Things to do in Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park

Immerse yourself in well-conserved nature at Cabo de Gata Natural Park in Andalucia. First, set out on a zodiac from San José and take in the impressive views of the bay from the boat. Then, sail around the most beautiful virgin beaches in the natural park. Continue on to discover key movie locations dotted along the coastline. You will also have the chance to stop for a swim in a special spot. Between sights, discover the history of the area and learn how the local volcanos, reefs, and lava tongues have shaped the biosphere. After your scenic cruise, head back to San José.

Get to know the magnificent Cabo de Gata and Níjar Natural Park from the sea. Explore the coastline by kayak before snorkeling in the clear waters an observing the underwater landscape. Before embarking, learn basic paddling and kayaking techniques and listen to safety instructions. Venture out down the coast, spotting a number of coves and rock formation that are inaccessible by land and only visible from the sea. Navigate in and out of rocky caves. Get up close to sheer volcanic cliffs. Learn about the wildlife and geology of the natural park, one of most protected areas in Spain due to ecological, historical, anthropological, and geological significance.  Stop in a hidden cove in the marine reserve to go swimming before paddling back to the beach where you started.

Start your coastal cruise in the traditional fishing port of Carboneras. Sail to la Cala del Corral and las Salinicas. Admire the crystal-clear waters and volcanic cliffs of Playa de los Muertos.  Then, navigate the Cabo de Mesa Roldan. See its fossilized coral reef and the Mesa Roldán Lighthouse. Continue on to Cala Puente, Cala Sorbas, and Cala Castillo until you arrive at the small fishing town of Agua Amarga. Marvel at the best views of this small town from the sea. Drop anchor at the secluded Cala de Enmedio. Swim and snorkel in its clear waters before heading back to the port of Carboneras.

Meet your instructor 100 meters from where you will be entering the water. Listen to a safety briefing and then receive your mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. Before entering the water, you will listen to an introduction about the natural environment of the area. Hear about the history of the area, its volcanic origin, and the biodiversity you will encounter while snorkeling. Once you have learned how to use the equipment correctly, the guide will accompany you on an itinerary designed to observe the three types of marine ecosystems existing in the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. First, explore one of the best-preserved Posidonia meadows in the entire Mediterranean, which shelters hundreds of different species. Next, explore underwater caves, and narrow gaps in the rock that you can swim through. These formations are thanks to the recent volcanic activity of the area. Then continue to the third distinct area. Since underwater fishing is prohibited in this environment, most of the fish will not be frightened by your presence, so you can observe them up close. The guide will be watching out at all times for the safety of the group, warning you of any possible dangers and ensuring you feel safe and comfortable. When your guided snorkeling experience is over, swim back to the original meeting point to return your equipment.

Set sail from Carboneras on a family-friendly guided sailboat trip to the Cabo de Gata National Park. Cruise across the Mediterranean Sea as you relax on Los Muertos Beach, make a snorkeling stop in a serene cove, and have the chance to see dolphins swimming in the wild. Make your way to the Port of Carboneras to meet your friendly guide and group for the day and get onboard the sailboat. Watch the shoreline disappear behind you as you sail upon the picturesque Mediterranean Sea to Cabo de Gata National Park. Cruise along the coastline and visit some of the most famous coves in the UNESCO-protected National Park, including Lost Muertos Beach, Cala Arena, Cala de Enmedio, Cala del Plomo, and Agua Amarga. Swim ashore to relax on the idyllic beaches and soak in the sun or grab a snorkel and drift around the rocks of the cove with colorful fish. Enter the open sea on your way back to Carboneras in the hopes of spotting dolphins playing in the waves.

Tucked into the south-eastern corner of Spain lies one of the few remaining unspoiled stretches of the Mediterranean coast: Cabo de Gata. Spend a day exploring this untouched region with a day-long bus trip to Cabo de Gata–Nijar Natural Park Accompanied by your guide, you will be transported to a captivating landscape of dizzying cliffs, ruined castles, volcanic rock formations, coral reefs, pristine beaches and hidden coves - all virtually unchanged since the days of the Phoenicians. Mermaid Reef, the fishing village of La Isleta del Moro, and the lighthouse of Cabo de Gata are but a few of the many highlights of this tour. Featuring one of the most beautiful coastlines of the Mediterranean and vast ecological diversity, Cabo de Gata is, without a doubt, one of Europe's last areas of untouched nature.

Discover Cabo de Gata Natural Park on a romantic sailing trip from Carborneras. Sail past fascinating rock formations through stunning blue waters, and marvel at the setting sun from a comfortable sailboat. Board your boat about an hour before sunset from the Carboneras Marina. Relax on the leather seats as you sail past spectacular scenery from the Cabo de Gata Natural Park. After an hour of sailing, drop anchor and enjoy a delicious glass of Cava with your friends as you watch the sunset over the clear waters. As you return to the marina, enjoy the sailboat's amenities, including a bimini top, solarium, and stereo.

Discover the history and culture of Andalusia’s beautiful rustic towns and surrounding countryside. First, travel through Cabo de Gata Natural Park, one of Europe’s last areas of untouched nature. Your English-speaking guide will take you to see captivating landscapes, ruined castles, volcanic rock formations, coral reefs, pristine beaches, and hidden coves.  You will then arrive in the charming Moorish village of Mojácar, with its white-washed houses and stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline. Here you'll enjoy free time at your disposal to explore at your own pace the Old Town and discover the pristine Plaza Nueva, the statue of La Mojaquera, Parterre Square, and the beautiful Church of Santa Mária and more beautiful sites. Later you may relax on the panoramic terraces or shop for souvenirs, or feel free to savor a typical Andalusian lunch.  Then, you will head to the scenic village of Carboneras, which was used as a location in various films, including Lawrence of Arabia. Marvel at the viewing point of La Granatilla, which offers stunning views over the north coast of Cabo de Gata before being taken back to your pickup point.

After finding the meeting point, receive an introduction to the world of astronomy and stargazing from a specialized guide. Learn how to locate the North Star, the main constellations, and how to differentiate objects in the night’s sky. Relax with a mat, blanket, and pillow and gaze up at innumerable starts above the Mediterranean coast. Hear the mythical stories that are narrated about the most famous constellations. Finish the evening with a group photo.

You will meet your professional guide after sunset at the Mirador del Sollarete in San José. After a short presentation you will be provided mats and flashlights and set off on your starlit adventure. The viewpoint will be the first stop, and it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay of San Jóse, the cliffs of Cabo de Gata and the highest mountain of the region. From there, you will walk along the coast in total serenity, before reaching Los Genoveses beach. Throughout the journey your guide will interpret the landscape talking about the history of the Natural Park as well as the flora, fauna and volcanic origin of the area. Participants will also learn how to use the sky and the stars to get their bearings just like ancient explorers and astronomers. At the beach you will lay out your mats, listen to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and gaze up into the stars. Your expert guide will introduce you to the world of astronomy and stargazing, teaching you how to recognize the main constellations and the mythology surrounding them.