Diving, Scuba and Watersports

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Diving, Scuba and Watersports

The resorts and marinas along the Costa del Sol cater for almost every water sport.

• For a map showing beach resorts and leisure ports in the region: Click here

There are many facilities for jet skiing, water skiing, windsurfing, paragliding and inflatable rides on most beaches. It is important to check that the owners have the appropriate insurance and a licence to offer these facilities.

Flysurfing, kite surfing and water skiing are available at most beach resorts including Marbella, Málaga, Torremolinos, Estepona and Benalmádena.

Scuba Diving

A permit is required to scuba dive (buceo con escafandra autónoma) in Spain. Permits can be obtained from diving schools and clubs.

• For listings of scuba diving schools, see The AngloFILE Watersports: Diving & Swimming

Most diving schools offer the PADI qualifications, which are recognised internationally.

The most popular dive sites are found to the west of Málaga.

Torre Marbella (Marbella Tower)

Around 200 metres from the shore, there are two submerged towers which shelter an array of eels, crabs, small octopus and other marine life. The depth of this dive is at most 11 metres. There are also three shipwrecks and the antique ship (barco antiguo) nearby.

Placer de las Bovedas

Placer de las Bovedas is a large reef, with depths of over 30 metres, running parallel to the shore at San Pedro de Alcäntara. This is one of the most important dive sites in the area as there is a vast range of Mediterranean underwater life on show.

• More information from dive-international

Punto Atalaya, Arrecife and Las Palomas

Divers can explore the rocky canyons and rock formations at this site. Depths reach 6 metres.

• More information from dive-international

Marina Bay

This dive site has rocks and three wrecks (including a car) to explore with a high possibility of seeing octopus and eels. Fraggle Rock is in the middle of Marina Bay, can be accessed by boat or a short swim from the shore.

• More information from the official Gibraltar website: Click here

Further Information

The Spanish Sub-aqua Federation provides further information about diving in Spain.

• Federación Espanola de Actividades Subacuáticas
  At: C/Santaló 15 3°1ª, 08021 Barcelona
  Tel: 932 006 769 / 932 009 200
  Fax: 932 411 680
  e-mail
  Website (in Spanish)