MARINE PROTECTED AREA
SA DRAGONERA
MARINE PROTECTED AREA
SA DRAGONERA
PLANNING WATER ACTIVITIES IN SA DRAGONERA?
On this page, you’ll find everything you need for your visit—including regulations, activity guidelines, and buoy bookings.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SA DRAGONERA PROTECTED AREA
Sa Dragonera is a small island in the Balearic archipelago located off the southwestern tip of Mallorca, directly across from the coast of Sant Elm in the municipality of Andratx. This area stands out for its unspoiled natural character, where land and sea converge under a unified conservation framework.
On land, the island was declared a Natural Park in 1995 to prevent development. It is also integrated into the Natura 2000 network as a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. These designations highlight its role as a sanctuary for both marine and terrestrial biodiversity: home to the protected endemic Balearic wall lizard, a key nesting site for ecologically valuable bird species like Eleonora's falcon, and rich Posidonia seagrass meadows that serve as a critical habitat and shelter for marine life.
At the same time, the waters surrounding the island are protected by the Sa Dragonera Marine Reserve. This reserve safeguards underwater ecosystems characterised by Posidonia oceanica meadows, which act as biological lungs and nursery grounds for marine species. To ensure ecological recovery, fishing is strictly regulated, and speed limits are enforced for all vessels.
This combination of protective measures makes Sa Dragonera an exceptional destination for water sports and diving. Its crystal-clear waters provide ideal conditions for boating, snorkeling, and recreational scuba diving, offering visitors a chance to explore a submerged landscape defined by underwater caves, vertical drop-offs, and abundant marine life. Enjoying these activities requires full compliance with active regulations to ensure this protected space is preserved.
A very active community
The Xarxa Dragonera Blava and marine stewardship
The Xarxa Dragonera Blava (XDB) represents the Sa Dragonera community, bringing together individuals connected to the area through both work and leisure. The Xarxa (network)'s ultimate goal is to establish participatory governance for the marine space of Sa Dragonera, giving the community a voice in managing the area.
Resources
Foto: Jaume Rebassa
Regulations
Good Practice Guide
The Xarxa Dragonera Blava (XDB) represents the community of Sa Dragonera, composed of people who have a relationship with the area, whether professionally or recreationally. The Xarxa (network)'s ultimate goal is to establish participatory governance of the marine space of Sa Dragonera (that is, to take part in decision-making for the management of the space).
Excessive speed puts both human and marine lives at risk! In the Freu de Sa Dragonera Marine Reserve, the speed limit is 10 knots.
We share our waters with Posidonia—the lung of the Mediterranean. Help us protect it! Remember, anchoring on seagrass is strictly prohibited by law.
Observe marine life without touching, feeding, or chasing it. Leave empty shells where they belong—they serve as vital shelter for local species. Protect their habitat!
Please note: Marine species communicate with sound. Engine noise or music disorients them and affects their health. Reduce your acoustic impact!
Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter along our coastlines. Keeping our beaches smoke-free prevents harmful pollution in our waters.
Understanding marine life is the first step to protecting it. Master your buoyancy: avoid touching the seabed or rocks with your fins to prevent damage to fragile ecosystems.
Important: If you find marine wildlife entangled or trapped in plastic, do not release it yourself. Secure the animal safely and notify 112 immediately!
Every piece of marine litter collected brings us closer to a cleaner ecosystem. If you spot trash while sailing, please collect it and dispose of it in the appropriate bin.
This is a Protected Marine Area regulated to preserve the local ecosystem. Please check the rules and regulations, and if you see any prohibited or risky activities, call 112 immediately!