40m
    Cabo de Palos, Spain
    Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas

    MINERVA

    Best months: Jul–Sep

    Protected Area

    Reserva Marina de Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas

    Why dive here

    With 189+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, mobula rays (devil rays), ocean sunfish (mola mola), octopuses and sea turtles - MINERVA offers some of Cabo de Palos's richest wreck diving. Water ranges 15-28°C, warmest July, August, September.

    Best timeJul–Sep
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Mobula Rays (Devil Rays), Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola), Octopuses and Sea Turtles · 189+ species recorded
    Water15-28°C · warmest July, August, September
    CharacterWreck dive · max 40m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Minerva. Now there’s a name that conjures images. For us, it brings up that feeling of dropping into the blue, knowing a piece of history is waiting beneath. This site, just off Cabo de Palos, is a standout, and a personal favourite for a deeper dive. The Minerva is a large cargo ship, sunk during World War II, sitting upright at 40 metres. You’re not just looking at a wreck here, you’re swimming through a time capsule, a huge structure that still feels incredibly intact in places. We love exploring the holds, especially the way the light filters down, illuminating schools of sardines that dart in and out of the shadows. Big groupers often eye you suspiciously from inside the wreck’s darker recesses. There’s something about the scale of Minerva that really gets you; the sheer length of the deck covered in colourful gorgonian fans and sponges. Our advice? Go on a calm day; the visibility can be stellar, allowing you to appreciate the whole profile of the ship as you descend. It's a dive that rewards careful exploration, a true deep wreck experience for those comfortable at 40 metres.

    Typical MINERVA Dive Profile

    15m30m45mSafety Stop0m40m max~20 min estimated bottom time

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

    Safety Notes

    Deep dive (40m) - monitor air consumption closely. Advanced certification recommended.

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

    Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

    Today06:0717:3311h 25m daylightGolden hour 16:57

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for MINERVA

    MINERVA Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for MINERVA, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (37.58, -1.01) (16km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    23°C

    73°F · Range: 18–25.6°C

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

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