ZOEA Mallorca

Located on the western coast of Mallorca within the Club Náutico Santa Ponsa, ZOEA Mallorca has been a fixture of the local diving community since 1997. The centre serves as a professional hub for both recreational divers and those pursuing professional instructor pathways.

The location offers direct access to some of the island's most diverse underwater environments. From the steep walls of Cabo Andritxol to the sheltered coves of Cala Fornells, the area provides a varied range of topography for different experience levels.

As a PADI Instructor Development Centre (IDC), the facility is equipped to train the next generation of divers and professionals. This status means the centre is a recognised site for those working towards Divemaster or Instructor qualifications.

The team is international, providing instruction and guidance in English, French, German, and Spanish. This multilingual approach ensures that the technical aspects of training and safety briefings are clearly understood by a diverse range of divers.

The training programme covers the entire PADI spectrum, from Open Water Diver through to Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver. For those looking to specialise, courses include Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Underwater Navigator.

Technical training is also available, including the PADI Tec 40 programme. The centre offers a variety of skill-based specialties such as Buoyancy Control, Night Diving, Multi-level Diving, and Search and Recovery, as well as niche interests like Underwater Photography and Dry Suit diving.

The centre operates three fibre boats designed specifically for diving. These vessels can accommodate up to 20 divers or 12 divers plus the crew, ensuring there is space for comfortable transit to the dive sites.

The fleet is powered by reliable Volvo Diesel and IVECO Diesel engines. On board, you will find amenities including seating, cylinder racks, sun shading with bimini tops, and comfortable ladders for easy access. A stern platform is also provided to facilitate easier entries and exits during dives.

The shore-based facilities include 400m² of space featuring classrooms, changing rooms, and hot showers. For those looking to hire kit, the centre provides full equipment sets, with Scubapro products being a primary brand used, which is refreshed every two years.

Safety is managed with a DAN oxygenation unit and a first aid kit on site. The centre also maintains high hygiene standards with an automatic laundry service for wetsuits and equipment.

The marine life around Mallorca is diverse, particularly within the protected reserves. You will frequently encounter large species such as barracuda, amberjack, groupers, and various types of seabream and snapper.

On the rocky walls and reefs, look for moray eels, octopuses, and spiny lobsters. The area is also home to various scorpionfish and large Mediterranean species like dusky grouper and conger eels.

For those interested in macro life, the Mediterranean floor hosts a variety of nudibranchs and smaller crustaceans. You may also spot sea cucumbers and various species of sea snails and small invertebrates among the rocks.

The best time to dive in this region is between April and October. During this period, the water temperature typically ranges from 16°C to 28°C.

While currents are habitually absent in most areas, some sites like Tramuntana can experience moderate currents. These currents are responsible for bringing nutrients to the area, supporting a high density of marine life.