Cabrera Archipelago Reserve (La Pared) – Balearic Islands – Mallorca
Site Overview
The Cabrera Archipelago Marine Reserve protects dramatic walls such as La Pared, clad in gorgonians and home to large groupers, dentex, tuna and the occasional dolphin. Strictly controlled and reached only by permitted boat from Colonia de Sant Jordi, the reserve offers pristine visibility and some of the healthiest reef in the Balearics. Advanced divers explore the drop-offs and walls, while the remoteness keeps the experience exclusive. Cabrera is a bucket-list destination for Mediterranean divers. 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
"Take the permitted boat to Cabrera and descend along the wall, controlling any current and watching the gorgonians for groupers and morays. Follow the drop-off at 20-35 m, then ascend with a safety stop and careful air management. 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
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Dentex
Dentex dentex
Best: Summer
Tuna
Thunnus spp.
Best: Summer
Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Current on the wall
- Depth and nitrogen limits
- Remote location
- Permit rules
- Limited services
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Designed for advanced divers who want pristine gorgonian walls and big groupers in a protected reserve. It rewards photographers and experienced explorers. The permit system makes it a rare, privileged dive. 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.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Cabrera Authorised Diving
- Mallorca Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Colonia de Sant Jordi • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Colonia de Sant Jordi • 5km away