Sa Dragonera – Balearic Islands – Mallorca
Site Overview
Sa Dragonera is a marine reserve islet off the southwest coast, its vertical walls draped in red gorgonians and patrolled by huge groupers, barracuda and the occasional eagle ray. Advanced divers drift along the drop-offs at 18-45 m, enjoying some of Mallorca’s most dramatic scenery and visibility. The strong current and depth make it a serious but spectacular dive, and the protected status keeps the reef pristine. Sa Dragonera is a highlight for experienced 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
"Boat to the islet and descend the shot line against the current to the wall, drifting along the gorgonian face at 25-40 m. Watch the blue for eagle rays and barracuda, then ascend with a long 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
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Eagle Ray
Myliobatis aquila
Best: Summer
Gorgonian
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: Summer
Safety & Hazards
- Strong current
- Depth and nitrogen limits
- Boat traffic offshore
- Cold thermocline
- Surface conditions
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Designed for advanced and drift-experienced divers who want red-gorgonian walls and big groupers. It rewards wide-angle photographers and experienced explorers. Seasonal eagle rays make it a memorable drift. 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
- Santa Ponsa Diving
- Mallorca Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Santa Ponsa • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Santa Ponsa • 5km away