Sa Dragonera (Freu de sa Dragonera marine reserve)
The island opposite Sant Elm closing Mallorca off to the south-west has been a natural park since 1995 and its marine strip protected since 2016 (marine reserve Freu de sa Dragonera). Dives are defined by rock walls falling vertically, in places to 50 m, with overhangs and cracks where groupers and conger eels shelter; 220bars also mentions a window cave with an air pocket. mallorca-plus calls it a marine protected area with one of the most species-rich underwater landscapes in the Balearics. Position estimated, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Mallorca & Cabrera (Balearic Islands)
- Area: Palma & Southwest
- Depth: 10–40 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: moderate
- Type: wall, cave, island
- Coordinates: 39.585, 2.3125 (approximate)
- Highlights: walls dropping to 50 m, window cave with an air pocket, big fish and occasional pelagics
- Permit: Sa Dragonera lies in the Reserva Marina del Freu de sa Dragonera (the authorisation is valid only in the part managed by the Balearic government). Recreational diving in the Balearic marine reserves needs an authorisation issued to the dive centre or club (Direcció General de Pesca i Medi Marí); individual divers go with an authorised centre, they do not apply themselves. Applicant centres must be on the Balearic register and their guides must have completed the "responsible diving in marine reserves" course. In some reserves there are fully protected zones where scuba diving is banned. Check the current rules with the centre or the Govern page. (Source: Govern de les Illes Balears procedure page, 2025 archive copy)
- Issuer / contact: Direcció General de Pesca i Medi Marí, Govern de les Illes Balears (marine reserves)
- Tips: Deep, exposed wall dives for experienced divers; only the Balearic-government part of the reserve needs the centre authorisation.