Barcos de Burriana

Best months: Jun–Sep

Protected Area

Alguers de Borriana-Nules-Moncofa

Why dive here

With 148+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, octopuses, sea turtles, sperm whales and cuttlefish - Barcos de Burriana offers some of Balearic Islands's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-27°C, warmest July, August, September.

Marine lifeDolphins, Octopuses, Sea Turtles, Sperm Whales and Cuttlefish · 148+ species recorded

Water15-27°C · warmest July, August, September

CharacterWreck dive · max 10-30m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

Ah, Barcos de Burriana. This isn't your typical Spanish Med dive. We’re talking about a cluster of fishing boats, deliberately scuttled back in the 1990s to create an artificial reef. It’s a fascinating, almost ghostly scene down there, with the hulls settling into the sand at around 20 metres. What we love about Burriana is the sheer scale of the playground. You can weave through the skeletal remains of several vessels, some with their rigging still partially intact, creating intricate swim-throughs. Sunlight filters down, playing off the encrusting sponges and anemones that have really taken hold. You’ll spot schools of damselfish flitting nervously in and out of the wheelhouses, and moray eels are practically guaranteed residents in the nooks and crannies. We’ve even seen small eagle rays cruising by on occasion. It’s a relatively easy dive, perfect for advanced open water divers looking for a bit of wreck exploration without the extreme depths or currents often associated with historical wrecks. Our favourite moment is always that first glimpse of the silhouettes emerging from the blue – a reminder of human endeavours slowly reclaimed by the sea.

Typical Barcos de Burriana Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today05:2118:4613h 25m daylightGolden hour 18:10

Barcos de Burriana Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

scuttled

The dive site known as “Barcos de Burriana” near the Balearic Islands refers to two vessels resting close to each other on the seabed. Believed to be small cargo ships or freighters, they were intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef, a common practice to boost marine ecosystems and create new points of interest for divers. Lying on a sandy bottom, the two wrecks have become an oasis for marine life in the Mediterranean. Divers can explore both structures in a single dive, moving from one to the next. The holds and superstructures are now home to conger and moray eels, scorpionfish, and octopuses, while schools of damselfish and bream swarm above the decks.