Safety · Destination Guide
Clear Mediterranean water, Posidonia meadows, wrecks, arches, and beach-to-boat island hopping
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 25 sources
The main risks are not exotic wildlife. They are depth, boat traffic, wind exposure, summer heat, reserve zoning mistakes, and diver complacency in clear water. Carry insurance, dive with authorized operators, use SMBs, hydrate aggressively, and keep Posidonia protection at the center of every plan.
Use conservative profiles on the Don Pedro, Joker Wreck, La Bota, Na Xamena, and deeper Vedranell or north-coast sites. Confirm oxygen, radio, emergency action plan, nearest port, and chamber pathway before advanced dives. In July and August, assume more surface traffic and deploy an SMB on ascent. Freedivers should use formal buddy protocols, a visible buoy, oxygen-supported operators for line training, and no solo sessions. Snorkelers should stay out of ferry corridors and avoid exposed rock entries when swell is present.
For any suspected decompression illness, call 112 first and follow local emergency dispatch, then contact DAN Europe if you carry coverage or need diving-medicine advice. Ibiza has hospitals and private medical services, while Formentera is more limited, so serious cases may require transfer. Operators should know the current hyperbaric pathway and should not ask a symptomatic diver to self-transport without medical direction.
Reserve zoning is not optional
Es Freus has strict restrictions. Underwater fishing is forbidden throughout the reserve, scuba needs authorization, and the S'Espardell integral reserve prohibits scuba, anchoring, sport fishing, and spearfishing.
Summer boat traffic is real
July and August bring ferries, private boats, beach traffic, and crowded moorings. Use SMBs, stay with guides, avoid ferry corridors, and favor early departures.
Deep wrecks need recent experience
The Don Pedro, Joker Wreck, and deeper north-coast sites are not casual holiday dives. Bring proof of certification, logged experience, insurance, and conservative gas discipline.
Heat and sun exposure peak in summer
Topside sightseeing, cycling, and long snorkel days can become draining in July and August. Start early, cover up, carry water, and schedule shade.
The conservation priority is Posidonia oceanica and the reserve network. Do not anchor on seagrass, stand in meadows, touch cave walls, collect shells, feed fish, chase turtles, or enter restricted zones. Es Freus was created to prevent habitat degradation and recover endangered species, and the S'Espardell integral reserve is especially strict. Freediving access is not spearfishing access.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when reserve zoning is not optional. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 112 Spain | General emergency, ambulance, fire, police, and rescue coordination | 112 | 24/7 |
| Salvamento Maritimo | Maritime rescue and sea emergency coordination | 900 202 202 or 112 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Diving Emergency Hotline | Diving medical advice and emergency coordination for members and dive incidents | +39 0642115685 | 24/7 |
| Servei de Recursos Marins, Govern de les Illes Balears | Marine reserve activity and authorization information | +34 971 176 100 | Government office hours |