The beaches and coves of the Region of Murcia hide endless surprises that we invite you to discover.Snorkeling is an activity that anyone can enjoy; all you need is to know how to swim and a pair of diving goggles to peer into a world full of light, life, and color.These are the coastal waters of the Region of Murcia, where natural light shines brightly to reveal the beauty of unique landscapes and the enormous biodiversity they harbor.From rocky areas full of hiding places that are home to a wide variety of fauna, to bright sandy areas where animals have to develop camouflage skills, to the Posidonia oceanica meadows, a true biotope that is home to more than 1,000 species.
To ensure that our snorkeling trip is as enjoyable, safe, and fun as we want it to be, it is important that we follow these guidelines:
- This route does not have a specific lifeguard service: you dive at your own risk.
- Be aware of boats, especially when diving in unmarked areas.Check the sea conditions, weather forecast, water temperature, and currents.
- Choose the difficulty of the route according to your swimming ability and always swim with someone else.
- Remember to stay hydrated, apply sunscreen, and use the appropriate equipment (goggles, signal buoy, wetsuit).
- Respect the sea and marine life; do not disturb or collect organisms.
- If you are a minor, you must always swim accompanied by an adult.
- In case of accident, call 112.
- Download the Underwater Field Guide with the most common species in the Region of Murcia.
Download the species guide
1. Cala Pato Vizo
2. Cala Fría
3. Cala Roja
4. El Descargador
5. Cala Reona
6. El Portús
7. Isla Plana
8. Pico del Águila
9. Bolnuevo
10. Calnegre
10
11. calarreona
11
12. hornillo
12
13
13. la cola
Between La Pava and La Reya beaches, there is a strip of rock or coastal promontory jutting out into the sea, where there is a well-known archaeological site and a viewpoint. We suggest taking a walk around the entire islet, starting from La Reya beach, where you will find a bed of bright sand that quickly gives way to posidonia seagrass, which becomes increasingly dense and extensive. In this environment, we find fish typical of soft bottoms such as red mullet and striped seabrem, always stirring the sand in search of food, or wide-eyed flounder, a flat fish that blends in perfectly with the sand. More elusive is the pearly razorfish, a very shy fish that buries itself under the sand as soon as it feels threatened. Meanwhile, among the Posidonia we will see many fry of all kinds of fish such as white seabream, salema porgies, and damselfish. This plant disappears as we get closer to the islet and rocks covered with brown algae appear, a perfect hiding place for fish such as gobies, blennies, and damselfish. As we approach the tip of the islet, the rocks become larger and larger, providing shelter for other animals such as octopus or one of their predators, the grouper, which is small and elusive here. The bottom drops down to a rocky platform before ending up back in the Posidonia sea grass at around -4 m. As you turn the tip, the wall drops more vertically and at its foot there are numerous rocks teeming with life, alternating with clumps of Posidonia sea grass where we always find large schools of salema porgies. It is best to stick close to the walls of the islet, where we will see some large stones protruding from the surface. Here, there are many places to stand, and countless rocks to entertain us as we observe the life that finds refuge among them.
The Posidonia meadow is of great environmental importance. Not only does it oxygenate the water and reduce the greenhouse effect, but it is also home to a multitude of life, such as schools of salema porgies.
The pearly razorfish, also known as raor, is typical of sandy bottoms. It is a shy and elusive fish that buries itself under the sand at the slightest threat. Its meat is highly prized in cooking.
Nature shapes the landscape and surprises us with curious formations, such as windows in the rock that also continue underwater.
A quiet urban beach opposite the old Hornillo pier, from where we have a magnificent view of Fraile Island. We go down the wooden staircase on the right. Here, the seabed is sandy in the center but clearly rocky at the ends, so we will head to the right. A string of stones mark the coastline and entertain us with the sight of abundant marine life. It is common to encounter sand eels, fish that take on a brown color in areas of rock and sand, and an intense green if they live among the Posidonia sea grass. The colors of the ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), known here as gitano, although in many places it is known as fredi, also stand out. If we stay close to the coastline, the rocks, arranged like a breakwater, allow us to walk on many sections, although if we move away a little, the depth quickly increases, leading to a sandy bottom and, further on, Posidonia. Fishermen often come to this area and for many months they set nets known as morunas, so you will need to be careful not to get caught in them. There are also traces of what appear to be old railway tracks. There are large rock formations at depths of even less than 5 meters, so they are beyond the reach of a leisurely snorkel. It is not necessary to reach the tip; before doing so, we can turn around and entertain ourselves by exploring among the rocks and, once near the beach, carefully observing the sand, where we may spot a flatfish, the wide-eyed flounder or Bothus podas.
We are in a small, charming cove on the coast of Lorca, in the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park, a natural area that is home to numerous almost untouched beaches. The sides of the underwater area are rocky, while the center is a very white sandy area. We equip ourselves with goggles, snorkels, and fins and head towards the right side. The bottom here is very shallow, and we quickly find the fauna characteristic of holes and crevices, such as octopuses, pointed comber, and gobies. Octopuses are always difficult to see given their ability to adopt the color and even the texture of the rock. One way to detect their presence is to look closely when we see two or three comber fish, which, being territorial fish, tend to gather together to harass and try to devour small octopuses. The wall is on our right and takes us on an entertaining journey to the neighboring cove known as Baño de las Mujeres. It is not necessary to reach it; we can turn back at any time and explore the thousand hiding places that are home to a wide variety of fauna. The rocky platform is easy to walk on, making it a suitable route for children. Meanwhile, on the sandy area, we find the usual saddled bream and striped seabream stirring up the seabed and, perhaps, some surprises such as the wide-eyed flounder, a species of sole that blends in perfectly with the sand.
Very close to Mazarrón, the coastline offers us a picturesque view of the purest Mediterranean with an islet next to a chapel and archaeological remains. We enter the water and head towards Isla Plana, less than 50 meters from the coast. The seabed, a platform covered with brown algae, is very shallow and extremely bright, giving way to a spectacular Posidonia meadow whose leaves rise strongly to the surface. The western part of the islet is very shallow, almost always within walking distance, and is full of life such as wrasse, pointed comber and octopuses. Close to the island, the wall has dark folds where you can see the bright beadlet anemone Actinia equina, also known as the sea tomato. The island has a cave-like inlet where the water is shallow, while in other sections the wall drops away steeply, always full of groups of black damselfish, which are bright neon blue when they are young. If you are a strong swimmer and the sea is in good condition, you can swim around the island. The depth will increase and large loose rocks will appear. Before turning southward and entering a cove, there is an arch about 3 m away with beautiful backlighting, although we should not go through it. The rest of the route is a continuous succession of rocks, steeply sloping walls resting on rocks, and again, the Posidonia meadow where we may be lucky enough to see the pipefish, which blends in masterfully with this plant.
The striped seabream (Lithognathus mormyrus) is also known as Herrera and mabra. Like all members of its species, it is hermaphroditic, as they are all born male and become female when they reach a certain size. They are almost always seen stirring up the sandy seabed.
The wide-eyed flounder is a flat fish that is difficult to spot because it blends in completely with the sand. One way to spot it is by its protruding eyes, which are set far apart, with the lower one closer to the snout.
Cala del Pato Vizo
También conocida como de La Galera, es una pequeña cala urbana de Cabo de Palos desde donde disfrutamos de una preciosa visión del litoral rocoso, veleros fondeados y el poderoso faro presidiendo la estampa. Entramos al agua y nos dirigimos hacia el islote que tenemos enfrente. Sus paredes descansan en un fondo sobre -3 m aunque hay multitud de rocas que atenúan la profundidad. Entre ellas, bancos de castañuelas, serranos y pequeños meros, al acecho de algún pulpo. Tras rodearlo enfilamos hacia el sur siguiendo la línea litoral. El fondo es predominantemente de posidonia, sobre todo si nos separamos de la costa, produciéndose un escalón que cae a un fondo de arena. Así, lo preferible es ir en la zona de transición entre roca y posidonia, donde veremos muchísima fauna como sargos y bogas, que se mueven como flechas al unísono ante la amenaza de depredadores como la dorada, el dentón o los túnidos, sobre todo en verano y otoño. Los entrantes del litoral acogen especialmente pequeños alevines de muchos tipos de peces, en un fondo donde hacemos pie. Así podemos llegar hasta unos escalones en la cala e invertir el rumbo, esta vez más pegados a la costa y escoltados por verdaderas nubes de obladas, sargos y mojarras, un espectáculo de vida y belleza de paisajes sumergidos. Esta ruta la podemos hacer con niños si lo hacemos pegados al litoral, donde casi en cualquier tramo se hace pie en las múltiples rocas del fondo.
The beadlet anemone (Actinia equina) is an animal, although it resembles the fleshy fruit found in our salads. It belongs to the cnidarian family, like jellyfish, and also has stinging cells, so we can observe it but not touch it.
Las Palomas Cave is a huge archway in the wall beneath the lighthouse. When snorkelling, we must not enter it because the waves can knock us against the rocks.
Sea bass are predators that patrol the coastline in search of prey such as small fish and crustaceans. Their legendary voracity earned them a name that comes from the Latin “lupus”, meaning wolf, although they are completely harmless to humans.
Another of Cabo de Palos charming coves south of the lighthouse. Descending a steep staircase, we reach a tiny stretch of beach with gravel and black sand, so it's not a large place to spread out your towel, but it's a great place to go snorkeling. You will find bright, lively seabeds with rocks at the ends, while the center is dominated by sand and posidonia. We will explore the left bank, so that the coastline will be on this side. The rocks that dot the route are home to a multitude of fish such as gobies, which with their bulging eyes and prominent heads seem to observe us with curiosity. We can zigzag between the rocky blocks, even passing to the other side of one of the large islets to access an area that is particularly protected from the waves, where kayaking excursions usually stop and jump into the water to continue snorkeling. We will go around these rocks, among which silver-colored sea bream and saddled seabream swim. It is not unusual to see predators such as gilthead seabream or dentex approaching these calm waters in search of small prey. The outer part of the rocks has a steeper drop, although there are also large blocks that rise from the bottom almost to the surface. This landscape is sure to attract the interest of users familiar with freediving and descents into the blue. Time will fly by, and at any moment we can begin our return journey with the satisfaction of having enjoyed an extraordinary trip in the heart of Cabo de Palos.
La posidonia es una planta, no un alga, y cumple un importante papel medioambiental. Contribuye a la oxigenación de la atmósfera, reduce el efecto invernadero y sirve de guardería a muchas otras especies.
Posidonia is a plant that flowers in autumn, although this phenomenon does not occur every year, and it is not known when it will occur.
The gilthead seabream, highly prized in gastronomy, is a solitary species that frequents shallow waters, where it feeds mainly on molluscs, crustaceans and worms.
The octopus is the master of camouflage. Using its chromatophores, specialised cells, it can change the colour and texture of its body and go unnoticed. If we look closely, we can see it at the top of the image.
Thalassoma pavo is the taxonomic name for the ornate wrasse, also known as the gypsy, a fish commonly found in shallow waters, where it gathers in groups. The males, with a vertical blue stripe behind their heads, are clearly distinguishable from the females, which are usually smaller and have five vertical stripes along their bodies.
Blenniids are characterised by their lack of a swim bladder, so they move along the seabed by jumping. Their common name is ‘slug’ because their skin lacks scales.
Red mullet are commonly found on soft sea beds. There, they stir up the sand to feed on small crustaceans, worms and larvae, using their barbels, two sensory appendages below their mouths. The ornate wrasse takes advantage of the opportunity and obtains easy food.
La Cueva Escondida is accessible by kayak and by swimming when the sea is calm. Its waters are usually very clean and light enters not only through its portico but also through the ‘bufador’, an artificial opening through which ore was formerly extracted
The tampot blenny is a type of blenid that is distinguished by the horn-like protuberances on its head. Like all of its species, it is a very curious territorial animal that seems to observe us closely, although at the slightest sign of danger, it will hide in its rock shelter.
The pipefish (Syngnathus), also known as the needlefish, is another master of camouflage. It can be found among the leaves of Posidonia, especially when they begin to fall off and wither. There it sways as if it were another leaf and feeds on small crustaceans that it catches with its enormous mouth.
This beautiful cove, south of Cabo de Palos, is dominated by the Descargador islets. There are several possible routes given the size of the area. The one we propose here is suitable for all types of users as it is shallow, although there is plenty of marine life to be found. We leave the coast and head for the west side of the islet. The seabed, initially gravelly, quickly gives way to a meadow of cymodocea, which, like posidonia, is a plant that oxygenates the atmosphere and is constantly frequented by huge schools of salema porgies, shiny and with golden stripes. Further on, rocks emerge where we can stand and continue to circle the islet, which will be on our right. Large rocks begin to appear, which at the tip separate into a submerged breakwater, leaving a protected area where the water is usually calm. The vegetation disappears, giving way to endless rocks where octopuses and small groupers take refuge, and even the occasional shy moray eel pokes its head out. We will be struck by the thousands of young fish such as bogues and damselfish that find perfect refuge here, especially in early summer, after spring reproduction. Predators such as sea bass and small tuna know this and patrol these waters, stirring up the young fish as if they were a single organism. We navigate around the rocks and, as we approach the eastern tip, we see small islets or rocks that are almost submerged, falling below -3m, so we begin our return to the starting point, staying close to the island and thoroughly entertained by the spectacle of marine life.
Cocedores del Hornillo beach is located in an exceptionally beautiful setting.
The cuttlefish, a cephalopod like the octopus, shares with it the ability to change the colour of its skin to blend in with its surroundings or to communicate with other specimens.
The spirograph will surprise us with its delicate flower-like appearance, when in fact it is a worm that lives inside the tube and extends its plume to feed by filtering the water.
This magnificent beach, located in a small residential area of summer cottages, is situated in a bay surrounded by mountains. Its crystal clear waters and rocky coastline make it ideal for water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, which complement each other so well. It should not be confused with Cala de la Morena, which is right next door but separated by a rocky promontory and accessible via the El Portús campsite. We are going to dive on the right side of the beach, where we will follow an extensive wall. Although there is sand at the entrance, especially in the central part of the cove, the sides are dotted with rocks and an abundant concentration of Posidonia seaweed. A fold in the wall forms a very shallow area where you can stand and where the water pools, usually teeming with fry or juvenile specimens of white seabream and salema porgy. This part is good for children. As we move forward, the wall becomes more vertical and deeper. Now the rocks are large, probably fallen from the wall, and covered with algae and colorful vegetation. Large fish such as sea bass and sea bream pass through the area to hunt. On the wall, in the intertidal zone, which is well hydrated but not always submerged, you can also see sea beadlet anemone, an intensely reddish anemone with retractable tentacles that it can fold up. The route can be as long as you want. Of course, if you come by kayak, the experience will be much more intense because you can enjoy a tour of the impressive coastline and then jump into the water and enjoy this underwater landscape.
We are at Cola Beach, a wide stretch of coastline next to the town of Calabardina. On the right-hand side there is a boat ramp, so it is not suitable for our snorkeling trip. We will enter the water next to some coastal rocks on the easternmost part of the beach. Many caravans often park here to enjoy the unbeatable views of this charming coastline. We enter the water next to some rocks that emerge slightly. The bottom is very shallow, with scattered rocks giving way to a slab full of cuts and holes that provide shelter for octopuses and sea urchins. We can stand perfectly, so it is always advisable to wear shoes with soles. If we head out to sea, we come across extensive Posidonia meadows, an environment of extraordinary biological importance because it not only shelters a lot of life by serving as a nursery for the young of various species, but also slows down the waves and protects the coast from erosion. Posidonia blooms well into autumn, although it does not do so every year, and it is not known when it will occur. On the posidonia, it is common to see groups of dozens of salema porgies displaying their golden livery and standing out as they move in unison while feeding on this plant, although it is also said that they actually feed on the organisms that colonize its leaves. Among the Posidonia, a thousand white sand trails are drawn, where we may see the elusive pearly razorfish, a soft-bottom fish that stands out for its rounded snout and which, being naturally shy, rushes to bury itself in the sand at the slightest sign of danger. Another fish frequently found in the sand is the striped seabream or mabra, always stirring the sand to find food. It is not worth straying too far from the coast because the meadow extends and becomes deeper. It is better to stay on the slab or at its edge and entertain ourselves with the rock formations that dot the seabed and are also home to a lot of life.
The scorpion fish, also known as the goatfish or henfish, is a fish that blends in with the rocky seabed. It can also change the colour of its skin, lightening or darkening it to camouflage itself with its surroundings.
With its intricate foliage, Posidonia forms a welcoming forest for a multitude of species, such as these axillary wrasse and rainbow wrasse (coris julis), very elusive fish that find the meadow a perfect refuge.
A small urban cove in Cabo de Palos from where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the rocky coastline, anchored sailboats, and the mighty lighthouse presiding over the scene. We entered the water and headed towards the islet in front of us. Its walls rest on a bottom about 3 m deep, although there are many rocks that reduce the depth. Among them, schools of damselfish, pointed comber, and small groupers, on the lookout for octopus. After circling it, we headed south along the coastline. The seabed is predominantly posidonia, especially as we move away from the coast, forming a step that drops to a sandy bottom. Therefore, it is preferable to stay in the transition zone between rock and Posidonia, where we will see a lot of fauna such as white seabream, gilthead seabream, and bogues, which move like arrows in unison when threatened by predators such as sea bass, dentex, or tuna, especially in summer and autumn. The inlets of the coastline are home to small fry of many types of fish, in a seabed where we can stand. This way, we can reach some steps in the cove and reverse course, this time closer to the coast and escorted by clouds of saddled bream and sea bream, a spectacle of life and beauty in the underwater landscape. This route can be done with children if we stay close to the coast, where you can touch the bottom on almost any stretch among the many rocks on the seabed.
Cuttlefish, like their relatives the octopus, have skin covered with organs known as chromatophores that allow them to change their colour and texture to adapt to their surroundings. This enables them to achieve almost perfect invisibility.
The excellent Calarreona beach offers an extraordinary snorkeling route on its southern side. The thousands of stones scattered across the seabed create a landscape that we can explore by zigzagging in an improvised way to discover a multitude of marine life. Close to the coast, there is a large rocky area full of crevices, some of which are occupied by sea anemones, which we should avoid touching as they can be stinging. If we venture a little further out to sea, we find huge blocks of stone resting on a bed of sand and posidonia, at a depth of more than 5 meters. So, to see life in abundance, it is advisable to stay closer to the coast, next to the platform, which is covered with brown and green algae. There, hundreds of fish such as salema porgies and damselfish accompany us all the way. Meanwhile, other species such as cuttlefish try to camouflage themselves, adapting their color and body texture to the dominant environment, a skill they share with their close relative, the octopus.It is very entertaining to pass between the rocks, some of which protrude above the surface while, underwater, they are perfect for sheltering fish such as blennies, gobies, and painted comber. Other rocks take on curious shapes, making this a very photogenic landscape. There is no need to go all the way to the neighboring cove of La Higuerica, so whenever we feel like it, we can turn around and continue enjoying an extraordinary snorkeling trip.
We are at the entrance to the Calblanque Natural Park, between Cabo de Palos and Portman, an area that is home to significant biodiversity and which is even more surprising underwater. We enter on the right-hand side and find a seabed dotted with scattered rocks that turns into a rocky platform that is home to many species such as gobies, ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) and axillary wrasse. We follow the wall, which will be on our right, while behind the rocky area there is a wide sandy area where we will notice a string of horseshoe-shaped pieces, like clamps for large pipes. It is best to go above the rocky area in front of the wall, which forms low-lying rocky tongues that drop below -4 m, while the shallower part reaches almost to the surface. Marine life is abundant and varied: schools of white seabream under rocky ledges, shoals of salema porgies above the Posidonia and Cymodocea seagrass, and clouds of damselfish, mullet, and even the occasional small grouper. When we reach an inlet on the coast, we will see the enormous entrance to a cave whose walls drop vertically and merge with huge submerged rocky platforms with visible layers or strata. This seabed is littered with slabs of slate, a mineral that is very abundant on this coast. On the way back, we can meander among the abundant large rocks that mark the route to the starting point.
Sea bream are very common in all the waters of the Region of Murcia. They are gregarious fish and are often found in large groups, especially in rocky areas, under the porches or overhangs that sometimes form.
This cove beneath the lighthouse is very popular with divers who come here to practice their skills, try diving for the first time, or simply explore the seabed, which is easily accessible from the shore. The seabed is very varied, alternating between sandy areas, Posidonia meadows, and large blocks of rock, reaching great depths quickly. Therefore, the snorkeling route will consist of contemplating this overwhelming landscape from above, flying over it, and leaving the descents to those who are well acquainted with freediving. We will follow the coastline, which will be on our left at all times. Soon, a string of rocks appears, each one larger than the last, resting at depths of 4 or 5 meters, although if we stay close to the coastline, the wall appears more stepped due to the accumulation of fallen rocks. It is common to find not only scuba divers but also kayakers who start here and pass in front of the Las Palomas Cave, an impressive arch on the east side of the cove. You will also be struck by the large cyclopean rocks that stand vertically and, when viewed from above, are even more vertiginous, with their walls falling more than 6 meters. You can swim around them to discover all the fish that frequent them, such as large white seabream, saddled seabream, and the occasional grouper. It won't be easy to find the octopus given the considerable depth of the seabed. That's why it's best to enjoy this setting dotted with huge rocks that in some cases are just a few inches from the surface and are teeming with life.
In Bolnuevo, on the Mazarrón coastline, there is a succession of charming beaches and coves. We are going to explore Rincón beach, which is located beneath a picturesque swing at the top of a viewpoint. From here, we descend a wooden staircase and head to the far left, where we can comfortably enter the water. It is a perfect place to come with children as you can touch the bottom almost all the way, especially if you stay close to the shore. The seabed is covered in white sand, although next to the wall there are numerous small stones where you can see a variety of fish such as blennies and gobies, which are poor swimmers and move by jumping, pushing themselves along the bottom with their pectoral fins. To our right, we will be flanked by an extensive Posidonia meadow, which in some sections forms a step leading down to a slightly greater depth. It is worth taking a closer look at the Posidonia because it is home to a great deal of life, including the pipefish or Syngnathus, a fish that is particularly difficult to see because it blends in perfectly with the leaves of this plant. We can reach a cave-like inlet on the coast. Here, the rocks are polished like pebbles and there are always clouds of fry or baby fish that find protection in this shallow bottom. When we exit, we can continue even though the wall begins to become more vertical and drop to greater depths, so it is advisable to turn around and return, enjoying this easy snorkeling trip.
The wrasse (Symphodus tinca) stands out for its colourful appearance. It can be found on rocky bottoms and also among Posidonia seagrass, and sometimes allows other species to remove parasites from its body.
Both the striped seabream and the wide-eyed flounder (Bothus podas) are fish native to muddy and sandy bottoms. There they incessantly stir up the sediment in search of food such as worms, larvae and small crustaceans.
Snorkel guide - Región de Murcia
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Transcript
The beaches and coves of the Region of Murcia hide endless surprises that we invite you to discover.Snorkeling is an activity that anyone can enjoy; all you need is to know how to swim and a pair of diving goggles to peer into a world full of light, life, and color.These are the coastal waters of the Region of Murcia, where natural light shines brightly to reveal the beauty of unique landscapes and the enormous biodiversity they harbor.From rocky areas full of hiding places that are home to a wide variety of fauna, to bright sandy areas where animals have to develop camouflage skills, to the Posidonia oceanica meadows, a true biotope that is home to more than 1,000 species.
To ensure that our snorkeling trip is as enjoyable, safe, and fun as we want it to be, it is important that we follow these guidelines:
Download the species guide
1. Cala Pato Vizo
2. Cala Fría
3. Cala Roja
4. El Descargador
5. Cala Reona
6. El Portús
7. Isla Plana
8. Pico del Águila
9. Bolnuevo
10. Calnegre
10
11. calarreona
11
12. hornillo
12
13
13. la cola
Between La Pava and La Reya beaches, there is a strip of rock or coastal promontory jutting out into the sea, where there is a well-known archaeological site and a viewpoint. We suggest taking a walk around the entire islet, starting from La Reya beach, where you will find a bed of bright sand that quickly gives way to posidonia seagrass, which becomes increasingly dense and extensive. In this environment, we find fish typical of soft bottoms such as red mullet and striped seabrem, always stirring the sand in search of food, or wide-eyed flounder, a flat fish that blends in perfectly with the sand. More elusive is the pearly razorfish, a very shy fish that buries itself under the sand as soon as it feels threatened. Meanwhile, among the Posidonia we will see many fry of all kinds of fish such as white seabream, salema porgies, and damselfish. This plant disappears as we get closer to the islet and rocks covered with brown algae appear, a perfect hiding place for fish such as gobies, blennies, and damselfish. As we approach the tip of the islet, the rocks become larger and larger, providing shelter for other animals such as octopus or one of their predators, the grouper, which is small and elusive here. The bottom drops down to a rocky platform before ending up back in the Posidonia sea grass at around -4 m. As you turn the tip, the wall drops more vertically and at its foot there are numerous rocks teeming with life, alternating with clumps of Posidonia sea grass where we always find large schools of salema porgies. It is best to stick close to the walls of the islet, where we will see some large stones protruding from the surface. Here, there are many places to stand, and countless rocks to entertain us as we observe the life that finds refuge among them.
The Posidonia meadow is of great environmental importance. Not only does it oxygenate the water and reduce the greenhouse effect, but it is also home to a multitude of life, such as schools of salema porgies.
The pearly razorfish, also known as raor, is typical of sandy bottoms. It is a shy and elusive fish that buries itself under the sand at the slightest threat. Its meat is highly prized in cooking.
Nature shapes the landscape and surprises us with curious formations, such as windows in the rock that also continue underwater.
A quiet urban beach opposite the old Hornillo pier, from where we have a magnificent view of Fraile Island. We go down the wooden staircase on the right. Here, the seabed is sandy in the center but clearly rocky at the ends, so we will head to the right. A string of stones mark the coastline and entertain us with the sight of abundant marine life. It is common to encounter sand eels, fish that take on a brown color in areas of rock and sand, and an intense green if they live among the Posidonia sea grass. The colors of the ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), known here as gitano, although in many places it is known as fredi, also stand out. If we stay close to the coastline, the rocks, arranged like a breakwater, allow us to walk on many sections, although if we move away a little, the depth quickly increases, leading to a sandy bottom and, further on, Posidonia. Fishermen often come to this area and for many months they set nets known as morunas, so you will need to be careful not to get caught in them. There are also traces of what appear to be old railway tracks. There are large rock formations at depths of even less than 5 meters, so they are beyond the reach of a leisurely snorkel. It is not necessary to reach the tip; before doing so, we can turn around and entertain ourselves by exploring among the rocks and, once near the beach, carefully observing the sand, where we may spot a flatfish, the wide-eyed flounder or Bothus podas.
We are in a small, charming cove on the coast of Lorca, in the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park, a natural area that is home to numerous almost untouched beaches. The sides of the underwater area are rocky, while the center is a very white sandy area. We equip ourselves with goggles, snorkels, and fins and head towards the right side. The bottom here is very shallow, and we quickly find the fauna characteristic of holes and crevices, such as octopuses, pointed comber, and gobies. Octopuses are always difficult to see given their ability to adopt the color and even the texture of the rock. One way to detect their presence is to look closely when we see two or three comber fish, which, being territorial fish, tend to gather together to harass and try to devour small octopuses. The wall is on our right and takes us on an entertaining journey to the neighboring cove known as Baño de las Mujeres. It is not necessary to reach it; we can turn back at any time and explore the thousand hiding places that are home to a wide variety of fauna. The rocky platform is easy to walk on, making it a suitable route for children. Meanwhile, on the sandy area, we find the usual saddled bream and striped seabream stirring up the seabed and, perhaps, some surprises such as the wide-eyed flounder, a species of sole that blends in perfectly with the sand.
Very close to Mazarrón, the coastline offers us a picturesque view of the purest Mediterranean with an islet next to a chapel and archaeological remains. We enter the water and head towards Isla Plana, less than 50 meters from the coast. The seabed, a platform covered with brown algae, is very shallow and extremely bright, giving way to a spectacular Posidonia meadow whose leaves rise strongly to the surface. The western part of the islet is very shallow, almost always within walking distance, and is full of life such as wrasse, pointed comber and octopuses. Close to the island, the wall has dark folds where you can see the bright beadlet anemone Actinia equina, also known as the sea tomato. The island has a cave-like inlet where the water is shallow, while in other sections the wall drops away steeply, always full of groups of black damselfish, which are bright neon blue when they are young. If you are a strong swimmer and the sea is in good condition, you can swim around the island. The depth will increase and large loose rocks will appear. Before turning southward and entering a cove, there is an arch about 3 m away with beautiful backlighting, although we should not go through it. The rest of the route is a continuous succession of rocks, steeply sloping walls resting on rocks, and again, the Posidonia meadow where we may be lucky enough to see the pipefish, which blends in masterfully with this plant.
The striped seabream (Lithognathus mormyrus) is also known as Herrera and mabra. Like all members of its species, it is hermaphroditic, as they are all born male and become female when they reach a certain size. They are almost always seen stirring up the sandy seabed.
The wide-eyed flounder is a flat fish that is difficult to spot because it blends in completely with the sand. One way to spot it is by its protruding eyes, which are set far apart, with the lower one closer to the snout.
Cala del Pato Vizo
También conocida como de La Galera, es una pequeña cala urbana de Cabo de Palos desde donde disfrutamos de una preciosa visión del litoral rocoso, veleros fondeados y el poderoso faro presidiendo la estampa. Entramos al agua y nos dirigimos hacia el islote que tenemos enfrente. Sus paredes descansan en un fondo sobre -3 m aunque hay multitud de rocas que atenúan la profundidad. Entre ellas, bancos de castañuelas, serranos y pequeños meros, al acecho de algún pulpo. Tras rodearlo enfilamos hacia el sur siguiendo la línea litoral. El fondo es predominantemente de posidonia, sobre todo si nos separamos de la costa, produciéndose un escalón que cae a un fondo de arena. Así, lo preferible es ir en la zona de transición entre roca y posidonia, donde veremos muchísima fauna como sargos y bogas, que se mueven como flechas al unísono ante la amenaza de depredadores como la dorada, el dentón o los túnidos, sobre todo en verano y otoño. Los entrantes del litoral acogen especialmente pequeños alevines de muchos tipos de peces, en un fondo donde hacemos pie. Así podemos llegar hasta unos escalones en la cala e invertir el rumbo, esta vez más pegados a la costa y escoltados por verdaderas nubes de obladas, sargos y mojarras, un espectáculo de vida y belleza de paisajes sumergidos. Esta ruta la podemos hacer con niños si lo hacemos pegados al litoral, donde casi en cualquier tramo se hace pie en las múltiples rocas del fondo.
The beadlet anemone (Actinia equina) is an animal, although it resembles the fleshy fruit found in our salads. It belongs to the cnidarian family, like jellyfish, and also has stinging cells, so we can observe it but not touch it.
Las Palomas Cave is a huge archway in the wall beneath the lighthouse. When snorkelling, we must not enter it because the waves can knock us against the rocks.
Sea bass are predators that patrol the coastline in search of prey such as small fish and crustaceans. Their legendary voracity earned them a name that comes from the Latin “lupus”, meaning wolf, although they are completely harmless to humans.
Another of Cabo de Palos charming coves south of the lighthouse. Descending a steep staircase, we reach a tiny stretch of beach with gravel and black sand, so it's not a large place to spread out your towel, but it's a great place to go snorkeling. You will find bright, lively seabeds with rocks at the ends, while the center is dominated by sand and posidonia. We will explore the left bank, so that the coastline will be on this side. The rocks that dot the route are home to a multitude of fish such as gobies, which with their bulging eyes and prominent heads seem to observe us with curiosity. We can zigzag between the rocky blocks, even passing to the other side of one of the large islets to access an area that is particularly protected from the waves, where kayaking excursions usually stop and jump into the water to continue snorkeling. We will go around these rocks, among which silver-colored sea bream and saddled seabream swim. It is not unusual to see predators such as gilthead seabream or dentex approaching these calm waters in search of small prey. The outer part of the rocks has a steeper drop, although there are also large blocks that rise from the bottom almost to the surface. This landscape is sure to attract the interest of users familiar with freediving and descents into the blue. Time will fly by, and at any moment we can begin our return journey with the satisfaction of having enjoyed an extraordinary trip in the heart of Cabo de Palos.
La posidonia es una planta, no un alga, y cumple un importante papel medioambiental. Contribuye a la oxigenación de la atmósfera, reduce el efecto invernadero y sirve de guardería a muchas otras especies.
Posidonia is a plant that flowers in autumn, although this phenomenon does not occur every year, and it is not known when it will occur.
The gilthead seabream, highly prized in gastronomy, is a solitary species that frequents shallow waters, where it feeds mainly on molluscs, crustaceans and worms.
The octopus is the master of camouflage. Using its chromatophores, specialised cells, it can change the colour and texture of its body and go unnoticed. If we look closely, we can see it at the top of the image.
Thalassoma pavo is the taxonomic name for the ornate wrasse, also known as the gypsy, a fish commonly found in shallow waters, where it gathers in groups. The males, with a vertical blue stripe behind their heads, are clearly distinguishable from the females, which are usually smaller and have five vertical stripes along their bodies.
Blenniids are characterised by their lack of a swim bladder, so they move along the seabed by jumping. Their common name is ‘slug’ because their skin lacks scales.
Red mullet are commonly found on soft sea beds. There, they stir up the sand to feed on small crustaceans, worms and larvae, using their barbels, two sensory appendages below their mouths. The ornate wrasse takes advantage of the opportunity and obtains easy food.
La Cueva Escondida is accessible by kayak and by swimming when the sea is calm. Its waters are usually very clean and light enters not only through its portico but also through the ‘bufador’, an artificial opening through which ore was formerly extracted
The tampot blenny is a type of blenid that is distinguished by the horn-like protuberances on its head. Like all of its species, it is a very curious territorial animal that seems to observe us closely, although at the slightest sign of danger, it will hide in its rock shelter.
The pipefish (Syngnathus), also known as the needlefish, is another master of camouflage. It can be found among the leaves of Posidonia, especially when they begin to fall off and wither. There it sways as if it were another leaf and feeds on small crustaceans that it catches with its enormous mouth.
This beautiful cove, south of Cabo de Palos, is dominated by the Descargador islets. There are several possible routes given the size of the area. The one we propose here is suitable for all types of users as it is shallow, although there is plenty of marine life to be found. We leave the coast and head for the west side of the islet. The seabed, initially gravelly, quickly gives way to a meadow of cymodocea, which, like posidonia, is a plant that oxygenates the atmosphere and is constantly frequented by huge schools of salema porgies, shiny and with golden stripes. Further on, rocks emerge where we can stand and continue to circle the islet, which will be on our right. Large rocks begin to appear, which at the tip separate into a submerged breakwater, leaving a protected area where the water is usually calm. The vegetation disappears, giving way to endless rocks where octopuses and small groupers take refuge, and even the occasional shy moray eel pokes its head out. We will be struck by the thousands of young fish such as bogues and damselfish that find perfect refuge here, especially in early summer, after spring reproduction. Predators such as sea bass and small tuna know this and patrol these waters, stirring up the young fish as if they were a single organism. We navigate around the rocks and, as we approach the eastern tip, we see small islets or rocks that are almost submerged, falling below -3m, so we begin our return to the starting point, staying close to the island and thoroughly entertained by the spectacle of marine life.
Cocedores del Hornillo beach is located in an exceptionally beautiful setting.
The cuttlefish, a cephalopod like the octopus, shares with it the ability to change the colour of its skin to blend in with its surroundings or to communicate with other specimens.
The spirograph will surprise us with its delicate flower-like appearance, when in fact it is a worm that lives inside the tube and extends its plume to feed by filtering the water.
This magnificent beach, located in a small residential area of summer cottages, is situated in a bay surrounded by mountains. Its crystal clear waters and rocky coastline make it ideal for water activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, which complement each other so well. It should not be confused with Cala de la Morena, which is right next door but separated by a rocky promontory and accessible via the El Portús campsite. We are going to dive on the right side of the beach, where we will follow an extensive wall. Although there is sand at the entrance, especially in the central part of the cove, the sides are dotted with rocks and an abundant concentration of Posidonia seaweed. A fold in the wall forms a very shallow area where you can stand and where the water pools, usually teeming with fry or juvenile specimens of white seabream and salema porgy. This part is good for children. As we move forward, the wall becomes more vertical and deeper. Now the rocks are large, probably fallen from the wall, and covered with algae and colorful vegetation. Large fish such as sea bass and sea bream pass through the area to hunt. On the wall, in the intertidal zone, which is well hydrated but not always submerged, you can also see sea beadlet anemone, an intensely reddish anemone with retractable tentacles that it can fold up. The route can be as long as you want. Of course, if you come by kayak, the experience will be much more intense because you can enjoy a tour of the impressive coastline and then jump into the water and enjoy this underwater landscape.
We are at Cola Beach, a wide stretch of coastline next to the town of Calabardina. On the right-hand side there is a boat ramp, so it is not suitable for our snorkeling trip. We will enter the water next to some coastal rocks on the easternmost part of the beach. Many caravans often park here to enjoy the unbeatable views of this charming coastline. We enter the water next to some rocks that emerge slightly. The bottom is very shallow, with scattered rocks giving way to a slab full of cuts and holes that provide shelter for octopuses and sea urchins. We can stand perfectly, so it is always advisable to wear shoes with soles. If we head out to sea, we come across extensive Posidonia meadows, an environment of extraordinary biological importance because it not only shelters a lot of life by serving as a nursery for the young of various species, but also slows down the waves and protects the coast from erosion. Posidonia blooms well into autumn, although it does not do so every year, and it is not known when it will occur. On the posidonia, it is common to see groups of dozens of salema porgies displaying their golden livery and standing out as they move in unison while feeding on this plant, although it is also said that they actually feed on the organisms that colonize its leaves. Among the Posidonia, a thousand white sand trails are drawn, where we may see the elusive pearly razorfish, a soft-bottom fish that stands out for its rounded snout and which, being naturally shy, rushes to bury itself in the sand at the slightest sign of danger. Another fish frequently found in the sand is the striped seabream or mabra, always stirring the sand to find food. It is not worth straying too far from the coast because the meadow extends and becomes deeper. It is better to stay on the slab or at its edge and entertain ourselves with the rock formations that dot the seabed and are also home to a lot of life.
The scorpion fish, also known as the goatfish or henfish, is a fish that blends in with the rocky seabed. It can also change the colour of its skin, lightening or darkening it to camouflage itself with its surroundings.
With its intricate foliage, Posidonia forms a welcoming forest for a multitude of species, such as these axillary wrasse and rainbow wrasse (coris julis), very elusive fish that find the meadow a perfect refuge.
A small urban cove in Cabo de Palos from where we enjoyed a beautiful view of the rocky coastline, anchored sailboats, and the mighty lighthouse presiding over the scene. We entered the water and headed towards the islet in front of us. Its walls rest on a bottom about 3 m deep, although there are many rocks that reduce the depth. Among them, schools of damselfish, pointed comber, and small groupers, on the lookout for octopus. After circling it, we headed south along the coastline. The seabed is predominantly posidonia, especially as we move away from the coast, forming a step that drops to a sandy bottom. Therefore, it is preferable to stay in the transition zone between rock and Posidonia, where we will see a lot of fauna such as white seabream, gilthead seabream, and bogues, which move like arrows in unison when threatened by predators such as sea bass, dentex, or tuna, especially in summer and autumn. The inlets of the coastline are home to small fry of many types of fish, in a seabed where we can stand. This way, we can reach some steps in the cove and reverse course, this time closer to the coast and escorted by clouds of saddled bream and sea bream, a spectacle of life and beauty in the underwater landscape. This route can be done with children if we stay close to the coast, where you can touch the bottom on almost any stretch among the many rocks on the seabed.
Cuttlefish, like their relatives the octopus, have skin covered with organs known as chromatophores that allow them to change their colour and texture to adapt to their surroundings. This enables them to achieve almost perfect invisibility.
The excellent Calarreona beach offers an extraordinary snorkeling route on its southern side. The thousands of stones scattered across the seabed create a landscape that we can explore by zigzagging in an improvised way to discover a multitude of marine life. Close to the coast, there is a large rocky area full of crevices, some of which are occupied by sea anemones, which we should avoid touching as they can be stinging. If we venture a little further out to sea, we find huge blocks of stone resting on a bed of sand and posidonia, at a depth of more than 5 meters. So, to see life in abundance, it is advisable to stay closer to the coast, next to the platform, which is covered with brown and green algae. There, hundreds of fish such as salema porgies and damselfish accompany us all the way. Meanwhile, other species such as cuttlefish try to camouflage themselves, adapting their color and body texture to the dominant environment, a skill they share with their close relative, the octopus.It is very entertaining to pass between the rocks, some of which protrude above the surface while, underwater, they are perfect for sheltering fish such as blennies, gobies, and painted comber. Other rocks take on curious shapes, making this a very photogenic landscape. There is no need to go all the way to the neighboring cove of La Higuerica, so whenever we feel like it, we can turn around and continue enjoying an extraordinary snorkeling trip.
We are at the entrance to the Calblanque Natural Park, between Cabo de Palos and Portman, an area that is home to significant biodiversity and which is even more surprising underwater. We enter on the right-hand side and find a seabed dotted with scattered rocks that turns into a rocky platform that is home to many species such as gobies, ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) and axillary wrasse. We follow the wall, which will be on our right, while behind the rocky area there is a wide sandy area where we will notice a string of horseshoe-shaped pieces, like clamps for large pipes. It is best to go above the rocky area in front of the wall, which forms low-lying rocky tongues that drop below -4 m, while the shallower part reaches almost to the surface. Marine life is abundant and varied: schools of white seabream under rocky ledges, shoals of salema porgies above the Posidonia and Cymodocea seagrass, and clouds of damselfish, mullet, and even the occasional small grouper. When we reach an inlet on the coast, we will see the enormous entrance to a cave whose walls drop vertically and merge with huge submerged rocky platforms with visible layers or strata. This seabed is littered with slabs of slate, a mineral that is very abundant on this coast. On the way back, we can meander among the abundant large rocks that mark the route to the starting point.
Sea bream are very common in all the waters of the Region of Murcia. They are gregarious fish and are often found in large groups, especially in rocky areas, under the porches or overhangs that sometimes form.
This cove beneath the lighthouse is very popular with divers who come here to practice their skills, try diving for the first time, or simply explore the seabed, which is easily accessible from the shore. The seabed is very varied, alternating between sandy areas, Posidonia meadows, and large blocks of rock, reaching great depths quickly. Therefore, the snorkeling route will consist of contemplating this overwhelming landscape from above, flying over it, and leaving the descents to those who are well acquainted with freediving. We will follow the coastline, which will be on our left at all times. Soon, a string of rocks appears, each one larger than the last, resting at depths of 4 or 5 meters, although if we stay close to the coastline, the wall appears more stepped due to the accumulation of fallen rocks. It is common to find not only scuba divers but also kayakers who start here and pass in front of the Las Palomas Cave, an impressive arch on the east side of the cove. You will also be struck by the large cyclopean rocks that stand vertically and, when viewed from above, are even more vertiginous, with their walls falling more than 6 meters. You can swim around them to discover all the fish that frequent them, such as large white seabream, saddled seabream, and the occasional grouper. It won't be easy to find the octopus given the considerable depth of the seabed. That's why it's best to enjoy this setting dotted with huge rocks that in some cases are just a few inches from the surface and are teeming with life.
In Bolnuevo, on the Mazarrón coastline, there is a succession of charming beaches and coves. We are going to explore Rincón beach, which is located beneath a picturesque swing at the top of a viewpoint. From here, we descend a wooden staircase and head to the far left, where we can comfortably enter the water. It is a perfect place to come with children as you can touch the bottom almost all the way, especially if you stay close to the shore. The seabed is covered in white sand, although next to the wall there are numerous small stones where you can see a variety of fish such as blennies and gobies, which are poor swimmers and move by jumping, pushing themselves along the bottom with their pectoral fins. To our right, we will be flanked by an extensive Posidonia meadow, which in some sections forms a step leading down to a slightly greater depth. It is worth taking a closer look at the Posidonia because it is home to a great deal of life, including the pipefish or Syngnathus, a fish that is particularly difficult to see because it blends in perfectly with the leaves of this plant. We can reach a cave-like inlet on the coast. Here, the rocks are polished like pebbles and there are always clouds of fry or baby fish that find protection in this shallow bottom. When we exit, we can continue even though the wall begins to become more vertical and drop to greater depths, so it is advisable to turn around and return, enjoying this easy snorkeling trip.
The wrasse (Symphodus tinca) stands out for its colourful appearance. It can be found on rocky bottoms and also among Posidonia seagrass, and sometimes allows other species to remove parasites from its body.
Both the striped seabream and the wide-eyed flounder (Bothus podas) are fish native to muddy and sandy bottoms. There they incessantly stir up the sediment in search of food such as worms, larvae and small crustaceans.