Marine reserves in Spain

Why not discover Spain through its sea beds? Some of them are protected nature areas, where you will find a multitude of animal and plant species. Discover these marine reserves, areas where you can still see unspoilt nature. It is a different way to get to know Spain.

Why not come and enjoy Spain's marine reserves? These are areas that have a special level of protection on account of their biodiversity and ecological wealth. They are particularly vulnerable habitats. To ensure their survival, they are subject to a series of strict controls which include severe restrictions on fishing and diving.

Nevertheless, in some of these reserves, water sports such as fishing (at certain times of year and only using specific methods) and scuba diving are allowed - but only with the corresponding permits. These licenses are granted by the Government, usually through the Fisheries or Environment departments. If you require more detailed information on this subject, you can check the website of the State Spanish Marine Reserves (in Spanish only). Do not forget that if you want to go scuba diving independently, you must also have your official diver's license and appropriate insurance cover. In any case, the easiest thing is to book dives with one of the specialist companies operating in the area. Besides organising dives and the necessary permits, they also offer courses for a range of different levels, diving guides, boat transfers to different parts of the coast... These companies can often be found based at Marine Resorts, where you can organise a made-to-measure holiday with water-based activities.

There are many different marine reserves, to be found all along the Spanish coastline, as well as in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Come to the Medes Islands, on the Costa Brava in Girona, a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts; the same is true of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve, in Andalusia, and the Cape of Palos-Hormigas Islands, on the coast of Murcia. The waters in these places are clean and crystal clear throughout the year, the habitat for thousands of species with different shapes, sizes and colours. Go diving on these sea beds, where you will also find caverns and unusual geological formations - mysterious places of stunning beauty. Coral reefs, star fish, spectacular marine flora and an array of autochthonous fish are just part of what you will find. Come and live this unique experience in other places such as the Columbretes Islands, in Castellón, or Tabarca Island, off the coast of Alicante; at the Masía Blanca Reserve, in Tarragona; in La Palma; on Graciosa Island, within the Chinijo Archipelago Nature Reserve, in the north of Fuerteventura, or at the Les Freus Reserve in Ibiza and Formentera. These are just some of the options you have to choose from.

Get ready to enjoy a few unforgettable days at these marine reserves on the Spanish coast, and discover an underwater paradise that is overflowing with life

More information:

- Spanish State Marine Reserves