Snorkeling at Cala Las Escalerillas (Cabo de Palos)

Another of the charming coves located south of the Cabo de Palos lighthouse. Descending a steep staircase, we reach a tiny beach of pebbles and dark sand. While it is not a particularly spacious place to lay out a towel, it is an excellent location for a snorkelling excursion.

Here we find bright, life-filled seabeds where rocky formations emerge along the edges, while the central area is dominated by sand and Posidonia seagrass meadows.

We will follow the left-hand side of the cove, keeping the coastline beside us. The rocks scattered along the route provide shelter for numerous fish species, including gobies, whose prominent heads and bulging eyes often give the impression that they are observing us with curiosity.

We can weave our way between the rocky blocks and even pass to the far side of one of the larger islets, reaching an area particularly protected from wave action. Kayak excursions often stop here, allowing participants to enter the water and continue exploring by snorkelling.

As we make our way around these rocky outcrops, we will encounter schools of silver-coloured seabream and saddled seabream. It is also not unusual to spot predators such as gilthead seabream or dentex, which visit these calm waters in search of smaller prey.

The outer side of the rocks drops away more steeply, although large boulders also rise from the seabed to just below the surface. This underwater landscape is especially appealing to those familiar with freediving and deeper descents into open water.

Time passes quickly in such surroundings, and at any moment we can begin the return journey, satisfied after enjoying an extraordinary snorkelling experience in the heart of Cabo de Palos.