Safety · Destination Guide
Mediterranean walls, caves, wrecks and protected seagrass within easy reach of Palma
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 26 sources
Mallorca is logistically easy, but the sea still deserves conservative planning. Use local operators, carry proof of insurance, respect marine reserve rules, avoid solo freediving and keep weather flexibility. Cabrera is stricter: limited services, controlled landing points, permit-based diving and no casual anchoring make preparation part of the conservation model.
Check wind direction, not just sunshine. Many sites are excellent only when the exposed coast is calm, and operators may swap from walls to sheltered coves or wrecks. Carry an SMB, use lights for caverns, stay out of overheads without training and watch boat traffic during ascents. Freedivers should use a buddy, buoy and line, and should not combine sightseeing cave swims with unsupervised depth work. For repetitive dives, consider a conservative nitrox profile and keep a full no-dive interval before flying.
Emergency response in the Balearic Islands is coordinated through 112. Mallorca has private and public medical services in Palma, and dive accident support is commonly routed through emergency services, DAN Europe and hyperbaric medicine providers such as MEDISUB Palma / Clinica Juaneda. Remote Cabrera visitors should assume evacuation takes coordination, so prevention, communication and operator preparedness matter.
Permit-controlled protected areas
Balearic marine reserves and Cabrera National Park have specific rules for scuba, navigation, mooring, special protection areas and disembarkation. Do not assume a site is open just because a map pin exists.
Wind can change the dive map quickly
A calm morning can turn into a chopped-up afternoon. Good operators switch to sheltered coves, Palma Bay or alternate reserve sites rather than forcing an exposed plan.
Summer sun and heat are real
July and August are excellent in the water but demanding on boats, beaches and trails. Carry water, sun cover and electrolytes, and schedule hikes or city touring outside midday.
Overhead environments are not casual swim-throughs
Mallorca and Cabrera have beautiful caves and caverns, but overheads require training, lights, line awareness and conservative decisions. Snorkelers and freedivers should not enter caves without local guidance and calm conditions.
Do not anchor on Posidonia, collect marine life, feed fish, touch groupers, enter special protection zones or stand on reef or seagrass. Cabrera has strict rules for navigation, buoys, landing points, bathing areas and scuba authorization. Mallorca's marine reserves can include no-access or no-dive special protection areas. Pack out waste, use reef-safe sun practices, keep distance from seabirds and report turtle nesting signs without disturbing them.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when permit-controlled protected areas. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balearic Islands Emergency Service | Police, ambulance, fire and maritime emergency coordination | 112 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Diving Emergency Hotline | Diving medical emergency advice and evacuation coordination | +39 06 4211 5685 | 24/7 |
| MEDISUB Palma / Clinica Juaneda | Hyperbaric medicine and dive accident support in Palma | +34 971 731 647 | Call through emergency services or DAN for urgent cases |
| Cabrera Port Information Office | National park visitor information in Cabrera port | +34 971 17 65 01 | Usually 8:00 to 20:00 from Holy Week to October |
| Cabrera National Park Office | Administrative information for Cabrera National Park | +34 971 17 76 41 | Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 15:00 |