Diving in Alboran Sea
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Alboran Sea's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Alboran Sea, ecoregion. This region features 61 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Alboran Sea has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
🌍 Associated Countries
Countries in Alboran Sea (4)
Popular Spots in Alboran Sea (61)
1 CRATER DE SAN ANDRES
1 Crater de San Andres is a notable dive site located off the shore of San Andres Island. This site features a prominent underwater mountain that rises approximately 20 meters from the surrounding seabed. The structure includes a significant cavity that resembles a volcanic crater, providing a unique geological feature for divers to explore. The area is known for its diverse marine life, making it an engaging dive experience. Visibility can vary, and the site is accessible directly from the shore, making it convenient for divers.
10 ACUARIO 2
10 ACUARIO 2 is a dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates 36.993200, -1.885500. The dive begins in a sheltered area at a depth of approximately 3 meters, providing a calm environment away from the Levante wind. Divers can explore depths ranging from 14 to 16 meters. As they descend through a seagrass meadow, divers may encounter various schools of fish and groupers. Upon returning to the anchorage, there is an opportunity to explore the unique features of the site further.
3 EL ACUARIO
3 El Acuario is a dive site characterized by a maximum depth of 14 meters. The dive begins at an anchorage point located at 5 meters, where divers can observe small octopuses. The site is rich in marine life, with sightings of species such as spetons, corvinas, and groupers, particularly abundant from June to December.
4 PARED DE LAS GORGONIAS
4 PARED DE LAS GORGONIAS features a dive that showcases gorgonians between depths of 22 meters and 29 meters, with a maximum depth of 29 meters. Divers will descend the western slope of the Crater into an underwater valley notable for its diverse gorgonian species. Marine life includes moray eels, particularly conger eels, and anemones. Additionally, divers should be attentive to the surface, where tuna may be observed hunting.
5 CAÑONES SAN ANDRES
5 Cañones San Andres offers a dive experience characterized by natural canyons and passages that allow for stunning light penetration. The maximum depth at this site is 12 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. As divers explore, they may encounter a cave populated with groupers and can swim through corridors where large schools of bream, barracudas, and salps are present.
6 PARED DE LA ISLA DE SAN ANDRES
6 Pared de la Isla de San Andres is a dive site characterized by a maximum depth of 16 meters. This site features a rock wall that provides a diverse underwater landscape, making it suitable for various diving activities. Divers can explore numerous nooks and crannies that are teeming with marine life, particularly in the Posidonia meadows where juvenile fish are abundant. A notable feature of the dive is a crack that descends from 15 meters to 5 meters, which is rich in biodiversity and worth exploring during the dive.
7 CARA EXTERNA DE LA ISLA SAN ANDRES
7 Cara Externa de la Isla San Andres features a prominent wall dive that descends to a maximum depth of 22 meters. The wall is teeming with marine life, although the species present can vary. This site is known for sightings of dentex, barracuda, and false pollock, making it an excellent location for observing these predatory fish. Additionally, encounters with eagles and stingrays are likely, enhancing the diving experience. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing direct access to the underwater landscape.
9 EL ARRECIFE
9 El Arrecife is a dive site characterized by a Posidonia meadow, providing a vibrant environment filled with light and diverse marine life. This location is particularly suitable for beginner divers and those looking to refresh their skills. The area is abundant with schools of fry that can be observed among the rocks and seagrass. At the conclusion of the dive, there is a cave to explore, adding an interesting feature to the dive experience. The site is accessed via shore entry, making it convenient for divers.
Bajo de Emilio
Bajo de Emilio is an underwater mountain that ranges from depths of 13 meters to 32 meters. This site offers two to three distinct dive routes, providing a varied experience with each visit. Divers can explore rocky formations and search for the remains of sunken ships. The marine life here includes a wide range of species, from small nudibranchs to larger dentex, which are commonly found in this area.
Bajo de las Palomas
Bajo de las Palomas is located within the marine reserve of Isla Palomas. This site features a pinnacle that rises from a sandy bottom at a depth of 42 meters, reaching up to 10 meters at its summit. Divers can observe a variety of pelagic species, as well as benthic fish such as moray eels. Additionally, it is common to see tuna hunting smaller fish in the open water. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Cala Abierta
Cala Abierta is a cove characterized by abundant posidonia meadows, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. This site is ideal for novice divers looking to gain experience, as well as for those who have not dived recently. While exploring the area, divers may encounter octopuses hiding among the rocky formations. Additionally, there is a chance to spot dentex in the deeper waters. The dive is generally shallow, making it accessible for various skill levels.
Cala Cerrada
Cala Cerrada, known as the closed bay, provides a sheltered diving environment within the Marine Reserve of Cabo Tiñoso. The dive site accommodates divers of all experience levels, with depths ranging from 10 meters to a maximum of 30 meters. The underwater landscape features cliff walls where macro-fauna can be observed in shallower regions. In deeper areas, divers may encounter larger species such as groupers, sea bass, and kingfish, while tunas can be seen in the open water.
Cala del Faro
Cala del Faro is a tranquil cove ideal for beginner divers and snorkeling, particularly suitable for families with young children. The site features a passageway that connects the outer area to the inner cove. Marine life includes octopus, cuttlefish, and sole, along with various smaller species. The underwater environment changes significantly at night, offering a different experience for divers.
Cala Del Perro
Cala del Perro is a boat-accessible dive site located in the Granada region of Spain, with a maximum depth of about 18 meters and average visibility of 15 meters. Divers can expect to see marine life such as groupers, lobsters, squid, and cuttlefish, and should bring a light source to explore the rocky substrate and its cavities.
Cala Iza
Cala Iza is a secluded cove situated near La Herradura, primarily accessible by boat due to its challenging land access. The dive site features a variety of depths suitable for divers of all levels. The underwater environment is rich with Mediterranean marine life, including diverse shoals of fish, various species of cnidarians, and nudibranchs, providing an engaging experience for divers.
Corralón
Corralón is a straightforward dive located in the Cabo Tiñoso marine reserve. The dive features a rocky wall that is characterized by a seabed covered with posidonia oceanica. Divers can expect to encounter common marine life such as octopus and groupers, along with various smaller species typical of the area. The site is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Cueva de la Virgen
Cueva de la Virgen features a rock cavity with an entrance at a depth of 15 meters, leading to a vault that allows natural light to penetrate. A freshwater spring emerges from the cave, creating a distinct halocline effect. The surrounding area is rich in marine life, showcasing both wall and pelagic species, along with various sand-dwelling organisms. Divers can also observe stalactites and stalagmites within the cave, enhancing the underwater experience.
Cueva de la Virgen, Ruta Ana María
Cueva de la Virgen, located at coordinates 37.423000, -1.499300, offers a straightforward dive experience with minimal currents, typically gentle in nature. The dive features a small tunnel approximately 12 meters in length, leading to the Virgen del Carmen statue situated at a depth of around 15 meters. Marine life commonly observed includes groupers, croakers, dentons, bream, trevally, kingfish, barracuda, parrotfish, moray eels, conger eels, nudibranchs, and flabellines. Occasionally, divers may also spot sunfish and sea eagles during their exploration.
Cueva de las Palomas
Cueva de las Palomas is a wall dive that begins at the shore. The dive site is characterized by a vertical wall rather than an actual cave, despite its name. Divers can expect to encounter various schools of fish, including bogas, bream, snappers, and salps. The marine life is complemented by the presence of orange corals and a variety of nudibranchs, making it a diverse underwater environment.
Cueva del Agua
Cueva del Agua, known as the cenote of Europe, is a hypogenic cave that offers divers a chance to navigate through a complex and technical underwater system. The cave maintains a stable temperature of 29ºC at a depth of 6 meters, while surface temperatures hover around 22ºC. The water within the cave is slightly acidic and originates from thermal sources. Although it is connected to the sea, the cave does not support any marine life.
Cueva del Lago
Cueva del Lago offers a unique diving experience within the Cabo Tiñoso marine reserve. This site features a cave that contains an air pocket, allowing divers to leave their gear and walk into the cave. Inside, divers can access a lake where swimming is possible. The marine life observed in this area is typical of the reserve, particularly in the outer sections of the cave.
Draga Nautilus
Draga Nautilus is a wreck dive situated in the bay of Aguadulce. This site is intended for technical divers or those who possess the Deep Specialty certification. The dive begins at a minimum depth of 36 meters and reaches a maximum depth of 53 meters. The wreck itself measures 90 meters in length and is home to a variety of marine life, including numerous anthias, large nudibranchs, moray eels, and conger eels.
Dragaminas
Dragaminas is a wreck dive site designed to foster the growth of a natural reef. The dive begins at a depth of 28 meters at the bow and descends to 36 meters at the stern. The seabed consists of muddy substrate. Marine life commonly observed includes octopuses and groupers that take shelter within the ship's structure.
El Arco
El Arco is located in Cabo Tiñoso and features a prominent rock arch that allows boats to navigate through it. The dive site has an average depth of 20 meters. Underwater, divers can observe a diverse range of marine life, including various algae formations as they move away from the rock walls.
El Hornillo
El Hornillo is a shore dive site characterized by a wall that runs along the base of the jetty. The dive begins at a depth of 4 meters and descends to 13 meters, providing a suitable environment for divers of all experience levels. The site is protected from currents, making it accessible and safe. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of sponges, various anemones including numerous sea tomatoes, and a variety of fish species such as scorpion fish, crawfish, salps, mullet, and damselfish.
El Mogote
El Mogote is a dive site located near Isla del Fraile, characterized by a shallow depth range of 12 to 20 meters. The site is known for its calm conditions, making it accessible for beginner divers. Marine life includes a variety of sponges, cnidarians, polychaetes, and sea urchins, along with diverse fish species such as fingerlings, moray eels, heifers, salps, mojarras, maidens, and fredis.
El Motor
El Motor is the wreckage of a World War II bomber engine located at a depth of 27 meters over a muddy bottom. It can be accessed by boat from the coordinates provided. Divers can explore the structure of the engine and observe marine life in the surrounding area.
El Tajo
El Tajo is located on the walls of Cape Tiñoso, characterized by its reddish rock formations known as 'Tajo Colorao'. The site benefits from clear waters that enhance visibility, allowing divers to explore the diverse Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include bream, corvina, and barracudas. The dive site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.
Escollera del Puerto
Escollera del Puerto is primarily a site for debris cleaning dives, where divers can engage in the removal of accumulated waste due to currents. The underwater environment is characterized by microorganisms that attach to the debris, along with various small organisms that utilize the refuse as a habitat. This site is suitable for divers focused on environmental conservation and cleanup efforts.
Harrier - Pecios CBA (Wreck)
The Harrier wreck is part of the CBA group, which includes several contemporary military remains situated in a sandy environment. This site serves as a habitat for various marine species. Divers can explore the wreck alongside the Tugboat and the Helicopter. Notable marine life includes Groupers, Haddocks, Sole, Morays, Conger eels, Ascidians, Anemones, and Octopuses, making it a rich area for underwater observation.
Inmersión de la Virgen
Inmersión de la Virgen is a dive site that reaches depths between 18 and 24 meters. Divers will encounter a wall adorned with orange Astroid corals and can explore the beginning of the tip of the monkey or peer over its ridge into the blue waters. The site is named after a statue of a virgin located within a small cave. Marine life includes schools of bogas and lemons, as well as spiny dogfish and mackerel that hunt in the area. It is also common to see sizable groupers, octopus, cuttlefish, shiners, soles, and a diverse range of nudibranchs.
Isla de Paco
Isla de Paco is a dive site characterized by depths ranging from 2 meters to 18 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The area features posidonia meadows, which support a diverse marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including octopus and groupers, during their dives. The entry to the site is from the shore.
La Calita
La Calita is a dive site accessible only by boat, located at coordinates 36.721300, -3.735200. This site is renowned for deep diving opportunities, with depths reaching up to 42 meters. It serves as a cleaning station for Luna fish and is home to large schools of various species, including bogas, tres colas, sargos, and snappers. The dive is sheltered from the Levante wind, making it a favorable location for divers.
La Cresta - Isla del Fraile
La Cresta, located at Isla del Fraile, offers a wall dive experience with depths ranging from 5 to 25 meters. The dive site features a gradual drop along the southern wall of Cabo de Cope. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including moray eels, conger eels, obladas, sargos, octopuses, serranos, kinglets, and red mullet on the sandy bottom. Additionally, sightings of grouper, sea bream, and dentex are common. The site typically has little to no current, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.
La Cueva de la Virgen
La Cueva de la Virgen is a straightforward dive site characterized by gentle currents. The dive features a small tunnel approximately 12 meters in length, located at a depth of around 15 meters. At the entrance of the cave, divers can find a statue of the Virgen del Carmen, which gives the site its name. In addition to the cave, divers may encounter several wrecks during their exploration. The marine life at this site includes groupers, croakers, dentons, bream, three tails, kingfish, barracudas, parrotfish, moray eels, conger eels, nudibranchs, and flavelines. Occasionally, sunfish and eagle rays can also be spotted.
La garita
La Garita is located beneath an old military checkpoint, featuring a sandy bottom and a notable submarine anchorage. Divers may observe various marine life, including groupers, octopus, and dentex, along with smaller species that inhabit the area.
La Loberica
La Loberica is characterized by its unique cave system, featuring five distinct cave entrances. Notable formations include the Horseshoe (CT12), The Cathedral (CT11), and the Cave of Lovers (CT17). Divers can encounter a variety of marine life such as grunts, nudibranchs, octopus, moray eels, and groupers. It is also recommended to keep an eye on the open water for barracudas and schools of fish. The site is accessed via a shore entry, making it convenient for divers.
La Losa de Calarreona
La Losa de Calarreona is a dive site located south of La Isla del Fraile and Cabo Cope, featuring an average visibility of 15 meters. Divers enter from the shore and descend along the anchor, as the anchorage is situated away from the coastline. The marine life includes large groupers, schools of croakers, nudibranchs, large conchs, sunfish, and sea eagles, along with castanets, julias, and fredis.
La Playita
La Playita offers a tranquil diving experience, with depths not exceeding 9 meters. Divers will navigate by jumping from rock to rock along the cliff wall. This site is particularly favorable during strong upwelling conditions. Underwater, divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including schools of maidens, bogas, fredys, and castanets, as well as numerous salps.
LAS CUATRO UÑAS
Las Cuatro Uñas is a wall dive that offers a maximum depth of 10 meters. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers. Marine life is abundant, with large schools of bream and octopus commonly observed. During the late summer months, divers may encounter significant schools of sardines, which are often pursued by smaller tuna.
Los Candelabros
Los Candelabros is situated east of Cantarriján beach and is accessible only by boat, as it is part of the Maro natural area. The dive site is suitable for divers of all experience levels and features a maximum depth of 14 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including various fish species, corals, sponges, and nudibranchs.
Los Escullos 1
Los Escullos 1 is situated within the Cabo de Gata Natural Park, specifically in the Los Escullos region. Access to the dive site is available from Cala Palo beach, near a small promontory known as Punta del Esparto. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of salps and bream, along with medium-sized groupers, barracuda, moray eels, and various nudibranchs during their dive.
Los Molinos
Los Molinos is located at the eastern end of Cerro Gordo, within the boundaries of the Natural Park 'Acantilados de Maro - Cerro Gordo'. The dive site reaches a maximum depth of 20 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species, including three tails (Anthias anthias), cardinals (Apogon imberbis), conger eels, octopus, and hermit crabs. The area is also home to a diverse benthic fauna, making it an interesting site for underwater exploration.
Losa del Payo
Losa del Payo is an expansive dive site that necessitates a minimum of four dives to explore fully. The depth ranges from 10 meters at its shallowest to 30 meters at its deepest. The site features vertical walls, gently sloping areas, and tunnels. Divers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including large schools of sardines, which are often pursued by species such as dentex, barracuda, moray eels, conger eels, and bream.
Manaca1
Manaca1 is situated just a short distance from the end of the path leading to the Manaca area. This dive site offers a straightforward entry from the beach, making it accessible for beginners and photographers looking to enhance their skills. The underwater environment features sandy areas interspersed with rocky formations, providing habitat for various marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of salps, breams, small octopuses, and soles that often seek refuge in the sandy patches.
Mina Cristal
Mina Cristal is named after the old mine located within the cave at the top of the cliff. This dive site is accessible from the shore and offers an easy diving experience suitable for divers of all levels. The underwater terrain features depths reaching up to 30 meters, with a notable drop-off to 14 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including mola mola, nudibranchs, and moray eels. The area supports both benthic and pelagic species, so divers should remain attentive to the blue waters.
Pared Amarilla
Pared Amarilla, also known as the Yellow Wall, is located east of Palomas Cave within the Cerro Gordo Natural Park. This dive site reaches depths of approximately 20 meters, making it the deepest area in the park. The walls are adorned with orange coral, providing a habitat for various marine life, including groupers and conger eels. Divers can expect a wall dive experience with notable marine biodiversity.
Pared Sur Isla del Fraile (La Boya)
Pared Sur Isla del Fraile, also known as La Boya, is situated on the outer edge of the island. The dive site features a gradual slope that begins at a depth of 7 meters and extends down to approximately 30 meters, with typical dives occurring around 20 to 22 meters. Marine life observed here includes Padina pavonica, Asparagopsis armata, Halopteris fillicina, various sponges, cnidarians, polychaetes, sea urchins, scorpion fish, moray eels, cusk, salps, mojarras, and castanets. The site is accessible by boat.
Peñón del Santo
Peñón del Santo is a dive site featuring three prominent rock formations located near the shore. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of Mediterranean marine life, including species such as bogas, bream, damselfish, and mullets. Larger species like barracudas and bonito may also be spotted. The underwater landscape includes yellow coral, anemones, and ceriantus, providing a rich habitat for diverse marine organisms. The site is easily accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers of various skill levels.
Piedra de la Higuera
Piedra de la Higuera is characterized by a prominent rock situated within a sandy inlet. Divers can explore depths starting at 17 meters, with the potential to reach up to 40 meters. The sandy bottom is home to several submerged objects, including old vehicles and a jet ski. This site is notable for its diverse marine life, including eagle rays and sunfish, as well as a significant cleaning station frequented by various species such as groupers, conger eels, and forkbeards.
Piedra del Hombre
Piedra del Hombre is situated to the east of La Herradura bay. This site is suitable for divers of all levels, making it a good location for training courses. While the preferred method of entry is by boat, divers can also access the site from the beach or by jumping from a cliff. Caution is advised due to potential changes in wind and tide, which may complicate exit routes. The underwater environment is rich with Mediterranean marine life, including groupers, octopus, fredis, bream, snappers, and a variety of nudibranchs. Notably, divers can observe the Astroides Calycularis coral in this area.
Piedras Altas
Piedras Altas is accessed exclusively by boat and is situated on the western side of the Punta de la Mona cliff. Divers can identify the site by two prominent parallel cracks in the cliff wall. The underwater environment is rich with schools of bogas, tres colas, sargos, and snappers, along with the presence of amberjacks and various coral formations.
Playa de Bahía
Playa de Bahía offers a shore entry point ideal for training courses and beginner divers. The site features a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky formations typical of a small bay environment. Marine life includes species such as castanets and soles, which can often be found camouflaged along the substrate. Additionally, divers may encounter starfish and octopus in the area, contributing to the diverse underwater ecosystem.
Playa del Mojón
Playa del Mojón offers divers the opportunity to explore a mix of rocky terrain interspersed with sandy patches, accessible via shore entry. The site is notable for its diverse marine life, particularly at night when small octopuses can be spotted among the cuttlefish rocks. Additionally, jellyfish may be present during specific seasons, adding to the underwater experience.
Playa del Puerto
Playa del Puerto offers a shore entry point ideal for training courses and beginner divers. The site features a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky formations created by the reef. Marine life includes species such as castanets and soles, which can be found camouflaged along the substrate, as well as starfish and octopus present in the area.
Punta de la Mona
Punta de la Mona is a notable dive site characterized by a wall that divers descend along, leading to three distinct canyons. The dive can progress to deeper areas of Marina del Este. This location is recognized for its dendrophilia ramea corals and is abundant in marine life, with frequent encounters of tuna and sunfish. The site offers a variety of depths and is suitable for divers looking to explore a rich underwater ecosystem.
Punta de las Animas
Punta de las Animas offers a straightforward diving experience suitable for divers of all levels. The dive site features a depth range from 6 meters to 28 meters, with notable rock formations and patches of Posidonia seagrass. Divers can observe pelagic fish in the blue waters, particularly when crossing the sandy bottom. The site allows for a multilevel dive profile, making it possible to ascend while managing decompression stops effectively.
Punta del Vaporcillo
Punta del Vaporcillo offers a dive experience suitable for divers of all levels, reaching depths of up to 18 meters. The site features a variety of underwater landscapes, including cliffs, sandy bottoms, crevices, and grottos, along with a wall adorned with Orange Astroid. Marine life is abundant, with opportunities to observe species such as blondes, soles, ratfish, groupers, lemons, mackerels, spiny dogfish, and schools of salps, as well as numerous nudibranchs and other marine surprises.
Rivemar Playa
Rivemar Playa is a suitable dive site for training and beginner divers, particularly for try dives. The sandy bottom is adorned with replicas of amphorae and is interspersed with various posidonia plants. Divers should pay close attention to the seagrass meadows, as this area is home to three different species of seahorses, enhancing the biodiversity of the site.
Roqueo de Los 14
Roqueo de Los 14 is a dive site characterized by a rocky environment at a depth of approximately 14 meters. The area is marked by numerous cracks and holes, interspersed with larger sandy patches. Divers can expect to encounter schools of barracuda, sizable saltwater fish, groupers, bonitos, and lemon sharks actively hunting. Additionally, the site hosts a variety of smaller marine life, including numerous nudibranchs, shrimp, and schooling fish, contributing to a rich underwater ecosystem.
Zona de cursos Marina del Este
Zona de cursos Marina del Este offers a diving experience with depths ranging from 2 to 12 meters. The site is rich in marine life, where divers can encounter various species including Castanets, Fredys, and schools of Spetons. Additionally, sightings of octopus, maidens, and cuttlefish are common in this area. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.