Beneath the surface of the Mediterranean, Mallorca reveals a dimension just as fascinating as its terrestrial landscapes. The island, known for its coastal beauty, is a top-tier destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its coastline is dotted with an astonishing variety of sites, from the widest and most accessible beaches to the most sheltered and secret coves, each with its own unique character. In this article, we'll review 20 destinations selected for their underwater appeal, offering options for both beginners in aquatic exploration and more experienced divers.
Famous coves and beaches
In the northwest, you'll find some of the best beaches to get started with snorkeling and diving in Mallorca. These places combine natural beauty, accessibility, and services, making them perfect for those who want to explore the island's crystal-clear waters and marine life.
1. Playa de Muro
Located in the northern bay and highly regarded among the beaches in Mallorca, Playa de Muro stands out for its extensive sandy shore and easy access by both car—with large parking areas—and public transport from Alcudia or Can Picafort. Its shallow and generally calm waters make it ideal for beginners in snorkeling or for enjoying long family swims. Beneath the surface, meadows of Posidonia seagrass alternate with fine sand bottoms where it's easy to find schools of salema, sea bream, and other small fish. The natural environment is adorned with dunes and pine groves belonging to the S'Albufera Natural Park, providing shady areas and a cool atmosphere, even in the middle of summer. Notable services include snorkel gear rentals, showers, and beach bars. To make the most of visibility and find the beach less crowded, it's advisable to go early in the day or outside of peak high season.
2. Cala Mesquida
In the northeast of the island, Cala Mesquida captivates with its impressive landscape of dunes and pine forests, protected as a Natural Area of Special Interest. It can be easily reached by car, with parking a short distance from the sand, or by public bus from Capdepera during the summer. Its "wilder" character is evident in the spaciousness of the beach, the cleanliness of the water, and a feeling of being surrounded by nature. The difficulty is medium: its open orientation means that on windy days, the waves can be significant, so it's advisable to check the weather and wear water shoes if you want to explore the rocky areas. On the seabed, sandy areas coexist with rock formations where you can spot rainbow wrasse, salema, octopuses, and the occasional cuttlefish. The far right end, which is rockier and less crowded, is perfect for those who want to enjoy shallow-water diving in Mallorca. Among the services, Cala Mesquida offers showers, lifeguards, umbrella rentals, and several beach bars. Still, it's recommended to bring water and sun protection
3. Playa de Alcudia
Stretching on from Playa de Muro is Playa de Alcudia, one of the most well-known beaches in Mallorca for its lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Access is easy and direct from the port or by car, and the entire area has a wide range of services, restaurants, and activities for all ages. Its sandy bottom and extremely calm waters make it one of the safest options for those taking their first steps into snorkeling in Mallorca. At the ends of the beach, where the rocky areas begin, it's possible to find schools of fish, crabs, and occasionally small cuttlefish or octopuses hidden among the rocks. The setting offers open views towards the Victòria peninsula and features a long promenade. As a tip, heading to the less crowded ends is the best way to enjoy tranquility and discover greater local biodiversity underwater.
4. Es Trenc
Located in the south of Mallorca, Es Trenc is famous for its white sand and transparent waters, which evoke Caribbean landscapes. Access is easy from Campos, with parking areas and a short walk to the beach. It's perfect for those looking to combine relaxation and snorkeling in Mallorca, as its calm, shallow waters make exploration easy, even with children. Along its more than two kilometers of coastline, you'll find sections of dunes and more secluded spots where Posidonia seagrass meadows shelter schools of fish and small crustaceans. The natural environment, protected as a maritime-terrestrial park, is characterized by its wetlands and lack of buildings. It has basic services, lounge chair rentals, and beach bars. It's recommended to bring water and sun protection, and to swim in the quieter ends to fully enjoy the marine biodiversity.
Hidden coves
These somewhat hidden coves in Mallorca offer a more intimate and authentic experience, ideal for adventurers and lovers of tranquility.
5. Cala Varques
Located on the east coast, near Manacor, Cala Varques is a benchmark among the coves in Mallorca. To get there, leave your car by the road and walk along a dirt path for about 30 minutes. The difficulty is medium, due to both the journey and the complete absence of services on the beach. Its turquoise waters and white sand make it ideal for disconnecting; the surrounding cliffs and pine forests add an air of isolation. Underwater, schools of fish abound, and on both sides of the cove, there are caves accessible to experienced divers. Recommendation: wear comfortable shoes, bring provisions, and respect the environment.
6. Coll Baix
On the Alcúdia peninsula, this cove is famous for its solitary and wild environment. You can drive to a pine grove and then walk down for about 20 minutes, including a final rocky section with a somewhat demanding descent. The difficulty is high, suitable for experienced hikers. Coll Baix is a pebble beach with deep waters, perfect for exploring the rocky seabed, where it's easy to see fish emerging from crevices or schools of sea bream near the shore. The setting is surrounded by high cliffs and pine forests, and the feeling of isolation is total. Practical tip: sturdy footwear and sufficient water are essential.
7. Cala en Gossalba
Located on the Formentor peninsula, this is one of the most remote coves in Mallorca. The easiest access is by boat, although it is possible to arrive after a long hiking route from the lighthouse road, making the difficulty high. The environment is surprisingly tranquil: steep cliffs, pebble beaches, and deep blue waters perfect for snorkeling in Mallorca. The seabeds are home to species like moray eels and groupers among the submerged rocks. If you choose the trail, plan your route well and bring water and food.
8. Cala Magraner
In the southeast of the island, Cala Magraner is framed by low cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. It's reached by walking from the nearest parking lot, about 2 km from the coast, along a simple path that allows you to enjoy the Mallorcan rural landscape. The difficulty is low-to-medium and the atmosphere is relaxed, although it lacks services. Its calm waters and mixed sand-and-rock bottom make it a favorite destination for climbers and fans of relaxed diving. It is ideal for adventurous families willing to carry what they need for the day.
9. Cala Murta
Within the Formentor peninsula, Cala Murta offers the full essence of Mallorca's secret beaches. You can access it by leaving your car on the main Formentor road and walking about 1.5 km through pines and holm oaks, so it has a low-to-medium difficulty. The cove, with its pebbles and incredibly clear waters, is perfect for snorkeling—the stony bottoms and great visibility allow you to observe fish, starfish, and occasionally, octopuses. The environment is very peaceful, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle and connecting with nature. Bring what you need, as there are no services, and the local animals, especially the friendly goats, are known to be interested in food.
10. Cala Mitjana
Hidden in the east, between Porto Cristo and Cala Romántica, Cala Mitjana is a small beach of sand and blue waters, flanked by rock walls and pine trees that almost reach the sea. Access is on foot, via a path of about 20 minutes from the parking lot; the difficulty is low. The sea is very calm and shallow, ideal for snorkeling in Mallorca: you can observe small fish among the rocks near the shore. It's usually not very crowded, and its wild setting invites you to spend a relaxed day, always remembering to bring everything you might need, as it has no services.
Family-friendly beaches
The island offers a wide variety of family-friendly beaches, ideal for children to discover the sea and begin their first water activities in a controlled and fun-filled environment.
11. Playa de Palma
Located in the Bay of Palma, this extensive beach is a quintessential family destination. Access is very easy, either by car, with abundant parking areas, or via the public transport network that connects it to the city center. The beach is described as a long stretch of golden sand with very calm waters and a gradual entry into the sea, which makes it one of the most recommended beaches. The difficulty is low. Although its bottom is mostly sandy, it's a perfect place for the little ones to try snorkeling for the first time along the shore, looking for shells and small fish. The area is full of services: from beach bars and restaurants to playgrounds and water sports equipment rentals.
12. Cala d'Or (Cala Gran)
In the southeast of the island, Cala Gran is the main beach of the tourist hub of Cala d'Or and is fantastic for families. It's easily reached by car and has parking, although it can fill up quickly in high season. It's a sheltered cove between low cliffs, ensuring calm waters like a swimming pool. The difficulty is low, ideal for all ages. Its turquoise waters and sandy bottoms with rocky areas on the sides offer a great opportunity for snorkeling, where you can see schools of salema and rainbow wrasse. The landscape combines Mediterranean pine forest with white, Ibizan-style buildings. A good tip is to arrive early to secure a spot, as despite its name ("Grand Cove"), it's not excessively large.
13. Port de Pollença
Located in the bay of Pollença, in the north of the island, this beach is known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. It is easily accessible and has a long pedestrian promenade perfect for walking with strollers. Its waters are exceptionally calm and shallow, with a low difficulty. The bottom is mainly sandy, but marine life is concentrated near the jetties and the port, making the snorkeling experience easy and rewarding for children. The scenery is magnificent, with the Serra de Tramuntana as a backdrop. The area near the pine walk (Passeig Voramar) is especially beautiful and usually has more natural shade in the afternoon.
14. Sant Elm
This small fishing village in the southwest has two very welcoming family beaches. It's accessible by car, with regulated parking. The main beach, with fine sand, and the smaller one, with pebbles, offer very clean and calm waters, with spectacular views of the island of Sa Dragonera. The difficulty is low. It's an excellent place for snorkeling in Mallorca, as there are rocky areas with a lot of underwater life at shallow depths between the two beaches. The setting is picturesque, with beachfront restaurants serving fresh fish. It is recommended to take one of the boats that sail to Sa Dragonera to complete a perfect family day.
Areas for experts
For those seeking a greater challenge, the island reserves enclaves where geography and marine conditions demand expertise. These places, often remote or with complex access, reward visitors with high-value underwater landscapes and a marked sense of isolation. They are destinations for diving and snorkeling in Mallorca that require planning and respect for the environment.
15. Malgrats Islands
Off the coast of Santa Ponsa, this small archipelago is one of the benchmark marine reserves for diving in Mallorca. Access is by boat only, by booking excursions with local dive centers. This isolation helps preserve the environment: here, underwater walls drop vertically to over thirty meters, alternating with Posidonia seagrass meadows that shelter large fish, such as groupers, croakers, and schools of barracudas. One of the main attractions is the shipwreck intentionally sunk to promote biodiversity, now covered by sponges and anemones, where lobsters and surprisingly colorful nudibranchs hide. The sea currents can be intense, so extensive experience and rigorous dive planning are required.
16. Cala Bóquer
Located in the north, at the gateway to the Serra de Tramuntana, this is one of the coves in Mallorca that rewards the effort of a long hike. The access trail, enveloped in Mediterranean vegetation, descends from the Bóquer valley over a little more than an hour, past archaeological remains and soaring sea hawks. Once at the cove, the environment of large pebbles and cliffs lends an isolated and rugged atmosphere; entering the water, however, requires skill, as the bottom drops off quickly and currents are frequent. Beneath the surface, a universe of boulders and caves unfolds, home to painted combers, moray eels, octopuses, and schools of salema. Visibility is usually very good, especially on calm days after the Tramuntana wind. Sunrises here are especially recommended for those seeking a quiet dive in contact with local biodiversity, far from the more frequented beaches in Mallorca.
17. Sa Calobra
Famous for the winding descent to the Torrent de Pareis, Sa Calobra holds challenges under its waters that only experienced divers should face. Entry is normally from the pebble beach, where wind and waves can complicate the approach. The real adventure begins when you dive beneath the vertical canyon walls: here, the topography is irregular, with alternating caves, tunnels, and submerged canyons where light filters through, creating dimly lit environments inhabited by conger eels, forkbeards, and large schools of salema. Additionally, there are current zones towards the interior of the Torrent that require experience in underwater navigation. Diving in Mallorca in this area allows you to observe transitions between gravel, rock, and formations that continue through the canyon, in one of the island's most impressive sites for technical divers.
18. Cala Figuera (Formentor)
At the northern tip of the Formentor peninsula, this rocky cove is guarded by steep cliffs that make it inaccessible without a steep, approximately thirty-minute hike. The difficulty is high: it requires good physical condition, proper footwear, and provisions, as it lacks any services. Upon arrival, the sea is often rough, and the pebble bottom combines with rock formations that shelter moray eels, octopuses, and occasionally cuttlefish hidden in crevices. The waters here stand out for their transparency and depth; snorkeling in Mallorca takes on special value here, as it's still possible to see young groupers and schools of sea bass near the walls.
19. Cala Tuent
At the foot of the Puig Major slopes, Cala Tuent is the synthesis of mountain and sea. Access is via a narrow, winding road that ends near the cove itself, which is less frequented than its neighbor, Sa Calobra. Its environment is rugged, with large stones and clean waters where the Posidonia seagrass imparts that characteristic greenness of diving in Mallorca. Exposure to northerly winds increases the difficulty, making access and diving on wavy days tasks only for experts. The interesting thing underwater is the variety of microhabitats: rocky reefs, sandy clearings, and rich meadows where anemones, nudibranchs, and small rays hide. It is a prized destination for those seeking tranquility and ecological variety far from the hustle and bustle.
20. Cala Estellencs
This small cove in the Tramuntana combines the maritime flavor of its old port with the ruggedness of a stony access and abrupt seabeds where the sea often gains depth in just a few meters. Getting here requires taking the coastal road and descending steep ramps to the boat slip area. Entering the water requires care due to slippery stones and the variability of the waves. On the bottom, divers will find walls carpeted with sponges, small tunnels, and crevices inhabited by conger eels, blennies, and lobsters. It is advisable to bring everything you need, as service options are limited and the isolation is part of the place's charm.
Dive into Mallorca and rest at Hotels VIVA
After a day exploring Mallorca's underwater treasures, you need the perfect place to rest and recharge. At Hotels VIVA, we've designed our hotels to be much more than just accommodation: they are your base for experiencing the island to the fullest. Located in privileged enclaves like Cala Mesquida and Playa de Muro, we offer you the ideal starting point for your diving and snorkeling in Mallorca adventures.
In our facilities, you will find everything you need for an unforgettable stay. We have options for the whole family, with kids' clubs and safe pools, as well as Adults Only spaces for those seeking tranquility. Relax in our full-service spas, enjoy the convenience of our all-inclusive packages, or take advantage of our specialized facilities for athletes, such as our cycling centers. From here, we also provide easy access to the island's best golf courses. At Hotels VIVA, we combine comfort with unique experiences to make every day of your vacation memorable.
Ready to discover Mallorca from the heart of the Mediterranean? Book your stay with us and turn your trip into a complete experience.
