The island of Tabarca is a marine reserve since 1986, in fact it was the first area declared as a marine reserve. This makes the area around the island undoubtedly one of the best places to dive in the Mediterranean. In fact, the fact that it is a marine reserve makes Tabarca to be considered the temple for the most experienced divers.
It is an area where controlled fishing and good care of the marine reserve make this area a place where you can find many marine species. In addition, characteristic of the area, it is composed of Posidonia oceanica. The Posidonia is a marine plant that forms real forests that oxygenate our planet and turn the area of the Tabarca Marine Reserve into an aquarium of crystalline waters.
If you are certified, there are several dive centers authorized to dive in the dive sites of Tabarca, you can find several from Santa Pola and even from Alicante. Remember to contract with an authorized center.
If, on the other hand, you don’t have a diving licence, we recommend that you take a diving baptism guided by an instructor, as it is without doubt one of the best activities you can do in Tabarca.
What is a diving baptism in Tabarca?
Dive sites in Tabarca
On the island of Tabarca there are different diving areas depending on whether you are diving in inland waters or outside waters.
- Inland waters in Tabarca
The marine reserve in inland waters is the area closest to the island of Tabarca. In these waters there are several areas for diving, such as: Escull Negre, Artificial reefs, La Galera, Escull Roig and Aguas Libres.
This area is made up of 5 diving zones: Escull Roig (-8m.), Islote de la Galera(-6m.), Escull Negre(-10m.), Arrecife Artificial(-20m.) or Free Water zone.
For this area, authorisation is required from the Consellería de Pesca de Alicante and permits must be requested with the necessary documentation (diving licence, ID card, medical certificate in case of any health problems and diving insurance, at least 7 days in advance).
- Outdoor waters in Tabarca
Is it possible to dive all year round?
Yes, the dives in Tabarca can be done all year round, however, you must bear in mind that from October to March the dives can only be done on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while the rest of the year on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (in inland waters) and every day in outside waters.