Tarifa, Cadiz, and the Strait of Gibraltar

Plan for wind, current, cold water, and site swaps. Carry a DSMB, computer, cutting tool if permitted, and exposure protection that suits 15°C to 20°C water. Follow guide instructions on descent lines, moorings, maximum depth, and exit points. Do not solo snorkel or freedive near the island, port, or causeway. If conditions look marginal, choose Bolonia, old town, birding, or whale watching rather than forcing the water plan.

For serious injury, suspected decompression illness, near drowning, chest pain, or missing divers, activate Spanish emergency services on 112 and maritime rescue through Salvamento Maritimo or VHF Channel 16. Do not self-drive a suspected DCI case to a chamber. Put the diver on oxygen if trained and available, keep them hydrated only if fully alert, and contact DAN Europe or your insurer for diving medical coordination. Local clinics can help with routine issues and certificates, but emergency routing is coordinated by the official response system.

The Parque Natural del Estrecho protects coastal and marine habitats around Tarifa and Algeciras. Use authorized moorings, do not anchor on sensitive habitat, avoid touching algae, gorgonians, anemones, octopus dens, nudibranchs, rays, or wreck remains, and remove only recent trash when safe. Keep whale-watch encounters boat-based and respectful, never feed or chase marine mammals, and stay off dune vegetation at Bolonia. Reef-safe sunscreen, reusable bottles, and low-impact beach behavior matter here because wind moves litter quickly into the sea.