intermediate
    (95)

    Cabo de San Antonio (Cueva del Nao) – Valencian Community – Costa Blanca & Columbretes

    25m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Cabo de San Antonio is a marine reserve near Jávea and Dénia whose steep limestone walls drop into clear water, and the Cueva del Nao is a large cavern glowing with glassfish. Groupers, barracuda and nudibranchs fill the reef, and the protected status keeps the marine life abundant. Intermediate divers explore the wall and the cavern mouth, while the surrounding coast offers easy boat access. Cabo de San Antonio is a jewel of the Costa Blanca. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season.

    Dive Briefing

    "Boat to the cape and descend along the limestone wall, peeking into the Cueva del Nao with a torch and watching for groupers. Follow the reef at 10-20 m, then ascend with a safety stop in open water. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."

    Signature Marine Life

    Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Barracuda

    high

    Sphyraena viridensis

    Best: Year-round

    Glassfish

    high

    Parapristipoma spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Moray Eel

    high

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Nudibranch

    high

    Chromodoris spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Overhead cavern section
    • Current on the wall
    • Depth and nitrogen management
    • Boat traffic offshore
    • Sun exposure
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital de Dénia Hyperbaric Unit
    10km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Suited to Open Water divers and above who want limestone walls, a glassfish cavern and groupers in a reserve. It suits photographers and those seeking healthy Costa Blanca reef. Confident divers enjoy the deeper wall. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level.

    reserve
    cave
    valencia

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp14-27°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Jávea Diving
    • Cabo de San Antonio Dive
    Pricing Guide
    $70 - $130
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Local Dive Lodge

    Jávea3km away

    Check Availability

    Coastal Guesthouse

    Jávea5km away

    Check Availability