Wreck of the Francisco – Balearic Islands – Menorca
Site Overview
The Francisco is a 40 m freighter scuttled off Mahón as an artificial reef, now resting at 20-30 m with barracuda, morays and abundant macro life colonising the hull. Its accessible depth and easy boat access make it a popular Menorcan wreck dive, and the surrounding sand adds garden eels and gobies. Advanced divers circle the structure and peek into the openings, while photographers find reliable subjects. The Francisco is a solid addition to any Menorca itinerary. 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 wreck and descend to the deck at 20 m. Circle the hull, peeking into open sections where morays and congers hide, then ascend with a safety stop and watch for boat traffic on exit. 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
Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodoris spp.
Best: Year-round
Wrasse
Labrus spp.
Best: Year-round
Conger Eel
Conger conger
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Sharp edges
- Silt disturbance
- Depth and nitrogen limits
- Boat traffic overhead
- Confined structure
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Suited to Advanced divers wanting a gentle, fish-filled wreck with strong macro potential. It appeals to photographers and wreck enthusiasts. Training divers build skills here under guidance. 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
- Maó Diving
- Menorca Dive
Photography Info
Best for: macro, wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Maó • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Maó • 5km away