So much to explore!
Our dive sites
Diving at Son Bou Scuba is more than being underwater. We enjoy our work, which is why we only dive the best dive sites Menorca has to offer!
Depending on your experience, we have around 45 dive sites available, divided all over the island. Caves & caverns, drop-offs, wrecks and reefs offer unexpected colours and marine life. And all that with visibility averaging over 30 meters and water temperatures of 28 degrees in the summer months.
We are one of the few dive centres with a permission to dive the Northern Marine Reserve. Here you will find a wealth of fish, such as large groupers, tuna and banks of barracuda’s.
Menorca is best known for its caves and caverns, which are among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. Therefore, apart from diving in the Northern Marine Reserve, we also have a selection of the 15 most beautiful caves and caverns for you in our program, such as the famous Pont d’en Gil cavern, Swiss Cheese and the Belltower. Most of the caverns can be dived by divers with less experience. Usually they are large and the exit is always visible. In some caverns we can surface to admire the stalactites and stalagmites.
At least 2 land or boat dives are organised daily to the 45 best dive sites that Menorca has to offer.
In the afternoons we conduct single boat dives and / or snorkelling excursions in the Northern Marine Reserve (upon request & weather permitting).
Night diving is possible when we have a minimum of 4 divers.
Below you will find a selection of our dive sites. The stars indicate the difficulty level (1-4):
Belltower **
Also known as 'Tom's Belfry'. Many of our divers consider this to be the best cavern dive in the Cap d'En Font area.
We can access this cavern through two different entrances, after which we find ourselves in a large tunnel, which goes about 70 meters into the rocky coastline. At the end of the tunnel is a large air bubble, where we can emerge and admire the stalactites above us.
The Belltower is connected to 'Scorpion Cave' and the 'Organ Loft'. These caves however, are only intended for very experienced divers.
Cala Viola (marine reserve) *
This dive starts from a small beach that gradually drops downs to a depth of 6 meters and is usually full of small fish, barracudas and a few stingrays. Following the reef to the left, we can see a large aluminium mast in the sea grass. Following the mast we find the remains of the 22-meter French sailing yacht 'Chrisaldy' at a depth between 14 - 18 meters. In February 1996 it was washed onto the rocks here and broken in several pieces. The remains of this wreck are spread over a large area and offer interesting settings for underwater photographers.
If we keep following the reef to the left, we may see barracudas as well as the remains of Roman amphorae.
Cueva de los Ingleses **
Cueva de los Ingleses is located just outside the Northern Marine Reserve, and can be reached after a short boat ride. We anchor close to the entrance of the cavern and start the dive swimming away from the coast, until reaching a depth of 25 meters. With a bit of luck we can see some groupers and lobsters. Before running out of bottom time we ascend towards the entrance of the cavern at 14 meters. The opening of the cavern continues on the surface, so it is possible to surface within, with a view to the north. We will explore from right to left following the contours of the cavern and look for shrimps, lobsters, crabs and other crustaceans typical of these environments. Looking back towards the entrance we can enjoy the beautiful backlight with an spectacular column on the left.
On the right wall, at a depth of 5 meters, we can enter a tunnel of about 40 meters long, formed by 4 chambers. Because of the depth and the tunnel, this is a dive site for experienced divers. However, for less experienced divers, the dive profile can be adapted.
East End */**
This dive site is located in the Punta Grossa area on the north coast and is one of our favorite sites. Here we can find all the ingredients for a fantastic dive; depths up to 30 meters, a superb landscape with huge boulders and lots of marine life such as stingrays, flying gurnards, moray eels, nudibranchs, octopuses and piper gurnards. A dive for all levels, as the depth can easily be adapted to one’s experience.
Diver's Playground *
Giant rocks and stones, combined with a steep wall, guarantee an unforgettable dive. Everywhere we find tunnels, small caves and canyons. In between the rocks we can find moray eels, octopus, trigger fish and colorful nudibranchs, while on the sand it is possible to spot stingrays, eagle rays and flying gurnards. An ideal place for photographers, as there is plenty to explore here. Many of our divers tell us that one dive is not enough to see everything.
Depth: 8 - 21 meters.
Es Caló Blanco *
An ideal dive site for novices and Open Water students, with a large concrete platform and easy access into the water. The anchor blocks on the bottom provide shelter for cuttlefish and octopus, and between the sea grass we can also spot pipefish here. The bottom of this bay consists of rocks and sea grass on the sides, with white sand in the middle.
Because this cove is pretty well sheltered, we often have excellent underwater visibility here.
Faro D'Artrutx *
We usually frequent this spot as a repetitive dive after diving the Malakoff wreck. Below the lighthouse of Cap D'Artrutx we find a landscape with canyons, steep walls, overhangs and small caves, as well as a wealth of marine life.
In May and June, large stingrays can be observed as they come here to mate.
Fossil Cave ****
Another attraction on Menorca's south coast. At the end of a large overhang, at a depth of 13 meters, we find the -somewhat hidden- letterbox openings that lead to this cave. Once inside the cave opens up into a large room, filled with hugh rocks that have fallen from the ceiling at some point. The visibility inside usually equals that of the cenotes in Mexico! Following the left side we can surface in a small air pocket, after making a safety stop and
emerging through a freshwater halocline. Looking up at the ceiling we can see the fossile remnants of hundreds of shells, where this cave has gotten its name from.
On our way out we search for two large conger eels that live here. A truly breathtaking dive.
Unfortunately only suitable for divers with a cave diving certificate, because most of the time the exit is not visible.
Grand Grotto ***
Swimming along a drop-off we reach the entrance of Grand Grotto, with an opening of 16 to 30 meters. In the cave we have the choice to follow a tunnel to the left or to go straight ahead. We can surface in both directions.
If we do both tunnels in one dive, we have to keep an eye on our dive computer and make safety stops because of the many ascents.
Horse Shoe Tunnel **
The Horse Shoe is best described as a tunnel with a 90-degree angle. We usually use the Horse Shoe as a short-cut on the way to 'Moon Pool' cave. After a wide opening, the tunnel quickly narrows and ends in a chimney. Here we swim up a few meters, searching for shrimp and lobsters in the meantime. After reaching the ceiling of the chimney, we can see the exit of the tunnel and enjoy the fantastic backlight coming in through it.
Junkers 88 ****
On February 24, 1943, this German Ju-88 A4 light bomber, stationed in Sicily, accidentally veered off course after a raid on targets in Algeria. Upon sighting the Isla del Aire lighthouse and with little fuel available, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing in the sea, in front of a trawler with local fishermen. All four crew members survived the landing.
The aircraft is now resting at a depth of 47 meters and for that a Tec 50 certificate is required. Not an easy dive due to the often strong current and depth, but certainly worth it. We plan this dive on request, in cooperation with one of our partner dive centers.
La Catedral **
Beautiful cavern with an immense opening from 6 to 21 meters. La Catedral is the largest underwater cavern on the south coast, and therefore ideal for less experienced divers. When we swim into this cavern, we follow the left wall and via large boulders and columns we end up at the back. Here is another circular room with stalagmites, which we only visit if the divers have sufficient experience. If we now follow the other wall, we have a fantastic view of the opening of the cavern. After a safety stop, we surface into a large air bubble and see the stalactites hanging from the ceiling above us. When we turn off our dive lights, the light from outside gives the cavern a blue color. Certainly one of the best dives in Menorca.
Maximum depth: 22 meters.
La Llosa del Patró Pere (marine reserve) **
La Llosa del Patró Pere is considered to be among the best dive sites in the Northern Marine Reserve. We reach La Llosa, which is located in the centre of the reserve, by boat.
Following a canyon, we eventually reach a large arch at 22 meters, where we encounter a group of approx. 150 barracuda’s. After we have enjoyed the barracuda's, we continue our way to the left and make a tour around an underwater hill. Large groupers, amberjacks and sometimes tuna can be spotted here. Because of the depth and the possibility of strong currents, this is a dive site for experienced divers. Max. depth: 30 meters.
Lightning Corner I **
This dive site is also known as ‘Las Cuatro Cuevas’ and is located on the north coast. We anchor the boat near a huge rockfall caused by a lightning strike many years ago (hence the name).
Following the reef, we find the entrance to the first cavern, which opens into a large chamber with openings to the surface, revealing a beautiful light. Via a small crack, this cavern is connected to a second one and once we exit it, we dive with the shore to our right and visit a third cavern. When we enter we can see an exit to our left and a tunnel that runs parallel to the coast. Here we can find an abundance of shrimps, small conger eels and crabs. We follow this tunnel to the end, where we can surface in an air bubble and see the daylight through a tiny hole.
After leaving the cavern we find a seabed full of large rocks that allow us to pass underneath and then exit through another opening. On the way back to the boat we keep an eye out for amberjacks and groupers.
Macaret Point *
The typical steep walls of Menorca's north coast continue underwater here, guaranteeing a beautiful underwater environment. Small canyons and tunnels, combined with large schools of fish, provide an ideal backdrop for underwater photography. A large group of barracudas has its territory here. Excellent land dive when the wind blows from the south. Depth: 10 - 22 meters.
Malakoff wreck ***
During a storm in January 1929, the French steamship Malakoff ran into a rock formation known in Menorca as Escull de Gobernador and sank in just 7 minutes. This famous wreck stands upright on the sandy bottom, at a depth of 40 meters. The deck is located at approximately 32 meters. In the 1950s, salvage divers blew away the entire superstructure with explosives. Today, the Malakoff forms an artificial reef some 105 meters long. Because around the wreck is only sandy bottom, we find an unprecedented abundance of fish here, which also attracts many large (predatory) fish. A group of more than 100 barracudas has its permanent home here. We also see congereels, large grouper and triggerfish. During the deco stop, devil rays have been seen! Sometimes divers can find remains of the cargo; ceramic tiles and porcelain. Recently, even a ship's compass could be seen.
Moon Pool ***
A cave dive for experienced divers. A beautiful steep wall and 'Horse Shoe Tunnel' take us to the entrance of the Moon Pool, at a depth of 13 metres. Moon Pool is one of the most famous caves in Menorca. A tunnel leads us through several bends about 50 metres into the rocky coast of Cap d'en Font. As we follow this tunnel, we swim over large boulders and round pebbles, until at the end we reach a round room with a circular hole in the ceiling. Here we make our safety stop, after which we swim through a halocline before surfacing. After a final bend, we are now in a small air pocket.
On the way back, we look for conger eels, crabs and shrimps, which we find here in large numbers.
Ocean Diver wreck **
The Ocean Diver is a small Dutch freighter about 23 meters long. The was last used for tobacco smuggling between several Mediterranean ports and North Africa, and eventually seized by the Spanish Coast Guard. After several years of rusting in the port of Mahón, the Ocean Diver was made into a sunk to create an artificial reef. Directly in front of the diving school is the wreck upright on the seafloor at a depth of 28 meters and provides a habitat for grouper and sea snails.
Pont d'En Gil */**
Menorca's most famous cavern (220 meters long) should not be missed in any logbook! Pont d'En Gil is by far the best cavern dive in the western Mediterranean. The entire cavern is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns. With a maximum depth of 12 meters and because it is almost always possible to surface, this cavern is also suitable for less experienced divers.
After anchoring in the cove nearby, we swim underneath the famous giant arch and keep the reef to our left. Soon we see the large opening of Pont d'En Gil, and after a safety stop we emerge into a giant tunnel. Once inside, we float on the surface and admire the stalactites some 6 meters above us. For more experienced divers we can enter a second cave at the end of the tunnel. No stalactites here but English Beach (if you want to know the origins of the name; dive with us). The way back is done under water and we'll leave the cavern through another tunnel, which brings us back in the cove where we started our dive.
S'Algar Funnels **
Two spectacular caverns on top of each other, connected by a tunnel. The upper cavern, with it’s entrance at 8 meters, leads to a small sinkhole in the rocky coast of S'Algar. After we have enjoyed the spectacular entrance of light from the sinkhole, we swim halfway where we can see the tunnel that will bring us to the lower cavern. Because the tunnel is quite narrow this route is not for inexperienced divers! The semicircular opening of the second cavern is so large that daylight reaches into the back. The maximum depth in the lower cavern is 26 meters. Once outside we can reach a depth of 35 meters, before starting our ascent along the wall.
Stalactite Cave */**
Stalactite Cave, located on the north coast, is a small cavern that was discovered only recently and that is known to very few people. A small entrance leads us via a tunnel to an air-filled space, where we can surface. If we look over our shoulder, we can still see the blue from the entry. Inside it is shallow and we can swim around a large rock. To the left there is another room full of stalactites and stalagmites. To reach this, we have to take of our fins and wade through a large crack. Here we can enjoy the true beauty of this cavern -without touching anything-, as the process of precipitation is still on-going after thousands of years!
Scorpion Cave ****
This tunnel in Cap d'en Font is hardly known and even less explored. After we enter the small cave in the rock face we follow it to the right where we find a narrow passage in the bottom. Behind this restriction we can see a tunnel that emerges some 150 meters further into the 'Belltower'. Scorpion Cave is best dived in sidemount configuration. A cave diving license is mandatory.
Depth: 5 -18 meters.
Seven Arches *
The underwater landscape of this dive site is a real surprise! A labyrinth of different canyons, tunnels, steep walls and overhangs make it playful. Due to the shallow depth an easy dive and very suitable for underwater photography.
Depth: 5 - 13 meters.
Submarine Rock *
At the end of 'Slipway Cove' we arrive at a drop-off with a sandy bottom; bringing us to 18 meters. To the right we can see Submarine Rock looming, and we follow the impressive canyon that it forms with the reef, while searcing for scorpion fish and octopus. Above the sea grass behind this canyon we often find a large group of barracudas as well as amberjacks and trigger fish. With luck it is also possible to see bonitos and sometimes even tuna of up to 2 meters! There is also an extensive amphora field here; the former cargo of a Roman vessel. Depth: 8 - 22 meters.
Organ Loft ***
At a depth of around 13 meters we find the entrance to this little-known cave in the Cap d'en Font area, which is only suitable for experienced divers. The opening itself is wide enough, but after some 20 meters the bottom rises sharply into a circular room and from here we will lose sight of the entrance. If we now look over our left shoulder, we can see a submerged gallery of stalactites and stalagmites. The bottom in this part of the cave consists of a mix of very fine sand and particles, and one wrong movement of the fins will reduce the visibility to zero. We follow a 1,5 meter high tunnel, which makes a twist to the left. On our left side we can now see a circular hole that will bring us back to the entry in case the need arises. On our right we see some small openings where we can look into another cavern; The Belltower. We continue straight ahead and the ceiling drops to about 1 meter in height. Again, the tunnel turns to the left and on our right hand side we can see some cracks and rock formations that are favored by conger eels. A little further another hole in the bottom brings us back almost right in front of the cave entrance.
Tunnel Vision */**
Located in Cala en Blanes, we enter this tunnel through a shallow opening in the rocky coast. Inside we find a tunnel half filled with water. Somewhere in the middle the tunnel splits in two and comes together again before opening out into a large opening at 12 meters depth. Inside we can find octopus, shrimp and crabs.
Outside the tunnel is a wonderful drop-off down to 25 meters where we often encounter parrot fish, nudibranchs, barracuda's and eagle rays. We have the choice to either return through the tunnel by the second passage-way or follow the impressive coastal wall back to our starting point.
Swiss Cheese */**
Hollow rock on Menorca's north coast with tunnels, canyons and chimneys where we can swim in and out to our heart's content. Swiss Cheese is one of Menorca's most famous dive sites and a must-see.
A 50-meter long path leads us to a beautiful protected cove, where the dive site is located. On our way to the cavern we can see nudibrancs, moray eels and octopus. In Swiss Cheese, we find scorpion fish, small crabs and several conger eels. In the spring we can also see the odd lobster.
North of the entrance, at a depth of 30 meters is a sandy bottom where we can see rare white gorgonians and small stingrays.
A dive site for all levels, as the dive plan can easily be adapted.
Santa Clara wreck ****
On the 20th of April 1983 the fishing vessel Santa Clara suffered an engine failure 45 miles to the northeast of Menorca during a severe storm. While a rescue effort was organised, the crew of the Clara presumably dumped contraband tobacco overboard. She was later towed to Mahon harbour where her crew simply disappeared.
After remaining at the naval base in Mahon for some years, she was finally towed out to sea and scuttled by the Spanish Navy in July 1988. For 9 years, the Santa rested undisturbed, until she was rediscovered in 1997.
The Santa found her last resting place at 47m in front of Punta de Rafalet.
The wreck lies upright on a sandy bottom and is in good state, forming an artificial reef. The wheelhouse is at 41m and the forward mast at 35m. A perfect dive for technical divers. We schedule this dive upon request in corporation with one of our partner dive centres.
