Reserva Marina de Levante de Mallorca-Cala Ratjada

Reserva Marina de Levante de Mallorca-Cala Ratjada is a marine protected area running along the northeastern coast of Mallorca, covering the coastal waters near the town of Cala Ratjada. Spanning more than 11,000 hectares, the reserve was established in 2007 to help regenerate fish stocks targeted by the area's traditional fishing fleet.

Why was this stretch of coast protected?

The reserve was created to ease pressure on commercially important species relied upon by local fishermen. Unlike strict no-take nature reserves, this is a fisheries-management reserve: fishing is still allowed, but only through selective methods that avoid damaging the seabed or catching immature fish. The goal is long-term sustainability of the fishery rather than a total ban on activity.

What does the coastline and seabed look like?

The shoreline alternates between steep limestone cliffs riddled with submarine caves and calmer rocky stretches that give way to fine sandy beaches, some of them still largely unspoiled. Underwater, the northwestern part of the reserve holds an extensive, well-preserved meadow of Posidonia oceanica seagrass growing on rocky substrate. As depth increases, these meadows transition into coralligenous and maërl bottoms — structures built up by calcareous red algae that create a reef-like habitat.

Who manages the reserve?

Management is shared between Spain's national maritime authority (formerly the Secretaría General del Mar, now part of the agriculture and fisheries ministry) and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Balearic Islands Government. This dual national-regional oversight is typical of Spanish marine reserves, combining nationwide fishing regulations with locally tailored management.

What lives beneath the surface?

The Posidonia meadows act as nurseries for numerous fish and invertebrate species, sheltering juveniles from predators before they move to deeper water. The coralligenous and maërl formations, though less famous than tropical coral reefs, are just as fragile and grow extremely slowly — their good state of conservation here is one of the main reasons this stretch of coast remains under protection.

Can visitors swim or dive here?

The reserve isn't closed off to visitors; its rules mainly govern fishing methods and intensity rather than recreation. Tourists visiting Cala Ratjada and the surrounding coves can still enjoy the cliffs and beaches, though it's worth keeping in mind that certain activities may be restricted near the most sensitive underwater habitats given the area's protected status.

Frequently asked questions

How large is the reserve? It covers more than 11,285 hectares of coastal waters at the northeastern tip of Mallorca.

When was it established? The reserve was created in 2007.

What is its main purpose? To regenerate fish stocks exploited through traditional, selective fishing methods.

What makes the seabed here distinctive? Extensive Posidonia oceanica meadows that transition into coralligenous and maërl bottoms at greater depth.

Who manages the area? Jointly, Spain's national maritime authority (formerly MARM) and the Balearic Islands' Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.