Snorkelling in the Coves of Villajoyosa, from Racó del Conill to l'Esparrelló

The Villajoyosa coast is not just the sand of Playa Centro. The tourist office points to six spots for snorkelling, almost all rocky coves with posidonia meadows, where a mask, snorkel and fins are all you need.

The six coves, from north to south

• Racó del Conill, at the north of the municipality. A naturist cove of turquoise and often very clear water: fish beside the rocks, shoals of salema over the posidonia and sea bream in the sandy clearings.
• Varadero, next to the Club Náutico and close to the Estudiantes and Tío Roig beaches. The most convenient if you are in the centre; it also works for anyone who just wants to sunbathe.
• Puntes del Moro, south of the centre. A little-visited rocky cove with clear water, easy parking and a beach bar.
• L'Esparrelló, to the south, next to the Montíboli hotel. You go down by steps. It is naturist and discreet; you put your fins on over big rocks before getting in.
• La Caleta, a quiet beach below a hotel. You reach it directly or by crossing l'Esparrelló.
• El Xarco, beneath the Torre del Xarco, with small beaches and coves on both sides.

What you need

The tourist office says snorkelling suits children and adults, but asks that you can swim and be comfortable in the water, and respect the seabed: do not pull up posidonia, do not touch or take anything. The rocky coves do not have the services of Playa Centro; bring water and shoes for the stones. The website does not publish rules for dogs at these coves: ask at the Tourist Info.

With a guide

If you prefer to go accompanied, the Ali Sub dive centre, at the Club Náutico, organises snorkelling outings with a specialist guide around the Serra Gelada, Benidorm Island, the Xarco, La Caleta and Racó del Conill: €50 per person, in small groups and with no previous experience. If you do not have equipment, they lend it. Another way to reach the southern coves is by paddling: the kayak to the Torre del Xarco includes a snorkel stop.