Formentor Island

Formentor Island sits in the sheltered Bay of Pollença, backed by the limestone silhouette of Cap de Formentor. Before the dive begins, the island reveals it: a large sea cavern is visible at the base from the boat, giving the site its first dramatic note above the waterline. Underwater, the dive follows the rocky island wall down from 6m, deepening through sponge-covered rock toward 22m. Barracuda schools hover in the water column above and around the main feature — the natural arch at approximately 14m, wide enough to swim through comfortably with room to look at both sides. At the arch's base, octopus occupy the crevices and the rock holds nudibranchs in the shaded sections. After the arch, the route continues to the cavern at the island foot, where the rock surface detail rewards a close pass. The return follows the wall back up through the barracuda zone before a shallow safety stop.

The arch is the draw, but what distinguishes Formentor Island from similar arch dives is the setting. The approach by boat with the cap towering above and the cavern mouth visible before descent establishes the dive before you are underwater. The arch at 14m is large and well-lit on both sides — a genuine swim-through rather than a tight squeeze. Combined with the cavern at the base and reliable barracuda above, the site delivers three distinct highlights within a single 22m-maximum profile. That range of features in one guided dive is what makes Formentor Island the marquee boat dive for the Port de Pollença operators.

Bring a torch for the cavern at the island base; natural light enters but a light reveals the rock surface properly. The bay is semi-sheltered — Cap de Formentor brings stronger currents on the exposed headland side, so operators choose timing accordingly. Book through the Port de Pollença centres and consider pairing with Cave of Jeronimo for a two-dive day covering the arch here and the air-chamber stalactite cave there.