Dive Tourism in Spain - A Whole New Undewrwater World

The Medes Islands

Dive tourism is on the increase through out the world. Take for example Spain, where a new out look on this country can be discovered through its sea beds This is a different way to get to know Spain.

A multitude of animal and plant species can be enjoyed in Spain's many 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, and to maintain their unspoilt nature, they are subject to a series of strict controls which include severe restrictions on fishing and diving.

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature Reserve

However, in some of these reserves, water sports such as fishing and scuba diving are allowed with corresponding permits. These licenses are granted by the Government, usually through the Fisheries or Environment departments. Tourists can go scuba diving independently, but they must have their official diver's license and appropriate insurance cover. The easiest way to explore underwater Spain is to book dives with one of the specialist dive companies. Besides organising dives and the necessary permits, they also offer courses for a range of different levels, diving guides, and boat transfers to different parts of the coast. These companies can often be found based at Marine Resorts, where tourists can organise a made-to-measure holiday with water-based activities.

Columbretes Islands

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. The Medes Islands, on the Costa Brava in Girona, is 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. Tourists can go diving on these sea beds, where they 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 divers will find. Divers can 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 divers have to choose from.