This spot has been added by

snorkeling team
Snorkeling Report's team
Accommodation nearby

Last updated on

Located at the foot of Benidorm’s skyscrapers, Cala Almadraba seems far from the bustle of the seaside resort. Its calm and crystal-clear waters, edged by small cliffs, have made it a popular snorkeling spot. Snorkeling above the rocky drop-offs, Posidonia meadows and small sandy bottoms, you’ll spot a myriad of Mediterranean fish, such as salema, combers and seabream.

Snorkeling with stingray at Cala Almadabra, Benidorm
Small pelagic stingrays sometimes visit the cove.

How to get to Cala Almadabra snorkeling spot

Cala Almadraba (or Almadrava) is located at the eastern end of the city of Benidorm. It is a popular beach for naturists. To get there by car, follow the coastal road from Playa de Levante, and try to find a parking space at the viewpoint. Several paths then allow you to walk down to the cove (10 minutes).

It is also possible to walk to Cala Almadabra from the end of Playa de Levante, following Calle Alcalde Manuel Catalán Chana (about 1km from beach to beach), but the road is steep.

On the other side of the viewpoint is Cala Tí Ximo, another great snorkeling spot in Benidorm (around 700m on foot between the two coves by the shortest route).

Cala Almadabra snorkeling map, Benidorm

Water entrance for snorkeling Cala Almadabra

Get in the water wherever you want from the pebble beach.

Cala Almadabra snorkeling exploration tips

There are rocky bottoms on both sides of Cala Almadabra. The center of the cove, sandy near the beach, is covered with extensive Posidonia meadows from about 50-60m from the beach.

School fish at Cala Almadabra, Benidorm
Huge schools of forage fish can be seen in the cove deepest areas.

Near the first rocks (↕3-10ft/1-3m), you will encounter sargo, two-banded seabream and saddled seabream, while some striped red mullet are busy digging in the sand. The drop-offs, oxygenated by the waves, are full of bright-colored ornate wrasses.

At the center of the cove, you will swim above beautiful Posidonia meadows (↕12-18ft/4-6m). Many painted combers can be seen near the bottom, while large shoals of salema, saddled seabream and damselfish swim in the open water. From time to time, a common dentex or a gilt-head sea bream flies over the seagrass.

Cormorant at Cala Almadabra, Benidorm
Cormorants frequently come to feed in this fishy cove. With a little luck, you may spot one of them diving and fishing underwater.

Cala Almadabra is sometimes visited by small pelagic stingrays, which appreciate the calm waters of the cove. An encounter with this majestic fish will undoubtedly leave you with an unforgettable memory!

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There is no bar or restaurant in the cala. You will find a wide choice of restaurants, shops and accommodation in town.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth18ft/6m
  • Water entranceFrom a pebble beach
  • LifeguardYes, in summer
  • Visitor numbersMedium to high
  • Access costsFree

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.