Dive and drive on Costa Cálida

Golfers spend a large part of their time on the course desperately trying to avoid finding the water - but holiday packages in Murcia next year will invite them to dive in for further fun.

Several tour operators are combining golf and diving in a variety of different break opportunities, with a great choice expected to be available when prices are revealed later this year.

Whether an expert at each, or neither, there will be an opportunity to embrace both sports while also experiencing all the sights for which the region has become renowned.

There are 22 golf courses from which to choose, in a radius of 35km, on the Costa Cálida, ranging from relatively benign holiday tracks to highly regarded championship layouts, including the South Course at La Manga Club - five-time host of the Spanish Open and one of three 18-hole courses at the resort.

Renowned course designer Dave Thomas has his signature on no fewer than seven of the courses, while arguably the world's greatest golfer, Jack Nicklaus, and the design company which bears his name, account for another six.

Likewise, the choice of diving sites is extensive. And the region's seabed is blessed with a variety of marine life and flora, and numerous, fascinating historic shipwrecks, making the Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas-Isla Grosa, Cartagena-La Azohía- Cabo Tiñoso, Mazarrón, and Águilas exceptional places for diving.

All offer the opportunity to enjoy everything from easy dives in shallow waters, to more challenging routes recommended only for more experienced divers. For assistance, there are numerous diving centres offering courses and dive experiences for all levels: from beginners, to more technical dives to large shipwrecks, underwater caves and crevices, suitable for the experienced diver.

Package prices for 2019 are expected to be available from tour operators and travel agents in November - but it's never too soon to check it out for oneself, with a diving ‘baptism' costing from €55, a full diving course from €340 and golf starting at just €34 per round. 

Mar Manor Village Golf

Access to Costa Cálida, Región de Murcia, is simple as it is served by Murcia-San Javier airport all year round, while Alicante airport is also nearby. Both airports are served by numerous other airlines flying from a wide variety of UK and Irish airports and flights in June cost from just £23 one way. 

www.murciaturistica.es/en 

Related:

Issue 3 of GolfPunk digital magazine out now. Read here.