Illa de l'Aire marine reserve
The Illa de l'Aire reserve off the south-east coast of Menorca (Sant Lluís municipality) extends from Punta de Rafalet to Punta de Xoriguer around the islet and its lighthouse; it has been protected since 2019 (about 700 ha) and the seabed has Posidonia meadows and algae communities, many caves in the calcareous rock, and ten underwater archaeological sites with shipwrecks and old anchors. A special diving zone runs from S'Algar to Biniancolla where fishing is not allowed. About 2,000 dives a year are made in the area. The marker is placed west of the islet, in the water – approximate.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera
- Area: Menorca
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, cave, wreck
- Coordinates: 39.8, 4.2875 (approximate)
- Highlights: ten underwater archaeological sites, shipwrecks and ancient anchors, caves in calcareous rock, special diving zone S'Algar–Biniancolla
- Permit: Marine reserve of the Govern de les Illes Balears: recreational diving needs an authorisation from the Direcció General de Pesca i Medi Marí, which dive centres on the Balearic register obtain for guided dives. Diving inside submarine caves is prohibited in the Menorcan reserves. The authorisation scheme is described on the official procedure page; confirm current rules with your centre.
- Issuer / contact: Govern de les Illes Balears – Direcció General de Pesca i Medi Marí, Servei de Recursos Marins (marine reserves)
- Tips: Specific sites within the reserve (wrecks, caves) vary – ask a local centre; cave penetration is banned in Menorca's reserves per the official regulations.