Scuba diving in Menorca
Our dive sites
Scuba diving with Son Bou Scuba is more than being underwater. We absolutely like the work we do, which is why we only dive at the best dive sites in Menorca.
We have over 45 dive sites spread across the island, depending on your level of experience. Unexpected colors and marine life can be found on reefs, wrecks, caves and caverns. And all that combined with water temperatures of 28 degrees and an average visibility of more than 30 meters.
Northern Marine Reserve
Son Bou Scuba is one of only three dive centres in Menorca authorised to conduct scuba diving in the Northern Marine Reserve. Here we find an unrivalled abundance of fish, such as schools of barracuda, tuna and large groupers.
Cave and cavern diving on Menorca
Menorca has an impressive underwater landscape with many caves and caverns. These are thought to be some of the most stunning in the Mediterranean. As a result, our dive sites include a selection of the 15 best caves and caverns, including the famous Pont d’en Gil cavern, Swiss Cheese, Cathedral and the Belltower.
Because the exit is always visible, most caverns are also accessible to less experienced divers. In some of them, we can surface to admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
Below is a selection of our dive sites. The stars are an indication of the difficulty level (1-4):
Belltower **
Many of our divers consider this the best cavern dive on the south coast. We can enter this cave through two different openings, after which we find ourselves in a vast tunnel. At the end, we surface in a large air bubble where we can see the stalactites above us. Depth: 14 - 22 metres.
Cala Viola * (marine reserve)
The dive starts from a small beach that gradually drops downs to a depth of 6 metres. The area is usually full of small fish, barracudas and some rays. Following an aluminium mast through the sea grass, we discover the remnants of the ‘Chrisaldy’. In February 1996, the waves washed this 22-metre French sailing yacht onto the rocks, breaking it into multiple pieces. The remains of the wreck are spread over a large area and offer interesting settings for underwater photographers. Max. depth: 18 metres.
Cueva de los Ingleses **
Cueva de los Ingleses is located just outside the Northern Marine Reserve and can be reached quickly by boat. We anchor near the cavern's entrance and begin the dive by swimming away from the coast to a depth of 25 metres. With a little luck, we might see some groupers and lobsters.
Before running out of bottom time, we ascend to 14 metres and swim towards the cavern's entrance. The cavern's opening continues on the surface, so it is possible to surface inside, with a view to the north. We will explore from right to left, following the outlines of the cavern, looking for shrimp, lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans common to these settings. Swimming back towards the entrance, we can enjoy the gorgeous backlight with an impressive column on the left.
East End */**
This dive site is one of our favourite locations! Here we find everything we need for an excellent dive: depths of up to 30 meters and a spectacular environment with massive boulders. A variety of marine species such as stingrays, flying gurnards, moray eels, spiny lobsters, nudibranchs, octopuses and piper gurnards can be found here. A dive for all levels, as the depth may be readily adjusted to match one's experience.
Diver's Playground *
Giant rocks and stones, combined with a steep wall, guarantee an unforgettable dive. Everywhere we find tunnels, small caves and canyons. In between the rocks we can find moray eels, octopus, trigger fish and colorful nudibranchs, while on the sand it is possible to spot stingrays, eagle rays and flying gurnards. An ideal place for photographers, as there is plenty to explore here. Many of our divers tell us that one dive is not enough to see everything.
Depth: 8 - 21 metres.
Los Bloques *
We enter the water in a beautiful hidden cove, located on the west coast. Swimming towards the sea, the depth of the bay steadily increases from 3 to 10 metres, leading to a drop-off to 18 metres. Going to the left, we find various groups of big boulders, that reach from 18 to 7 metres. On the excursion, we usually see octopus, moray eels and nudibranchs. The boulders are a gathering point for large schools of fish and barracudas. Visibility here is often excellent and with any luck, we might even see enormous tuna!
Faro d'Artrutx *
We usually frequent this spot as a repetitive dive after diving the "Malakoff" wreck. Below the lighthouse of Cap d'Artrutx we find a landscape with canyons, drop-offs, overhangs and small caves, as well as a wealth of marine life.
In May and June, large stingrays can be observed as they come here to mate.
Fossil Cave ****
Another attraction on Menorca's south shore. The three letterbox openings that lead to this cave are located at the end of a large overhang. Once inside, the cave opens up into a spacious space filled with massive rocks that have fallen from the roof at some point. The visibility within is usually comparable to that of cenotes in Mexico! Following a safety stop, we emerge via a freshwater halocline into a small air pocket. Looking up at the roof, we can see the fossilized remains of hundreds of shells, which is how the cave acquired its name. Max. depth: 17 metres.
Isla de Tirant * (marine reserve)
We moor the boat in a sheltered cove with a depth of around 5 meters. After entering the water, we follow a drop-off that leads us to a sandy bottom at 18 metres. As we proceed, we can see pipefish, moray eels, and octopus. Outside the bay, we can observe schools of barracuda, amberjacks and tuna.
We will continue our dive around the island until we reach a wall that leads to a maze of gullies and canyons. As we swim through the canyons, we come across a stunning arch that leads us back to the bay where the boat is anchored.
Horse Shoe Tunnel **
The Horse Shoe is best described as two tunnels connected by a chimney. We usually dive the Horse Shoe as a shortcut on the way to the ‘Moon Pool’. After a wide opening, the tunnel quickly narrows and ends in a chimney. This is where we swim a few metres upwards, while looking for shrimp and lobsters. Once we reach the ceiling of the chimney, we can see the exit and enjoy the beautiful backlight coming from it.
Junkers 88 wreck ****
On February 24, 1943, this German Ju-88 A4 light bomber stationed in Sicily strayed off course after a strike on targets in Algeria. When the pilot saw the Isla del Aire lighthouse and with little fuel left, he chose to make an emergency landing in the water in front of a boat carrying local fisherman. All four crew members survived the landing.
The Junkers is now resting at a depth of 47 metres, largely intact. This is a difficult dive due to the depth and typically strong current. We plan this dive on request, in cooperation with one of our partner dive centers.
Labyrinth */**
Labyrinth, also referred to as "Grand Canyons," is a dive location on the west coast. We descend into an amazing sinkhole after passing through the rocky entrance and then proceed diving along the shore until we come to the entrance of a fantastic cavern. Inside we locate a tunnel that takes us deeper into the coast after swimming through a halocline within. On the left side we can see a mailbox-shaped exit that allows us to leave the cavern. If we continue along the coast, we enter an underwater labyrinth of tunnels and canyons that takes us to a maximum depth of 20 metres.
Labyrinth is a fantastic place for underwater photography.
Punta Lajial * (marine reserve)
A recently discovered diving spot that has provided us with incredible surprises. After anchoring, we descend to a depth of about 15 metres. While swimming towards a channel, we frequently encounter moray eels, sea breams, groupers and octopuses in their hiding places. As we approach an area of sea grass, we head to the right and reach a rocky area at a depth of approximately 18 metres. Following the rocks, we reach a terrace at a depth of 23 metres, followed by a drop-off of around 34 metres. In addition to enormous groupers, spiny lobsters are commonly seen hiding in rock fissures here. As this dive site is located within the Northern Marine Reserve, it is teeming with life.
Cathedral **
Beautiful cavern with an massive opening from 6 to 22 metres. Cathedral is the largest underwater cavern on the south coast, making it ideal for divers with little experience in cavern diving. While swimming towards the back, we can see columns and large boulders. As we turn and continue along the opposite wall, we will have an excellent view of the cavern's opening. After a safety stop, we surface into a large air bubble and see the stalactites hanging from the ceiling above us. When we switch off our dive lights, the light from outside turns the cavern blue. Without a doubt, one of the best cavern dives on Menorca.
Llosa del Patró Pere ** (marine reserve)
La Llosa del Patró Pere is considered to be among the best dive sites in the Northern Marine Reserve. We reach La Llosa, which is located in the centre of the reserve, by boat.
Following a canyon, we eventually reach a large arch at 22 metres, where we encounter a group of approx. 150 barracuda’s. After we have enjoyed the barracuda's, we continue our way and make a tour around an underwater hill. Large groupers, amberjacks and sometimes tuna can be spotted here.
Max. depth: 30 metres.
Lightning Corner I **
This dive location is located on the north coast. We anchor the boat near a massive rockfall caused by a lightning strike many years ago, which gives the place its name. Diving along the reef, we come across the entrance to the first cavern, which opens into a big chamber with surface openings that provide a stunning backlight. A tunnel connects this cavern to another cave. After leaving this cave, we proceed to a third cavern, which has an exit on the left and a tunnel running parallel to the coast. We follow this tunnel until we reach the end and emerge into an air-filled chamber. After leaving the cave, we discover a seabed with huge boulders stacked on top of each other, allowing us to dive beneath and swim out through another opening.
Lightning Corner II *
We leave the boat and drop to a depth of 15 metres. Large boulders on the seafloor allow us to dive beneath them. After ten minutes, we reach a massive round hole in the bottom that leads to a depth of 20 metres. Inside, there are various overhangs, some of which contain lobsters. We keep to the right and pass through a massive arch. Looking over our shoulder, we can see the other divers in a stunning backlight. We then enter into a cavern. Once inside, we emerge and can see the ceiling 40 metres above us. After admiring the cavern, we continue our dive by exploring two smaller caves.
When we reach this point in the dive, we gently ascend and swim away from the reef to make our safety stop.
Isla de Porros ** (marine reserve)
Isla de Porros marks the marine reserve's northern limit. This is one of the best dives in the reserve because of the underwater scenery, which includes drop-offs and enormous groupers, as well as amberjacks and barracudas.
We anchor the boat on the island's south coast at a depth of 10 metres. While descending, we come across huge rocks that provide protection from the current. Here, we frequently see barracudas. At a depth of 30 metres, we come upon an array of boulders that houses a family of huge groupers.
As we approach the southwestern extremity of the island, we turn around before the current forces us around the bend. As we swim back along the reef, we look for archaeological remnants amid the rocks, which include stone anchors and amphora shards.
Macaret Point *
The typical steep walls of Menorca's north coast continue underwater here, guaranteeing a beautiful underwater environment. Small canyons and tunnels, combined with large schools of fish, provide an ideal backdrop for underwater photography. A large group of barracudas has its territory here. An excellent shore dive when the wind blows from the south. Depth: 10 - 22 metres.
Malakoff wreck ***
During a storm in January 1929, the French steamer Malakoff collided with a rock structure locally known as the “Escull de Gobernador”, and sank in approximately 7 minutes. Nowadays, this remarkable wreck sits upright at a maximum depth of 38 metres. The deck is located at approximately 32 metres. Because the wreck is surrounded by a sandy bottom, it creates an artificial reef about 105 metres long. As a result, we encounter an incredible amount of fish, which attracts many pelagic fish. A group of roughly 100 barracudas has made its permanent home here. We can also observe conger eels, large groupers and triggerfish. Divers may occasionally observe remains of the cargo, such as ceramic tiles and porcelain.
Moon Pool ***
Moon Pool is one of the most famous caves in Menorca. A beautiful steep wall leads us to the entrance, which we find at a depth of 13 metres. We proceed some 50 meters into the rocky coast via a tunnel that twists numerous times. As we follow this tunnel, we swim over large rocks and round pebbles until we reach a round chamber with a circular hole in the ceiling. Here we make our safety stop before surfacing in a small air bubble. On the way back, we look for conger eels, crabs and prawns, which are abundant here.
Ocean Diver wreck **
The Ocean Diver is a small Dutch freighter about 23 metres long. She was last used for tobacco smuggling between several Mediterranean ports and North Africa, and eventually impounded by the Spanish Coast Guard. After several years of rusting in the port of Mahón, the Ocean Diver was sunk to create an artificial reef. Directly in front of the dive centre, she sits upright on the sea floor at a depth of 28 metres and provides a habitat for groupers and nudibranchs.
Puerta de la Iglesia ***
After leaving a sheltered cove, we will swim for 10 minutes till we reach this cave. While entering, we'll stay away from the sandy bottom, as a wrong fin kick can bring visibility down to just a few metres.The cave gradually narrows as it continues straight into the coast. After about 100 metres we reach a restriction with some stalactites and stalagmites. From now on, access is only possible with sidemount-configuration, so we turn around.
While swimming back, we search for crustaceans and enjoy the blue from the opening, which resembles a church door. A truly amazing sight!
Max. depth: 23 metres.
Punta de S' Alemanya *
This dive site is located close to the renowned “Pont d'en Gil” cavern. We anchor in a secluded bay and swim in the direction of the famous arch. Following the reef, we notice a hidden tunnel in the wall and enter. Upon exiting the tunnel, we are outside the bay and descend to 20 metres. While following the boundary of sand and rock, we watch out for groupers, moray eels and octopuses. Stingrays and eagle rays are common sightings on the sand. While searching for marine life under the various overhangs, we swim around the headland to return to the bay where the boat is anchored.
Pont d'en Gil */**
Menorca's most famous cavern, with a length of 220 metres, should not be missed! Pont d'en Gil is full with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. This cavern is also suitable for less experienced divers, due to a maximum depth of 12 metres and the possibility to surface inside.
After anchoring in a nearby bay, we swim beneath the iconic arch. Shortly thereafter, the entrance of Pont d'en Gil becomes visible and we enter a large tunnel. Once inside, we float on the surface, admiring the stalactites above us. Experienced divers can enter a second cave at the end of the tunnel. There are no stalactites here, only “English Beach”. The trip back is underwater, and we leave the cavern through a narrow tunnel, that leads us back into the bay where the boat is moored.
S'Algar Funnels **/***
Two beautiful caverns, one above the other and connected by a tunnel. The upper cavern, with it’s opening at 8 metres, leads to a cenote (sinkhole) in the rocky coast of S'Algar. We begin our dive in the lower cavern, which has a maximum depth of 26 metres. This cave's semicircular opening is so vast that daylight can be seen all the way to the rear. Experienced divers can access the upper cavern via a narrow tunnel with a room in the middle. Less experienced divers will swim via the exit to the top cavern, where we may appreciate the cenote's amazing light. After a safety stop, we will surface in the sinkhole.
Once we return outside, we can reach a depth of 30 metres before beginning our gradual ascent along the wall.
S’ Olla */** (marine reserve)
This sheltered bay in the marine reserve accommodates divers of all abilities, as the depth can be easily adjusted to match the diver's experience level.
The easiest dive leads us along the bay's south side, swimming between boulders at depths ranging from 8 to 18 metres, where we can spot groupers, bream, moray eels, and octopus.
The other dive is only suitable for experienced divers, as we can reach depths of 40 metres. Swimming in a northernly direction, we come across enormous boulders that provide shelter for lobsters and groupers. The deepest section, at 40 metres, is where the largest groupers live. After turning around, we move to a shallower depth and follow a wall until we reach the boat and make our safety stop.
Punta es Morter * (marine reserve)
Punta es Morter has an unique underwater landscape with a surprising amount of marine life. After anchoring the boat, we follow the reef's edge until we come upon an impressive pinnacle. On the western side of the its slope, we can reach a depth of 28 metres. The highest concentration of life can be found here, including groupers, amberjacks, moray eels, and even bonito. The slope itself is typically covered in colourful nudibranchs. After swimming around the pinnacle, we return to the reef and enter an idyllic gorge that leads to a network of shallow tunnels. After swimming through the tunnels, we swim back to the reef's edge in search of a school of barracuda, which are frequently seen here.
Stalactite Cave **
Stalactite Cave, located on the north coast, is a small cavern that was discovered only recently and that is known to very few people. A small entrance leads us via a tunnel to an air-filled space, where we can surface. Inside it is shallow and we swim around a large rock. To the left there is another room full of stalactites and stalagmites. To reach this, we have to take of our fins and wade through a large crack. Here we can enjoy the true beauty of this cave, without touching anything, as the precipitation process is still ongoing after thousands of years.
Scorpion Cave ****
This cave is little known and therefore rarely visited. Once we enter a small opening in the rock wall, we find ourselves in a long tunnel with a small air bubble on the ceiling. Swimming to the right, we find a narrow passage in the bottom. After swimming through a restriction, we will see a tunnel that leads us to the "Belltower". Scorpion Cave is best dived in sidemount configuration and with cave diving experience. Depth: 7 - 14 metres.
Seven Arches *
The underwater landscape of this dive site is a real surprise! A labyrinth of different canyons, tunnels, steep walls and overhangs make it playful. Due to the shallow depth (max. 13 metres) an easy dive and very suitable for underwater photography.
Submarine Rock *
At the end of a sheltered cove, we reach a drop-off that takes us to 18 meters. To the right, Submarine Rock looms, and we follow the magnificent canyon it creates with the reef, looking for scorpion fish and octopus. Behind Submarine Rock we often see a large group of barracuda, amberjacks, and trigger fish. With some luck, we may also spot bonitos and tuna as large as 2 meters. There is also a vast amphora field here; the former cargo of a Roman vessel.
Depth: 8 - 23 metres.
Organ Loft ***
We find the cave's entrance at a depth of 14 metres. The entry is rather broad, but after approximately 30 metres, the ground abruptly rises to a circular room, from which we lose sight of the entrance. Looking over our left shoulder, we notice a collection of stalactites and stalagmites. The bottom of this section of the cave is a mix of very fine sand and particles, and one incorrect move of our fins will reduce visibility to zero. We continue through a tunnel 1.5 metres high, with the ceiling dropping to about 1 metre. On our right, we can see crevices in the rocks favoured by conger eels. A bit further down, a hole in the bottom takes us back directly in front of the cave entrance.
Tunnel Vision */**
Through a shallow opening in the rocky coast we find a tunnel half-filled with water. Somewhere in the middle the tunnel splits in two and comes together again before opening out into a large opening at 12 metres depth. Inside we can find octopus, shrimps and crabs.
Outside the tunnel is a wonderful drop-off down to 25 metres where we often encounter parrot fish, nudibranchs, barracuda's and eagle rays. We have the choice to either return through the tunnel by the second passage-way or follow the impressive coastal wall back to our starting point.
Swiss Cheese */**
Hollow rock on Menorca's north coast with tunnels, canyons and chimneys where we can swim in and out to our heart's content. Swiss Cheese is one of Menorca's most famous dive sites and a must-see.
A 50-metre long path leads us to a beautiful protected cove, where the dive site is located. While swimming towards the cavern we can spot nudibranchs, moray eels and octopus. Inside we'll find scorpion fish, crabs and several conger eels. In the spring we can also see the odd slipper lobster.
Outside, at a depth of 28 metres, is a sandy bottom where we can see rare white gorgonians and stingrays.
A dive site for all levels, as the dive plan can easily be adapted.
Santa Clara wreck ****
During a gale on April 20, 1983, the fishing trawler Santa Clara's engine failed 45 nautical miles northeast of Menorca. While a rescue operation was being arranged, the crew of the Clara most likely dropped illicit tobacco overboard. She was later tugged to the port of Mahon, where her crew vanished. In July 1988, after spending several years in the port of Mahon, the Santa Clara was sunk by the Spanish navy. She rested undisturbed at a depth of 47 metres off "Punta de Rafalet" before being rediscovered in 1997.
The wreck lies upright on a sandy bottom, creating an artificial reef. The wheelhouse is located at 41 metres and the forward mast at 35 metres depth. We plan this dive on request and in cooperation with one of our partner dive centres.