Cartagena

The most popular area for diving in Cartagena, Spain, is the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve. Sites within the reserve, like Bajo de Fuera, are world-renowned. Its popularity stems from its protected status, which fosters an incredible abundance of marine life, including large groupers, schools of barracuda, and even sunfish. The dramatic underwater pinnacles and excellent visibility make it a truly memorable dive experience for all levels.

Besides the famous Islas Hormigas, the C-3 Submarine wreck is another well-known advanced dive. For a less crowded but equally rewarding experience, explore the coastal sites around Cabo de Palos or the lesser-known wrecks like the 'Carbonero' steamship. Cala Cortina offers a fantastic shallow dive and training site, perfect for beginners or a relaxed day, often overlooked by those heading straight to the marine park.

Water temperatures in Cartagena, Spain, are seasonal. In winter (Dec-Mar), it drops to around 14-16°C (57-61°F). It warms up through spring, reaching 17-21°C (63-70°F). Summer (Jul-Sep) is the warmest, with surface temperatures peaking at 25-28°C (77-82°F). Autumn sees a gradual cooling from 24°C down to 18°C (75-64°F).

The best time for diving in Cartagena, Spain, is from May to October. During these months, you'll find the warmest water temperatures, excellent visibility, and calm sea conditions. The peak season is July and August, which can be busy. For fewer crowds with great conditions, consider visiting in May, June, September, or October.

Underwater visibility in Cartagena, Spain, is generally very good, especially within the marine reserves. During the main dive season from spring to autumn, visibility typically ranges from 15 to 30 meters (50-100 feet). Winter months or periods after heavy rain can see reduced visibility, but clear conditions are common for most of the year.

While large migrations like whale sharks are not common in Cartagena, Spain, the area has seasonal highlights. In late spring and summer, you can see large schools of barracuda and dentex gathering to breed. The warmer waters also attract eagle rays and occasionally giant sunfish (Mola mola) to the deeper offshore pinnacles, particularly around the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve.

You can expect a rich variety of Mediterranean marine life in Cartagena, Spain. Common sightings include large groupers, barracudas, moray and conger eels, octopus, and cuttlefish. The rocky reefs are home to colourful nudibranchs, damselfish, and wrasse. In the blue, you might spot eagle rays and sunfish. The area is also known for its vibrant fields of Posidonia seagrass.

For summer diving (June-September) when water is 22-28°C, a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit is sufficient. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (water 17-21°C), a 7mm wetsuit or a 5mm with a hood and vest is recommended. For winter diving (water 14-16°C), a 7mm semi-dry or a drysuit is essential for comfort when diving in Cartagena, Spain.

The nearest airport is Murcia International Airport (RMU), about a 30-minute drive from Cartagena, Spain. Alternatively, Alicante Airport (ALC) is just over an hour's drive and offers more international flights. From either airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a bus service to reach the city. Cartagena is also well-connected by train and bus within Spain.

Diving in Cartagena, Spain, is exclusively shore-based, as there are no local liveaboard operations. You should plan to stay in Cartagena or a nearby town like Cabo de Palos and book daily boat trips with a local dive center. This approach provides easy access to all the premier dive sites, including the marine park and wrecks, while allowing you to enjoy the region's culture and cuisine.