A rectangular reserve of 1,931 ha between the Cabo de Palos lighthouse and the Islas Hormigas, in an area where Mediterranean waters meet Atlantic water entering through Gibraltar. The classic sites are ridges and rocky shoals: Piles I (7-29 m), Piles II (11-32 m), Bajo de la Testa (8-24 m), Bajo de Dentro (3-50 m) and Bajo de Fuera, a 100 m bank with pinnacles just 3 m from the surface. Outside the reserve lie the deep wrecks, such as the Isla Gomera — the "Naranjito" — between 27 and 46 m and the Stanfield between 45 and 60 m.
Depth
5–45 m
Recommended level
Advanced Open Water
Average visibility
25 m
One of the oldest marine reserves in Spain (1995), with the famous Hormigas islet and its giant groupers.
Cabo de Palos - Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest (1,931 ha; integral reserve around Isla Hormiga, the El Mosquito shoal, El Hormigón and La Losa)
Sources consulted: MAPA - Reservas Marinas de España · Turismo Región de Murcia · islashormigas.com · Wikipedia
Which other dive sites are like this one?
Same country: Spain
Same country: Spain
Same country: Spain
Based on what we already know about this dive site.
Water temperature
20 °C
Current
Moderate
Access
Boat
Best season
May-October
Recommended certification
Wreck Diver
Approx. price
50 USD / dive
Same country: Spain