Snorkeling in Caló Fondo (Binissafúller)
Caló Fondo, popularly known as Ses Olles de Binissafúller, is a rocky bathing place in Binissafúller on the southern coast of the municipality of Sant Lluís.
The cove
Its half-moon shape and the fact that it is sheltered by the Illots d’en Marçal mean it is protected from most winds other than the south-south-west gales. It is not very deep (8–10 m) and is very safe because in the summer it is roped off and boats are not allowed to enter. The rocks here are limestone and the surrounding cliffs – albeit not very high – are deeply incised. There is no sand or beach here, just some flattish rocky platforms where the local neighbourhood association places steps in summer to make access to the water much easier.
The seabed
The seabed here is of white sand in the centre, surrounded by some thinnish patches of posidonia. The cove is surrounded by cliffs, more vertical to the north and with fallen blocks to the south. The diversity of seabed habitats and its shallowness mean that a great variety of different fish – which are fairly tame as they are used to divers – can be seen here easily. Look out for saddled and annular seabreams, red mullet and numerous groups of two-banded seabream and damselfish. There is also a wonderful diversity of algae attached to the rocks here. You will find light-loving species such as Acetabularia (easy to recognise since it looks like a small umbrella), as well as others such as Corallina elongata and Pterocladiella capillacea that prefer shadier sites.
How to get there
Caló Fondo is in Binissafúller, just over 9 km from Maó and 5 km from Sant Lluís. Take the road from this latter population through s’Ullastrar towards the beaches of the south coast. After about 2 km (after passing the turn-off to Binibèquer) at the prehistoric settlement of Binissafullet, turn left and then right 2 km further on. Follow Carrer de Llevant in Binissafúller for 1 km down to the sea, just in front of Caló Fondo or Ses Olles de Binissafúller.
In the high season a bus runs from Maó – Sant Lluís – Binibeca. It will drop you in the tourist village of Binibèquer Vell, from where a 10-minute walk westwards along the Camí de Cavalls will take you to Caló Fondo. Check out bus times and frequencies (that vary according to the season).
Nearby sites of interest
• Binibèquer Vell: Small, curious tourist village designed by the architect Antoni Sintes Mercadal in 1972. It’s worth wandering around its labyrinth of narrow back streets.
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See our proposals of snorkeling in Menorca
Best places to snorkel in Menorca
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Menorca is an ideal place for snorkeling because its waters are relatively warm and very clear. Although any cove or rocky inlet can be good for diving or snorkeling and for investigating the seabed, the waters of the northern coast are especially recommendable since the restrictions on fishing ensure that its marine fauna is more abundant and just a bit more approachable. -
S’Escala is an attractive place for diving since its waters are calm and transparent. Furthermore, its waters are shallow and cover a variety of seabed habitats... -
The seabed at Binimel·là and, above all, the three coves to the east have fascinating underwater habitats and, due to the restrictions on fishing in this zone imposed by the North Menorcan Marine Reserve. -
The most interesting places for the diver are where the tall cliffs plunge into the sea – above all at the eastern end of the beach – and the small caves and cavities that are found there. -
Cala Morell is an excellent place for diving thanks to its shallow transparent waters that are a haven of peace and quiet. As well, its shape guarantees that it is protected from south and east winds.
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