National Parks Abroad: Cabrera y La Cueva

One of the Balearic Islands, Cabrera Island is an hour boat ride off the southern coast of Mallorca, Spain. Once a host for French prisoners, later a base of forces in the Spanish Civil War, Cabrera is now a Spanish National Park as of April 1991. There is a limit of 300 visitors per day in order to preserve the islands history, structures and biodiversity.

Our boat anchors in a cove surrounded by crystal blue seas and skies. Upon arrival, before heading out for field work, the CIEE group is met by Park Rangers who provide an overview of the island, it's history, it's facilities and it's beaches.

The students hike around the island to the opposite side of the cove where they are able to split into groups for coastal exploration, snorkeling, and free beach time. One of the most exciting an fruitful snorkeling sessions of the program our students spotted massive Sea Cucumbers, Brittle Starfish, Hermit Crabs, Pike Fish, Gobi Fish, three different Octopus and more!

On our trip home, the boat takes a surprise visit to a massive island cave, anchoring within and giving everyone a chance to swim and snorkel in the deep blue waters lit by the sun shining in through the mouth of the cave. And for any families planning a return visit, the crew members could not speak more highly of their smaller evening trips that witness the sunset from within.