 40m in summer. May is when the season starts and while temperatures are still a refreshing 14-16C they quickly warm up to a tepid 22-24C in August. While underwater exploration is always thrilling, the island’s limestone cliffs have gently eroded over the years to create a magical landscape pocketed with caves, tunnels and arches that would have made Jacques Cousteau envious. While destinations such as the Caribbean boast colourful corals and psychedelic fish, the Mediterranean is more understated, but by no means less interesting. In the waters off Mallorca, easy-to-spot creatures such as moray eels, groupers, barracuda, octopus, rays and goatfish live in great numbers. WHERE TO DIVE In the southwest around Santa Ponsa and Andratx. The island marine reserves of El Toro, Malgrats and Dragonera are a haven for fish who flourish in the protected waters. Palma bay is home to the wrecks of two large cargo ships which sank in the 1980’s. In the north around Cap de Formentor, Alcúdia and Puerto Pollensa. Sheltered coves provide calm conditions perfect for novices, while the steep-sided cliffs turn into impressive wall dives as they disappear under the surface. Along the east coast. The marine reserves of Cabrera and Cala Ratjada are home to numerous dive sites, Cala Ratjada’s most popular being the Big Cheese named for its maze of connecting tunnels. Indeed caves are the main feature all the way along this craggy coastline.
©Czanner | Dreamstime.com

The island’s clear waters support a healthy marine life.

TAKING THE PLUNGE Beginner courses take between two and four days and anyone from the age of 10 can get certified. Courses consist of pool sessions, classroom work and open water dives and students will go to a maximum depth of 18m. Half-day trial dives with experienced instructors are a wonderful introduction to diving for those with less time or who simply want to give it a go.

MORE INFORMATION Contact the dive centres for more information on dive sites and courses or visit www.padi.com or www.divessi.com.

25