The Ultimate Guide to Scuba Diving in Formentera: Best Dive Spots, Centers & Tips

Formentera is a dream destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters, rich marine biodiversity, and fascinating underwater landscapes, diving in Formentera is an unforgettable experience. In this guide we will explore why Formentera is a top diving destination, the top dive spots, the best diving centers, and practical tips to have the best experience diving in Formentera.

Why Choose Formentera for Scuba Diving?

Formentera offers some of the best diving conditions in the Mediterranean. The island’s waters boast exceptional visibility (often exceeding 30 meters), thriving marine life, and protected marine reserves. The presence of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage site, ensures a healthy underwater ecosystem, attracting species such as groupers, barracudas, octopuses, and even the occasional dolphin.

Top Diving Spots in Formentera

If you’re looking for the best dive sites in Formentera, here are the must-visit locations:

      1. La Plataforma

• Depth: 15–30 meters
• What to See: La Plataforma (also known as La Mariana) was once a fish farm for sea bream and sea bass. Abandoned in the 1990s, it was eventually sunk by the sea after several storms. Today, its entire structure rests at a depth of 32 meters. Now covered in corals and sponges, this artificial reef has quickly become a marine hotspot, drawing large schools of barracudas, groupers, moray eels, lobsters, amberjacks, and even the occasional stingray. The eerie remains of the structure form a thrilling labyrinth of swim-throughs and overhangs, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography. This makes La Plataforma one of the most exciting dive sites on Formentera.
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers

      2. El Arco

• Depth: Up to 20 meters
• What to See: This dive spot is named after its mesmerizing natural rock arches. The underwater scenery is filled with thriving marine biodiversity, including octopuses, anemones, and vibrant corals. It’s a great location for both exploration and marine life observation.
• Best for: Beginner to advanced divers

   3. Punta Rasa Caves

• Depth: 15–25 meters
• What to See: Punta Rasa is famous for its intricate cave systems and hidden caverns, offering a unique and thrilling diving experience. Inside, you’ll discover colorful sponges, moray eels, and scorpionfish nestled within the rock formations.
• Best for: Experienced divers with some cavern diving experience

4. Punta Prima 

• Depth: Around 18 meters
• What to See: This site features a mix of rocky formations and Posidonia oceanica seagrass beds. Divers can spot seahorses, nudibranchs, and various crustaceans hiding among the reefs.
• Best for: All skill levels

5. Es Banc 

• Depth: 12–22 meters
• What to See: This less-explored dive spot offers a haven for small marine species, including cuttlefish, starfish, and an abundance of colorful reef fish. The sandy seabed and rocky formations provide excellent contrast for photographers.
• Best for: Beginner to intermediate divers

6. Cap de Barbaria

• Depth: 15–35 meters
• What to See: Located near Formentera’s iconic lighthouse, this dive site offers an untouched underwater landscape with deep rock formations, caves, and occasional sightings of large pelagic species like tuna and eagle rays.
• Best for: Advanced divers due to depth and occasional currents

7. Cala Saona

• Depth: 10–18 meters
• What to See: A perfect location for night diving, Cala Saona reveals an entirely different underwater world after sunset, including bioluminescent plankton, hunting squid, and shy crustaceans emerging from their hiding places.

Best for: All skill levels, especially for night diving enthusiasts

Best Diving Centers in Formentera

There are several excellent options on the island, each offering a range of courses, guided dives, and equipment rental. Below, we recommend our two favourite top dive centers that stand out for their professionalism, sustainability practices, and unique offerings.

Formentera Divers – SSI-Certified Dive Center

• Located in La Savina port, Formentera Divers has been offering high-quality diving experiences since 2018.
• This SSI-certified dive center is known for its personalized service, small group sizes, and experienced instructors.
• Formentera Divers ensures safe and enjoyable dives for all levels. 

My First Dive at Formentera Divers: A Personal Note

If you’re curious about what it’s like to dive for the first time, I can personally recommend Formentera Divers.

I experienced my diving baptism with one of their instructors, and it was truly unforgettable. We departed by boat from La Savina port and headed to the incredible dive site known as La Plataforma, a submerged structure teeming with marine life. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly organized. The instructor explained how the equipment worked, how to move underwater, and how to communicate using hand signals. I felt completely safe and supported every step of the way.

Once underwater, it was like entering another world. We swam over Posidonia meadows and encountered an amazing variety of marine life: octopuses, barracudas, groupers, sea bream, and even a moray eel.

This first dive doesn’t require any prior experience, just a basic level of health and curiosity. The team handles everything so you can focus on the wonder of the experience.

Website: https://www.formenteradivers.com/

Vellmari Diving Center

For those looking for another outstanding option, Vellmari Diving Center is one of the most respected dive centers in Formentera. It is a well-established SSI and PADI-certified dive school, known for its strong commitment to marine conservation and sustainable diving practices.

• Founded in 1993 by marine biologist Manu San Félix, Vellmarí is one of the oldest diving centers in Spain. Manu first came to Formentera while conducting PhD research on the Mediterranean monk seal, known in the Balearic Islands as vellmari.
• Manu is also the underwater cinematography director for National Geographic, and the center regularly hosts marine photography courses and exhibitions. His expertise in marine biology and passion for conservation are central to Vellmarí’s many initiatives, including ‘La Gran Pradera’, a large-scale Posidonia restoration project carried out in partnership with Fundación MSC.
• Other conservation projects include sea turtle rescue efforts and educational programs for children, helping the next generation understand the value of protecting marine ecosystems.
• Conveniently located at the port of La Savina, Vellmari diving centre is easily accessible for visitors arriving by ferry or staying nearby.
• The experienced team offers a wide range of diving courses, including Discover Scuba Diving, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver certifications; making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced divers.
• With a solid foundation in science and a deep love for the sea, Vellmari offers diving experiences that are as educational as they are unforgettable, inviting you to explore Formentera’s vibrant underwater world guided by passionate experts dedicated to ocean protection.

Website: Vellmarí Diving Center

Practical Tips for Diving in Formentera

• Best time to dive: April to November (water temperatures range from 18°C in spring to 26°C in summer).
• Water conditions: Calm waters with visibility often exceeding 30 meters.
• Equipment: A 3-5mm wetsuit is ideal for summer; a 5-7mm wetsuit is recommended for spring and autumn dives.
• Respect marine life: Avoid touching coral and marine animals to protect the ecosystem.
• Certification: Ensure your diving certification is valid; local centers offer training for beginners.

Final Thoughts

Diving in Formentera is an extraordinary experience, offering pristine waters, diverse marine life, and world-class dive sites. With this guide, you’re now equipped with everything you need to plan the perfect scuba diving adventure in Formentera!