Diving in Azores Canaries Madeira
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Azores Canaries Madeira's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Azores Canaries Madeira, ecoregion. This region features 370 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Azores Canaries Madeira 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 Azores Canaries Madeira (2)
Popular Spots in Azores Canaries Madeira (370)
3 Houses
3 Houses is situated in front of Caloura village, featuring a prominent rock formation that descends from 12 meters to 35 meters. The structure contains several openings that provide opportunities to observe various marine species. This dive site allows for a circular dive pattern. Notable species that can be encountered include dwarf tonguefish, wide-eyed flounder, cleaver wrasse, lizardfish, sea slugs, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, round stingrays, and grey mullet.
Abades Bay
Abades Bay is located approximately 15 kilometers south of the airport and is designated as a marine protected area. This site offers year-round diving opportunities, sheltered from the Trade Winds. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including green turtles, angel sharks, frogfish, harlequin crabs, Atlantic stingrays, and large trumpet fishes. The diverse ecosystem supports both rare and endangered species, making it a significant location for underwater exploration.
Abakas I
Abakas I is a dive site located near the entrance of the port of Puerto Rico, with an average depth of 19 meters. The site features a combination of artificial and natural elements, providing a habitat for various marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of smaller Atlantic species, including damsels, trumpetfish, parrotfish, and flounders. Additionally, large schools of snappers are often present, enhancing the underwater experience. The entry to the site is from the shore.
Alcala
Alcala Turtle Reef is a shore dive site featuring a sandy bottom interspersed with rocky areas. Divers can expect to see sea turtles, angel sharks, roncadores, lizardfish, cardinalfish, flounders, cuttlefish, rays, and eels. Night dives are recommended for observing rays hunting.
Alexandria
The Alexandria dive site features the wreck of a wooden fishing boat that sank in the 1980s. While the main structural beams remain intact, many of the smaller wooden components have deteriorated due to marine conditions. Divers can explore the sandy bottom where flounders and sand eels are commonly found. The wreck itself is home to various marine life, including snappers and groupers, and there are occasional sightings of seahorses.
Ali Baba'S Cave
Ali Baba's Cave is a 40-meter deep dive site suitable for advanced divers. Recommended equipment includes a torch for navigating the cave structure, which features a plateau at 30 meters. Marine life includes eels, sardines, angel sharks, lobsters, barracudas, and stingrays.
Ambrósio
Ambrósio is a dive site accessible via shore entry, located at coordinates 37.068500, -25.176500. The site is known for its warm water temperatures, typically above 22 ºC from July to October. Divers can expect to encounter large numbers of mobulas, with sightings often exceeding 30 individuals during a dive. Additionally, the area is home to whale sharks, barracudas, big tunas, jacks, wahoo, and various other fish species, making it a notable location for marine biodiversity.
Añaza
Añaza is a dive site characterized by a mix of rocky reefs and sandy areas, featuring notable volcanic rock formations. The site is accessible via a shore entry, utilizing a boat ramp equipped with handrails for ease of access. It supports a diverse marine ecosystem, with sightings of various fish species including trumpetfish, flounders, barracudas, and goldstreams. The conditions here are generally suitable for divers of all experience levels, including Basic Divers when conditions permit.
Anchors Canary
Anchors Canary is a wall dive that begins at a depth of 18 meters, where the wall extends down to 25-27 meters. Divers can explore the wall in both west and east directions. The site is named for the large, ancient anchors located along the dive route towards the west. Marine life commonly observed includes groupers, abbots, breams, and schools of sardines. Additionally, divers may encounter tunas, amberjacks, cods, rays, lobsters, and moray eels among the rocky formations.
Âncoras
Âncoras is named after the numerous abandoned fishing boat anchors located at the site. The anchor buoy is positioned at a depth of 6 meters. This site is suitable for Try Divers, beginners, and those conducting check dives, as well as for snorkeling activities. Marine life commonly observed includes porgies, parrot fish, sea bream, spider crabs, and occasionally moray eels or octopuses, along with trigger fish.
Âncoras do ilhéu de São Roque
Âncoras do ilhéu de São Roque is a dive site notable for the presence of several historical anchors positioned in front of São Roque Islet. These anchors were initially cataloged from the Ponta Delgada marina and subsequently arranged to form an artificial reef, enhancing the underwater environment. Divers can encounter a variety of marine species here, including Triton, axillary wrasse, white seabream, slipper lobster, two-banded seabream, ballan wrasse, barred hogfish, planehead filefish, and spiny spider crab. The site is accessible from the shore.
Anfi Beach
Anfi Beach features a gentle slope leading into the water, making it suitable for beginner divers and training courses. The sandy bottom is home to various marine life, including damsel fish and flounders. As divers venture deeper, around the drop-off, they may encounter octopuses and rays at depths of several meters. The site is also accessible for night dives, providing opportunities to observe nocturnal species.
Anfiteatro
Anfiteatro features a wall dive with numerous cavities extending up to 3 meters into the rock. The northern section includes a submersible tunnel that arches from a depth of 18 meters to the reef top at 12 meters. In the sandy areas adjacent to the reef, divers may encounter rays, schools of sea bream, and gorgonians. The rugged rock formations provide shelter for large groupers, trumpet fish, and scorpion fish, while barracudas and bonitos can be seen patrolling the open water.
AOW Deep
AOW Deep is a dive site that reaches depths of 30 meters, featuring the remnants of an old drain pipe from Los Caideros. This location serves as a practical training ground for divers looking to enhance their skills in deeper waters. The sandy bottom typically offers good visibility, making it easier to observe the marine life. Divers can expect to see typical deep-water species such as rays, gropers, and snappers. The area around the pipe is home to various scrimps and crabs, adding to the site's biodiversity.
AQUÁRIO
AQUÁRIO features stone stairs leading to an irregular bottom, providing access to a unique underwater environment. This site is notable for the observation of volcanic gas emissions beneath the surface. Divers can encounter a variety of small marine species, including Parrotfish, pompano, dusky grouper, common octopus, white trevally, yellowmouth barracuda, chub mackerel, blue mackerel, bogue, almaco jack, and sea chub.
Arco do Cavaco
Arco do Cavaco is located approximately 15 minutes by boat from Ponta Delgada Marina. This dive site is noted for its volcanic arcs and finger-like rock formations along the coast. The depth reaches up to 25 meters, making it suitable for drift diving. The site is named after its proximity to a local chocolate factory. Marine life commonly observed here includes Canary Damsels, Sea Breams, Rainbow Wrasses, Ornate Wrasses, Azores Chromis, Rock-pool Blennies, Rusty Blennies, Red Scorpion Fish, Madeira Rockfish, Redlip Blennies, and Black-faced Blennies.
Arcos Cruzeiro
Arcos Cruzeiro features volcanic arches located at a depth of 30 meters, making it a notable site for deep diving. Divers can also explore shallower areas starting at 12 meters and can reach depths of up to 18 meters without accessing the arches, accommodating open water divers. The marine life in this area includes species such as slipper lobster, two-banded sea bream, ballan wrasse, barred hogfish, planehead filefish, spiny spider crab, and triggerfish.
Arcos da caloura
Arcos da Caloura is situated 300 meters from a volcanic sand beach in the Caloura bay. The dive site features a reef that begins at a depth of 5 meters and descends to 20 meters. Notably, at a depth of 16 meters, divers can explore four significant arches, which serve as the primary highlight of this location. Marine life commonly observed here includes Canary Damsels, Salema, Rainbow Wrasse, Ornate Wrasse, Azores Chromis, Rock-pool Blennies, Rusty Blennies, Red Scorpion Fish, Madeira Rockfish, and Redlip Blennies.
Arcos dal Calhetas
Arcos dal Calhetas is a dive site accessible by boat, located approximately 14 minutes from the departure point. The site features notable lava tubes with multiple passages and entrances, providing an intriguing underwater landscape. Divers can explore depths ranging from 14 to 20 meters. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes rock gobies, cardinalfish, swallowtail seaperch, Mediterranean morays, fangtooth morays, pufferfish, sharpnose puffers, congers, spotted rocklings, and forkbeards.
Areal da Lapa
Areal da Lapa is a dive site situated adjacent to Calhau da Lapa, focusing on the sandy areas between the rocks. Access to this site is via boat. The dive features a slope where divers can encounter various marine species, including eagle rays, butterfly sting-rays, hogfish, groupers, triggerfish, barracudas, octopuses, arrow crabs, and trumpet fish, among others.
Arena
Arena is a dive site situated approximately 5 minutes from the Praia da Vitória marina. The site features a volcanic rocky reef at a depth of around 12 meters, providing a tranquil environment for divers. It is suitable for adaptive dives and offers opportunities for underwater photography. Marine life commonly observed here includes octopus, trigger fish, lobster, tuna, amberjacks, damsel fish, sea bream, scorpion fish, and barracuda.
Arena
Arena, also known as the Amphitheatre, is situated within the underwater park of Madeira. The dive site features depths ranging from 10 to 24 meters. Divers can expect to encounter various marine species, including schools of bream, trumpet fish, macaronesian groupers, barracudas, jack fish, slipper lobsters, crabs, and reef lobsters. The entry to this site is from the shore.
Arguineguin Reef
Arguineguin Reef is a 700-meter-long reef located at a depth of 14 meters (43 feet). It features numerous crevices and a deep overhang, and is home to marine life including stingrays, sea turtles, and moray eels. The best diving conditions are from May to October, with water temperatures reaching up to 18°C.
Arguineguin Reef
Arguineguin Reef is situated near the port of Arguineguin and consists of an elongated rock formation. The dive site marks the transition between a sandy seabed and a natural volcanic reef. Divers can explore numerous crevices and shelters that host a diverse array of marine life. Commonly observed species include large schools of yellow snappers and sardines, along with frequent sightings of octopuses, moray eels, and various rays.
Artificial
The Artificial dive site features a collection of concrete structures, including cubes, tubes, and pyramids, which create an artificial habitat for marine life. The sandy substrate contrasts with these sculptures, enhancing the underwater landscape. This site is one of five locations within the Artificial Reef system. Divers can expect to encounter various species, such as rays, trumpet fish, and moray eels. Additionally, large schools of snappers and barracudas are commonly observed in the area.
Artificial - Block2
Artificial - Block2 features a collection of concrete structures, including cubes, tubes, and pyramids, which create an artificial habitat for marine life. The sandy substrate surrounding these sculptures provides a stark contrast to the man-made formations. This site is one of five locations within the Artificial Reef system. Divers can expect to encounter various species such as rays, trumpet fish, and moray eels. Large schools of snappers are often present, accompanied by sizable barracudas, enhancing the biodiversity of the area.
Artificial - Block3
Artificial - Block3 features a variety of concrete structures, including cubes, tubes, and pyramids, which create an artificial habitat for marine life. The sandy substrate contrasts with these sculptures, enhancing the underwater landscape. This site is one of five locations within the Artificial Reef system. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of marine species, including rays, trumpet fish, and moray eels. Large schools of snappers are typically present, often accompanied by barracudas, making for an engaging dive experience.
Artificial - Blok1
Artificial - Blok1 features a variety of concrete structures, including cubes, tubes, and pyramids, which create a unique habitat for marine life. The sandy substrate surrounding these sculptures enhances the visual contrast. This site is one of five locations within the Artificial Reef system. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse range of species, including rays, trumpet fish, and moray eels. Large schools of snappers and barracudas are also commonly observed in this area.
Atalaya
Atalaya is a deep dive site located in the northern region of Lobos, suitable only for experienced divers due to its depths reaching between 32 and 34 meters. The dive begins on a volcanic platform at approximately 22 meters, from which divers descend northward along a ridge that features an impressive overhang, complete with cracks and tunnels. Below this overhang, divers can observe a variety of marine life, including lobsters, hermit crabs, nudibranchs, sponges, and anemones. Additionally, sightings of barracudas, dusky and common groupers, breams, and rays are common in this area.
Atlantida
Atlantida features impressive basaltic columns and formations at an average depth of 28 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life including octopus, pagre, yellow gorgonians, groupers, and greater slipper lobster, typical of the Canary Islands ecosystem. The site is accessible from the shore.
Atlantis
Atlantis is an artificial reef established by the Sub Marine company in Mogan, featuring various concrete structures such as pillars, helmets, and a whale carcass. Access to this site requires prior authorization from the Submarine Company. While the reef is artificial, it hosts a limited variety of marine life, including octopus, moray eels, damsels, and trumpet fish, among others.
Atlantis Rooftop Pool
The Atlantis Rooftop Pool is located within the Jardin del Mar complex and serves as a training facility for static and dynamic apnea exercises. This kidney-shaped pool features a shallow end with a depth of 0.8 meters and a deeper end reaching 1.8 meters. As an outdoor pool filled with chlorinated fresh water, it does not support any aquatic flora or fauna, providing a controlled environment for training.
Azul House Reef
Azul House Reef features volcanic rock formations and caves, with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet), suitable for divers of all experience levels. Marine life includes barracudas, groupers, cuttlefish, trumpetfish, octopuses, moray eels, and more. Entry is from the shore.
Azul House Reef
Azul House Reef offers a diverse underwater environment characterized by volcanic caves and various rock formations. The dive site features a dynamic bottom topography, transitioning from sandy areas to rocky substrates, isolated coral blocks, and caves. The maximum depth at this site reaches 18 meters, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Marine life includes unique species such as frogfish, large round stingrays, seahorses, and the rare monk seal. Additionally, divers can encounter octopuses, barracudas, groupers, garden eels, trumpetfish, cuttlefish, and moray eels.
Bahia Blanca
Bahia Blanca is a rocky reef situated between the Puerto Rico harbor and Amadores. The dive site features a gentle descent onto a large rock formation that gradually extends to a depth of approximately 12 meters. The area is characterized by a variety of sponges and marine vegetation, making it a suitable environment for diverse marine life. Due to its shallow depth, Bahia Blanca is ideal for beginner divers and training courses.
Bahía de Garachico
Bahía de Garachico offers a diverse dive site characterized by volcanic rock formations, including valleys and overhangs, alongside sandy areas and concrete blocks. The maximum depth reaches approximately 18-20 meters, accommodating divers of all experience levels. Marine life in this area includes ornate wrasses, trumpetfish, canary damselfish, octopus, sepia, arrow crabs, goldstreams, and barracudas, among others.
Bahia de Los Cancajos
Bahia de Los Cancajos is a sheltered bay ideal for confined water training, Try Scuba courses, and snorkeling. The site is characterized by rocky areas that provide habitat for various small reef fish, including Parrotfishes, Damselfishes, Trumpetfishes, and Pufferfishes. Additionally, the sandy bottom is home to Lizardfishes and flounders. The shallow depths allow for easy exploration of the marine life without the need for deep dives.
Bahia Fish
Bahia Fish is a shore entry dive site located approximately 8 minutes from Puerto Colon. The site features a sandy bottom and is sheltered from currents, making it suitable for beginner courses and Try Dives. Divers can expect to encounter various small species typical of the Atlantic Ocean, enhancing the training experience and enjoyment of the dive.
Bahia Lila
Bahia Lila is a dive site suitable for divers of all experience levels, located just a short distance from the shore near Balito. The site features a long, rugged wall with small caverns at the base, providing an opportunity for exploration. Marine life includes various species such as starfish, scorpion fish, parrotfish, trumpet fish, cardinal fish, wrasse, and damselfish. Divers may also occasionally encounter turtles during their dive.
Bahia Verde
Bahia Verde offers a shore entry dive along the coastline adjacent to the Green Beach hotel. The average depth at this site is approximately 8 meters. Divers can explore the coastal fortifications of the hotel, which serve as a habitat for various marine species. Notably, large groups of groupers can be observed utilizing the wall as a shelter. As the wall transitions into natural rock formations, divers will encounter significant clusters of yellow sponges.
Baía da Ribeira Brava
Baía da Ribeira Brava is a confined water dive site with a maximum depth of 5 meters, located near the Brava Diving center. This site is particularly suitable for novice divers looking to start their scuba diving experience. Marine life commonly observed here includes octopus, cuttlefish, salemas sea breams, jacks, and lizard fish.
Baia de Sao Pedro
Baia de Sao Pedro is a protected dive site accessible from the shore, with a maximum depth of 9 meters. The site offers favorable conditions for open water diving instruction. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including small local species such as groupers, rays, sea bream, octopuses, jack fish, parrotfish, eagle rays, dwarf tonguefish, and wide-eyed flounder. The underwater environment consists of a mixed substrate of rock and sand, providing diverse habitats for these species.
Baia do Pocâo
Baia do Pocâo is a boat dive site located near a rocky shoreline. The dive depth ranges from 10 to 18 meters, featuring prismatic rock formations interspersed with sandy areas. Divers can follow the coastline during their dive. Marine life includes numerous Triggerfish, various schools of smaller fish, eels concealed in crevices, and some shrimp.
Baía dos Porcos
Baía dos Porcos is a dive site located at coordinates 32.638700, -16.848500, featuring a shore entry. The dive begins at a depth of 8 meters and extends down to 18 meters. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including yellowfin grunts, seabreams, and a resident conger eel, with the possibility of encountering a rare monk seal. The site is known for its vibrant light reflections that enhance the underwater colors.
Baixa da Cruz
Baixa da Cruz is situated near Machico village, approximately 100 meters from the shore. The dive site begins at a depth of 3 meters, featuring a small peak that descends to a sandy bottom at 35 meters. Divers can observe black coral along with large schools of barracuda and salemas that frequent the area around the seamount.
Baixa da Maia
Baixa da Maia, also known as Maia Reef, is a small islet situated less than 500 meters from the shore near the village of Maia. The surrounding area, extending 150 meters from the islet, is designated as a marine reserve, prohibiting fishing activities. Divers can expect to encounter schools of pelagic fish, including large groups of yellowmouth barracudas, Almaco jacks, and white trevallies in this protected environment.
Baixa Da Maia
Baixa Da Maia is a dive site located off Maia Village, Santa Maria Island, Azores, accessible by boat in about 20 minutes. Divers can expect to see schools of barracudas and amberjacks around boulders, along with yellow cluster anemones, groupers, white trevallies, stingrays, lobsters, crabs, and moray eels. The site provides varied underwater terrain suitable for exploration.
Baixa das Âncoras
Baixa das Âncoras is a rocky dive site that historically served as an anchorage for vessels visiting the Port of Vila Franca. The area is notable for its collection of scattered anchors from various historical periods, with some remaining intact. Divers can encounter a variety of marine species here, including stingrays, round stingrays, grey mullets, axillary seabreams, red porgies, wrasses, bastard grunts, blacktail combers, Tritons, axillary wrasses, and white seabreams. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the underwater landscape and its diverse marine life.
Baixa das Cracas
Baixa das Cracas is situated near the Vila Franca do Campo islet, featuring numerous swim-throughs and passages. The dive site includes a sandy path that reaches depths of approximately 21 meters. Divers should be aware that conditions can include significant swell and currents. Marine life commonly observed here includes moray eels, groupers, stingrays, octopuses, amberjacks, barracudas, triggerfish, pufferfish, parrotfish, and salemas.
Baixa das Moreias - Clube Naval
Baixa das Moreias, located in front of Clube Naval do Funchal, features a rocky reef that supports a diverse array of marine life. The site is suitable for beginner divers due to its easy shore entry and straightforward navigation, as the reef runs in an east-west orientation. Common species observed here include moray eels, scorpion fish, fire worms, barracudas, rays, and gold stripe breams.
Baixa do Alex
Baixa do Alex offers easy diving conditions at depths ranging from 24 to 26 meters. The site is characterized by challenging orientation but is sheltered and typically free of current, located near the port entrance. Divers can expect visibility between 20 and 30 meters. Marine life includes groupers, various species of breams, puffers, damselfish, turkish wrasse, parrotfish, and arrow crabs.
Baixa Do Ambrósio
Baixa do Ambrósio is located near Santa Maria Island and is known for encounters with large groups of manta rays and schools of fish. The site features low depths, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. Moonfish can also be spotted occasionally.
Baixa do Carneiro
Baixa do Carneiro is located approximately 25 meters from the stairs leading to the sea at Complexo Balnear do Lido. The dive site features a depth range starting at 5 meters and descending to 18 meters. It is suitable for divers of all experience levels, offering a chance to explore local reefs. Common marine life includes black moray eels, mullets, bottlenose dolphins, and red sea stars, with occasional sightings of frogfish.
Baixa do Cotrim
Baixa do Cotrim is an accessible shore dive located on the eastern side of the island within a nature reserve. The dive site features a reef with depths ranging from 8 meters at the top to 22 meters on the sandy bottom. In the shallow areas, divers can observe a small fish pond populated by Turkish wrasse and damselfish. As divers descend, they may encounter various species including breams, octopuses, morays, and rays.
Baixa do Espelho
Baixa do Espelho features a reef that begins at a depth of 7 meters and extends to a maximum depth of 35 meters. A notable characteristic of this site is a large volcanic hole with an arch, allowing divers to swim through it. The area is home to a diverse range of marine life, with both rocky and sandy substrates present. Common species observed include groupers, hogfish, parrotfish, sea bream, queenfish, jack mackerel, moray eels, salemas, puffins, hermit crabs, spider crabs, and nudibranchs.
Baixa do J
Baixa do J is a dive site characterized by a reef composed of large rocks that provide shelter for various marine species. The dive begins at a depth of 13 meters and extends down to 20 meters. Divers can expect mild to moderate currents, with visibility typically ranging from 20 to 30 meters. Common marine life includes friendly groupers, moray eels, trumpetfish, several species of breams, striped mullet, larger forkbeards, barracuda, and garden eels.
Baixa do Lobo
Baixa do Lobo is a seamount located a short boat ride from Quinta do Lorde Marina. This dive site is notable for the presence of the Monk Seal, one of the rarest seals in the world. The dive is accessible only by boat, making it a unique location for divers seeking to observe this marine life in its natural habitat.
Baixa do Max
Baixa do Max is a wall dive that ranges from depths of 15 to 33 meters. The site is known for its strong currents and undulating terrain, making it suitable only for experienced divers. Marine life includes groupers, rays, various bream species, damselfish, morays, anemones, shrimps, and maerl. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
BAIXA DO OURO
Baixa do Ouro is characterized by a rock mass that is nearly at the surface, providing opportunities for dives that can reach depths of up to 25 meters. This site is frequented by pelagic fish, making it an interesting location for observing various marine species. Divers may encounter species such as dwarf tonguefish, wide-eyed flounder, cleaver wrasse, lizardfish, sea slugs, red mullet, seahorses, and both round and grey stingrays.
Baixa dos Leques
Baixa dos Leques is a shore dive characterized by a reef platform that begins at a depth of 8 meters and extends down to 22 meters on the sandy bottom. Divers can expect visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters. The site is home to various marine species including groupers, morays, several types of breams, stiped mullet, larger forkbeard, blacktail combers, and damselfish. While the dive is generally easy, it can occasionally be affected by currents.
Baixinha
Baixinha is a dive site located near Ilhéu da Cal, featuring depths ranging from 7 meters to 30 meters. The underwater landscape includes stone walls at the bottom, and divers may encounter some current conditions. Visibility typically ranges between 20 and 30 meters. Marine life observed in this area includes various species of breams, blacktail comber, damselfish, turkish wrasse, parrotfish, morays, groupers, and rays.
Baja Bocarones
Baja Bocarones offers a unique diving experience characterized by its steep vertical walls teeming with marine life, particularly pelagic species. Divers may encounter groupers resting on the rocky surfaces. Access to this site can be limited due to strong winds prevalent in the area. Although it is not located within a Marine Reserve, the biodiversity present gives it a similar ecological significance.
Baja de Luis
Baja de Luis features a prominent volcanic rock formation that rises from a sandy and rocky seabed, reaching depths of 14 meters. The top of the rock sits at approximately 8 to 9 meters, creating a small wall that divers can navigate around. This area is rich in marine life, with opportunities to observe moray eels, crabs, and prawns hiding in the crevices. Under the overhangs, divers may encounter groupers, breams, and jacks. During certain seasons, sightings of angelsharks, rays, and occasionally turtles can also be expected.
Baja Fria
Baja Fria features a slope that descends to a drop-off beginning at 20 meters. Divers can reach their maximum depth before ascending to a plateau at 6 meters. This site includes a small swim-through, ideal for observing marine life. The drop-off is home to a forest of black corals, while the slope is populated with numerous sea stars. A notable giant lobster can be found within the swim-through area.
Bajo de la Vieja
Bajo de la Vieja is an oval-shaped shoal situated close to the beaches of Corralejo, with a maximum depth of 10 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. The site features a prominent false ceiling that encircles the main rock formation. To the west, divers can explore a collection of large loose rocks that form an intricate underwater maze. Marine life includes bigeyes, breams, and groupers, while moray eels and crabs can be found hiding among the rocks. Large stingrays are commonly seen, and during the summer months, eagle rays are also frequently observed.
Bajón del Río
Bajón del Río features three prominent mushroom-shaped volcanic formations that emerge from the sandy seabed at a depth of approximately 15 meters. These structures have been shaped over time by the action of waves and currents, creating a distinctive underwater landscape. The area is rich in marine life, with schools of breams, dreamfishes, and jacks found beneath the mushrooms. Above, barracudas and amberjacks can be observed, while moray eels, lobsters, nudibranchs, and prawns inhabit the crevices. Rays are often seen resting on the sandy bottom, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Balito Deep
Balito Deep is located just off the Anfi Del Mar harbour wall, featuring a circular reef at a depth of approximately 22 meters. The site is home to diverse marine life, including large schools of snappers and barracudas. Within the reef's crevices, divers can observe moray eels, scorpion fish, and damsels. Rays may also be spotted passing through the area, adding to the site's biodiversity.
Balito Princess
Balito Princess is a straightforward boat dive with a maximum depth of 12 meters. The site features a small wall that divers can explore, making it suitable for beginners or as a practice area for skills such as re-entries and buoyancy control. The sandy bottom is a habitat for rays and possibly some sharks, along with various species like damsels, gunnies, and wrasse.
Balitown
Balitown is a shore entry dive site characterized by its unique landscape formed by corroded lava rocks, resembling a small town. The sandy areas between the rocks mimic streets, creating an interesting underwater topography. Divers may encounter a lost fishing net that stands upright, resembling a Christmas tree. The marine life typical of Gran Canaria can be observed here, including trumpet fish, damselfish, octopuses, cuttlefish, and occasionally, rays passing through the area.
Banco Dollabarat
Banco Dollabarat is a significant seamount situated in the protected offshore region between São Miguel and Santa Maria Islands. The dive site features an upwelling flow of nutrients, with depths starting around 5 meters and extending to over 200 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including large tunas, wahoo, barracudas, and big groupers (mero). Additionally, there are occasional sightings of dolphins, whales, and even whale sharks. The site is accessed by boat.
Banco João Lopes
Banco João Lopes is a reef dive site located off the northern coast of Santa Maria Island. The reef reaches a depth of 40 meters (130 feet) with steep slopes, walls, and plateaus at 20 meters (66 feet). Common marine life includes jacks, yellowmouth barracudas, rainbow wrasses, ornate wrasses, dusky groupers, and devil rays.
Banco João Lopes
Banco João Lopes is situated on the northern coast of Santa Maria, roughly one nautical mile northwest of Anjos. This dive site features a reef that reaches a depth of 14 meters, with the seafloor descending to 40 meters. The area is located away from the shore and can experience moderate to strong currents, making it essential for divers to be aware of the conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes Mediterranean rainbow wrasses (Coris julis), ornate wrasses (Thalassoma pavo), schools of salema porgies (Sarpa salpa), and blacktail combers (Serranus atricauda).
Barca / La Patera
Barca, also known as La Patera, features a submerged boat at the start of the dive, which is a notable characteristic of the site. The dive depth ranges from 25 to 40 meters, providing a unique experience for divers. The area is home to a diverse array of marine life, showcasing a blend of Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Caribbean species. During winter months, divers may encounter the endemic Angel of the Sea shark, adding to the site's appeal.
Barco Chino
Barco Chino features a prominent rock gate leading to a plateau at a depth of 18 meters. Divers can explore two towers located near the edge of this plateau. The site offers a variety of geological formations, including numerous holes, caverns, and swim-throughs, making it an engaging dive. Marine life includes large groupers and several macronese groupers, while lobsters, bear crabs, lancet ghost crabs, and moray eels can be found hiding in the crevices.
Barranco
Barranco is a shore dive site characterized by its rugged rock formations that create gorges and grottos, providing habitats for diverse marine life. The southern area features a large sunken buoy that attracts schools of fish. The sandy bottom is home to rays, while the rocky structures serve as cleaning stations for morays. Divers can also observe trumpet fish, scorpion fish, octopuses, and a variety of nudibranchs. Larger fish are frequently spotted in this area.
Biscoitos Cavern 1, 2, 3
Biscoitos Cavern 1, 2, 3 offers a long and shallow dive experience, with depths ranging from 18 to 23 meters. Divers will navigate through several valleys before reaching the caverns. This site is suitable for sidemount or twin set configurations, and technical diving experience is highly recommended. Marine life encounters include eagle rays, barracudas, moray eels, as well as smaller species such as groupers, red snappers, and sea bass.
Biscoitos Gate
Biscoitos Gate is a notable dive site characterized by a vertical wall that leads to a prominent gate measuring 2 meters in width and 5 meters in height, located at a depth of 32 meters. This gate provides access to an atrium that extends to 36 meters. Divers should be equipped with two scuba tanks or a twin set for this dive. The site is home to a variety of marine species, including dream fish, eagle rays, giant octopus, sea bass, red snapper, and grouper.
Black Beach
Black Beach, located off Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, features a small wall with abundant marine life. Divers can explore overhangs and rock structures at depths suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. Notable species include angel sharks, octopus, rays, cuttlefish, groupers, barracudas, seahorses, and nudibranchs.
Black Cove
Black Cove is suitable for beginner divers and offers conditions for advanced divers as well. The depth ranges from 13 to 18 meters with minimal current and water temperatures between 21°C and 25°C. Divers can access the site from the beach and can expect to see various reef fish, including damselfish and moray eels.
Black Tip
Black Tip is a dive site that can only be accessed by boat. The area is characterized by rocky formations with numerous cornices, providing opportunities for exploration. Divers can observe large red coral and a variety of marine life, including bastard grunt, striped grunt, white bream, glass eye, anemones, lobsters, prawns, moray eels, electric rays, stingrays, and seahorses. The use of a torch is recommended to enhance visibility while exploring the site.
Blue Hole
Blue Hole is located at the coordinates 32.644800, -16.824300, with access via the shore at the promenade Reis Magos in Canico de Baixo. This dive site is known for its diverse marine life, including large schools of yellowfin grunts and golden storm fish. Divers may also encounter conger eels and, with some luck, monk seals. The site offers a unique underwater experience with varying depths suitable for different skill levels.
Boca Cangrejo
Boca Cangrejo is a dive site suited for experienced divers, with accessibility for approximately 60 percent of the year. The site features an average depth of 30 meters, reaching a maximum depth of around 45 meters. Divers can expect moderate to strong currents during their dive. The marine life includes a variety of small to medium-sized species, with occasional sightings of tuna. The underwater environment primarily consists of rocky flora.
Boca de Esquinzo
Boca de Esquinzo is a training area characterized by a sandy bottom interspersed with seagrass patches. The site offers easy access from the beach, making it suitable for free diving, beginner courses, and skill refreshment. Marine life includes angel sharks, rays, cuttlefish, and a variety of small fish. During spring, schools of sardines can be observed from the surface near the shore.
Bocayna
Bocayna is located on the northern side of Lobos and is characterized by its diverse underwater landscape and various routes. The dive begins at a depth of 15 meters, where the seafloor slopes down at a right angle to a sandy area reaching approximately 22 meters. Common marine life includes corvinas and groupers, while amberjacks and tunas are less frequently observed. Divers may also encounter lobsters, moray eels, and arrow crabs nestled among the rocks, as well as rays and angel sharks resting on the sandy bottom.
Brains Cave
Brains Cave is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 28.173100, -16.807500. The cavern features two distinct halls at a depth of approximately 12 meters. The right hall extends further into the cave, while the left hall contains an opening in the ceiling that allows natural light to illuminate the interior. Notably, divers may encounter the unique brain sponge (Corallistes nolitangere), which is found in this region between Portugal and Cape Verde, particularly in caves that have access to fresh water.
BURACO S. PEDRO
Buraco S. Pedro is accessed by boat and features a dive site that begins at a shallow depth of approximately 2 meters, extending down to 30 meters. The underwater landscape consists of a combination of sandy bottoms interspersed with rocky formations and walls. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including sea slugs, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, grey mullet, axillary seabream, red porgy, wrasse, bastard grunt, blacktail comber, and Triton.
CABEÇOS ILHÉU MOSTEIROS
CABEÇOS ILHÉU MOSTEIROS is situated on the western side of Ilhéu of Mosteiros. This dive site is known for its diverse marine life, including larger species and a variety of smaller fish. Divers can expect to encounter species such as the Canary Damsel, Salema, Rainbow Wrasse, Ornate Wrasse, Azores Chromis, Rock-pool Blenny, Rusty Blenny, Red Scorpion Fish, and Madeira Rockfish. The site offers opportunities for deep dives and is characterized by strong currents, making it suitable for experienced divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Calamareo
Calamareo offers a wall dive that begins at approximately 12 meters on a volcanic platform. The reef descends steeply to about 22 meters towards the Northeast. Divers can explore in both directions, navigating through overhangs adorned with red gorgonians, as well as small caves, cracks, passages, and tunnels. Marine life includes red gorgonians, slipper lobsters, and various species of moray eels. Additionally, divers may encounter sting rays, eagle rays, large schools of fish, and well-camouflaged conger eels and hermit crabs.
Calçada do Gigante
Calçada do Gigante is characterized by a significant underwater rock formation located a short distance from the shore. This dive site is only accessible via boat, with depths ranging from 15 meters to 25 meters. Divers can explore prismatic rock formations and may encounter various marine life, including groupers, eels, and morays, along with shrimp and other interesting rock structures.
Calimera
Calimera is a shore dive that begins at Playa de Montaña Roja. Divers enter the water and head south, descending gradually to a maximum depth of 7 to 8 meters. The dive involves following the reef either to the right or left before returning to the entry point. This site is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their diving skills. Marine life includes red mullet, damsel fish, parrot fish, starfish, sardines, and flounders. Divers may also encounter octopus, cuttlefish, and occasionally stingrays, angel sharks, barracudas, turtles, or moray eels.
Caloura Panela
Caloura Panela is situated directly in front of Caloura village. The site features a significant cave that reaches a depth of 16 meters, with multiple light openings. Divers have the opportunity to navigate through various volcanic arches. Marine life commonly observed here includes Mediterranean moray eels, fangtooth morays, pufferfish, sharpnose puffers, congers, spotted rocklings, forkbeards, and eagle rays.
Camino de Altura
Camino de Altura features a steep wall that descends from a depth of 6 meters to 35 meters, where it transitions into a sandy bottom. The site is characterized by large boulders that are encrusted with sponges. A notable feature is a deep grotto located in the northern section, which extends beneath the reef along the wall's base. Divers can observe various fish species seeking refuge from predatory barracudas, mackerels, and tunas that patrol the surrounding blue waters. Additionally, morays and nudibranchs inhabit the rugged rock formations.
Cannons
Cannons is situated in Engrade Grande on Ilhéu de Baixo, also known as Cal. The site features three cannons and some ammunition, with an average depth of approximately 20 meters. Divers can explore a nearby small cave, where small fish are commonly seen. Additionally, jacks may be spotted within the cave, and with some luck, rays can also be encountered.
Canyon
Canyon is located just outside the bay and features a notable underwater canyon characterized by vibrant yellow and red sponges. This site is home to a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, trumpetfish, wrasses, spider crabs, scorpion fish, moray eels, and octopuses. The dive site is suitable for beginners, providing an opportunity to transition to more advanced diving experiences.
Cathedral
The Cathedral dive site features a large cavern with a 15-meter high and 20-meter wide entrance. Divers can explore soft corals and a rare black coral branch before entering the cave, which is inhabited by various marine life including stingrays.
Cementerio de Barco (Mole)
Cementerio de Barco (Mole) is a dive site located along the harbor wall, reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters. The underwater terrain consists of alternating sand and stone, providing a varied environment. At the eastern end, divers can explore numerous wreck remnants, including parts of vessels, anchors, masts, and a submerged marker buoy. The site serves as a nursery for various marine species, where divers may encounter barracuda, octopus, cuttlefish, parrotfish, and scorpionfish, among others.
Charco Del Palo
Charco Del Palo is located near the village of the same name in northern Lanzarote. The dive site features lava formations and sand plateaus, with a maximum depth of 40 meters (130 feet), though the most engaging part is at around 15 meters (50 feet), where divers can explore various caverns and marine life. This site offers two dives, accommodating both deeper and shallower experiences.
Charco Natural
Charco Natural is characterized by its unique lava formations, featuring caves, openings, and extensive lava fields that divers can explore. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including rays, which are commonly seen throughout the year. During the winter months, divers may encounter angel sharks. Additionally, barracudas, moray eels, and octopus inhabit the area year-round, providing diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
Charco Verde
Charco Verde is best accessed by boat, as it provides a more comfortable diving experience compared to land entry. Divers can explore the area around the lava tongues, where sightings of rays, triggerfish, and reef lobsters are common. Additionally, small shrimps can be found hiding in the crevices of the rock formations.
Chupadero - El Puertito de La Lajita
Chupadero, also known as El Puertito de La Lajita, is a dive site accessible from the shore, featuring depths that are appropriate for beginners, as well as for snorkeling and free diving. The underwater landscape consists of rock walls and sandy bottoms, which support a diverse array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter various species, including small to medium-sized fish, crustaceans, nudibranchs, rays, groupers, morays, octopuses, and angel sharks.
Cinco Ribeiras
Cinco Ribeiras is a cavern dive located at a depth of 17 meters, designated for advanced divers. The site features three distinct chambers: the first chamber is known as shrimp cave, the second is referred to as Cavaco swim-through, and the third is called funnel. Divers can exit through one of the three available openings. Marine life commonly encountered includes shrimps, slipper lobsters, groupers, and various local fish species such as moray eels.
Cita Del Mar
Cita Del Mar is a wrecked tuna boat located at a depth of 38 to 58 meters (125-190 feet). The 21-meter (69-foot) vessel is on its port side, surrounded by trawl net, and offers good visibility and low currents, making it suitable for technical divers. Expect to see marine life attracted to the wreck.
Coladas
Coladas is characterized by a dramatic wall formed from lava flows, which significantly influences the underwater landscape. As divers explore this site, they encounter a vibrant ecosystem filled with diverse marine life. The cavernous structures created by the lava provide habitats for various species commonly found in such environments, including lobsters, octopuses, crabs, prawns, and frogfish. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience the unique geological features and rich biodiversity.
Coloradas Reef
Coloradas Reef is situated on the eastern side of Las Coloradas Beach, approximately 10 minutes from Playa Blanca. This dive site features a lengthy reef characterized by shallow canyons that are rich in color and light, providing an engaging underwater environment. The area is home to a diverse array of marine life, including schools of sea bream, damsel fish, barracudas, and sea bass. Additionally, divers may encounter stingrays, eagle rays, octopuses, and moray eels, making it a vibrant spot for observing various species.
Coral
Coral dive site is exclusively for technical divers, with depths ranging from 40 to 85 meters. This location features a forest of black coral and an abundance of gorgonian corals, which are unique to these depths. Marine life includes angel sharks, stingrays, groupers, barracuda, and tuna, along with other typical fish species. The primary attractions here are the diverse coral formations and the gorgonian corals, both hard and soft.
Cordeca (Wreck)
The Cordeca wreck, a former Navy corvette, was intentionally sunk in July 2016 to serve as an artificial reef. The wreck's structure rises to approximately 15 meters below the surface, with the seabed reaching depths of 30 meters. Divers can expect excellent visibility, typically exceeding 25 meters, and the site is generally protected from strong currents and wind. Marine life commonly observed around the wreck includes schools of bogues and horse mackerel, various species of groupers, breams, parrotfish, blacktail comber, striped mullets, triggerfish, rays, barracudas, and jacks.
Costa Brava
Costa Brava is a shore dive that showcases a diverse marine ecosystem extending from Ribeira Brava beach into the bay. Divers enter through the beach and explore a wall composed of large blocks, which serves as a habitat for various marine species. Notable sightings include multiple wrasse species, damselfish, puffer fish, groupers, sea bass, mullets, butterfly stingrays, and occasionally sea turtles.
Cruentats Cave
Cruentats Cave is accessible from the shore and requires divers to have experience with rocky entry points. Once in the water, divers will navigate at shallow depths to reach the cave, ensuring they have sufficient air to explore its features. Inside the cave, divers can observe a significant population of Cruentatus, which the cave is named after, along with giant anemones and scarlet lady prawns. Additionally, large striped fish may also be encountered in this area.
Cuesta del Faro
Cuesta del Faro is located on the western side of Playa Blanca, where the volcanic formations descend into deeper waters. Divers can explore intricate lava reef structures teeming with marine life. This site offers the opportunity to dive deeper than many other locations in Playa Blanca. Notable marine species include stingrays, lobsters, angel sharks, and schools of barracudas and breams. Additionally, tunas and octopuses can be observed, along with orange and black coral found at depths exceeding 40 meters.
Cueva de la Capilla
Cueva de la Capilla features a lengthy lava tunnel that extends approximately 70 meters into the cave, where divers can surface in a spacious chamber reminiscent of a large church. The cave is home to various marine life, including different species of shrimp and occasionally a stingray. Additionally, divers can observe large anemones within the cave environment.
Cueva de las Gambas
Cueva de las Gambas is a renowned dive site located in Puerto del Carmen, featuring a wall that reaches depths of approximately 40 meters. This site is designated for expert divers due to its significant depth. The upper section of the reef showcases a transition from white-tailed to three-tailed species. Additionally, the cave is home to large populations of narwhal shrimp, providing a unique marine life experience.
Cueva De Las Gambas
Cueva De Las Gambas is a dive site in Playa del Carmen, featuring a cave at approximately 40 meters (131 feet) that extends down to over 100 meters. The cave is rich in marine life, including shrimp, colorful sea slugs, fairy basslets, and Atlantic damselfish. Due to its depth, this site is more suitable for experienced divers and technical diving.
Cueva De Los Cerebros
Cueva de los Cerebros is a cave dive located approximately 14 meters (45 feet) deep, accessible by boat from San Juan beach pier. The cave features multiple exits and is known for brain-shaped sponges, along with marine life such as rays, moray eels, crayfish, prawns, shrimps, crabs, and anemones.
Cueva de los jureles
Cueva de los Jureles is situated between Lanzarote and La Graciosa, featuring a notable cliff where the sea has carved out a cave that provides shelter for various marine species. During the dive, you may encounter large white trevally, groupers, bream, and stingrays. Additionally, a small garden of Gorgonians can be observed, enhancing the underwater landscape.
Cueva de Radazul
Cueva de Radazul is located approximately 10 minutes from the coast, featuring a cliff that descends to a depth of 32 meters. The site includes a cavern entrance at 49 meters, which leads into a spacious interior reaching depths of about 10 meters. Divers can expect to encounter large barracudas in the area, along with schools of sawfish and amberjacks that pass through regularly.
Cueva del Diablo
Cueva del Diablo is a shallow dive site characterized by a large cave that resembles a vaulted church ceiling. The interior is spacious and showcases vibrant color patterns, creating a unique underwater atmosphere. Divers can observe Cerianthus and Stenorhynchus lanceolatus, which move gracefully with the currents of the sea. The site is easily accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Cuevitas
Cuevitas is a small lagoon located to the east of Lobos, characterized by its white sand and surrounded by volcanic rock formations. The contrast between the light-colored sand and the dark volcanic rocks creates interesting light effects in the water. The site features overhangs to the southeast, contributing to its unique underwater landscape. Marine life in the area includes sting rays, eagle rays, angelsharks, flounders, and cuttlefish on the sandy bottom, while groupers, moray eels, and various bottom-dwelling fish can be found among the rocks.
Digger (Sueño Azul)
The dive site 'Digger' is situated in front of the Sueño Azul complex in Callao Salvaje, near Playa Paraiso. Access to the site is via a small sandy beach, which requires a short walk down a hill. Divers can follow an underwater path that leads directly to the wreck of a digger. The area is home to various marine life, including crabs, lobsters, parrotfish, and anemones. Continuing along the wall may reveal trumpet fish and nudibranchs.
Discóbolo de Jablillo
Discóbolo de Jablillo offers an accessible shore dive from Jablillo Bay, suitable for divers of all experience levels. The underwater landscape features a mix of blanquizal rocks and an artificial reef, providing a habitat for diverse marine life. During the dive, you may encounter various species including red hogfish, grouper, and triggerfish. Additionally, curious white bream and ornate wrasse often accompany divers, enhancing the experience.
Dom João de Castro
Dom João de Castro is an underwater volcanic seamount located in the Azores, Portugal, with a depth of approximately 13 meters below the surface. The site is characterized by its geothermal activity, featuring hydrothermal vents and vibrant coral gardens. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including pelagic species such as barracuda, tuna, amberjacks, guelly jacks, manta rays, wahoo, sting rays, and eagle rays. This site is recommended for advanced divers due to its unique underwater features and the potential for strong currents.
Dori Wreck
The Dori Wreck is a submerged vessel measuring 130 meters in length and approximately 30 meters in width. The wreck reaches a maximum depth of 22 meters at the bow and descends to 18 meters at the stern, with the shallowest section located at 12 meters. While some areas of the wreck are partially damaged, penetration is not permitted. Divers can observe well-preserved sections of the wreck, including the anchor, cargo winches, control mechanisms, engine, and propeller. The site is home to various fish species, including barracudas, lilies, jack fish, and groupers.
El Acuario
El Acuario is a reef dive site on the west coast of Tenerife, known for its large population of rays, including eagle rays and various types of stingrays. Divers can expect to see other marine life like boxfish, nudibranchs, octopus, and squid. The dive typically ranges from 10 to 30 meters in depth.
El Ala
El Ala features a dive site centered around the wing of a Cessna aircraft located at a depth of approximately 30 meters. This site offers an easy deep dive experience, provided that divers manage their air consumption effectively. Within the wing structure, divers can observe various marine life, including anemones, different species of shrimp, and occasionally a reef lobster. Adjacent to the wing, a small reef is home to tiny gorgonians and notably large spider crabs, providing divers with interesting encounters.
El Aljibe
El Aljibe is accessed via a shore entry after navigating through a lava field to reach the secluded beach. This dive site is less frequented, allowing for a well-preserved marine environment. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including schools of fish, stingrays, and groupers. The entry and exit can be challenging, but the diverse aquatic life makes it worthwhile.
El Bajón
El Bajón is a notable dive site located at a depth of approximately 9 meters, characterized by a submarine volcano that rises from the ocean floor. This unique underwater formation provides a distinct landscape not found elsewhere. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including sightings of whale sharks (Prionace glauca), mobulas (Mobula tarapacana), dolphins, and even rorqual whales. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
El Bajón de Alegranza
El Bajón de Alegranza is a dive site characterized by its steep walls and prominent pinnacles. The site is located at coordinates 29.374900, -13.517700 and is accessed by boat. Divers can explore depths ranging from 10 meters to over 30 meters. The underwater landscape features dramatic rock formations and is home to a variety of marine life, including schools of barracuda, groupers, and occasional sightings of larger pelagic species. The site is known for its excellent visibility, typically between 20 to 30 meters, making it suitable for experienced divers. Currents can vary, so divers should be prepared for changing conditions.
El Bajonito
El Bajonito is located approximately 0.8 kilometers west of Marina San Miguel and features a prominent pinnacle that ranges from depths of 13 to 45 meters. This dive site is situated within a protected bay, making it suitable for advanced divers. During tidal excursions, particularly around new or full moons, mild currents may be present. The site offers at least two distinct dive routes due to its expansive nature. Marine life commonly observed here includes large schools of barracudas and roncadores, various species of moray eels, octopus, stingrays, eagle rays, bonitos, tuna, nudibranchs, dentex, porgies, anemones, and lobsters.
El Balito
El Balito features impressive rocky formations, including tunnels and caves, making it a unique dive site. Access is primarily by boat due to the challenging conditions for emergency response. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, such as giant anemones, lobsters, rays, moray eels, octopuses, and barracudas throughout the dive.
El Bufadero
El Bufadero dive site is located next to the Pal-Mar cliff, with a starting depth of 6 meters and a gradual rock slope leading to a sandbar at 25 meters. Divers can explore two small caves in the shallow area and observe marine life including sea turtles, rays, moray eels, and various fish species.
El Bufadero
El Bufadero offers a unique diving experience that begins in a natural pool. Divers will navigate through a volcanic tube that leads to the open sea. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including elasmobranchs such as sharks and rays, as well as pollock, grouper, and three species of moray eels. Additionally, divers can observe gorgonians, giant anemones, and blond tuna in this underwater environment.
El Cabron
El Cabron is situated near Arinaga, approximately 20 minutes from the town center, within the Arinaga Marine Reserve. The dive site offers multiple routes with depths ranging from 10 meters to 31 meters. Divers can explore various features including small caverns and swim-throughs, while encountering a diverse array of marine life. Notable species include Roncadores, Nudibranchs, Octopus, Rays, Angel Sharks, Trumpet Fish, Parrot Fish, Moray Eels, Wrasse, and Damselfish. At a depth of 30 meters, divers can observe a significant green coral formation.
El Cabron
El Cabron is a designated marine reserve in The Canary Islands with diverse marine life. The site features multiple entry points suitable for different certification levels, allowing divers to explore swim-throughs, caverns, and drop-offs. Common marine life includes barracudas, cuttlefish, and octopuses.
El Caseron
El Caseron is situated at an underwater convergence near the southern tip of Lobos, with depths ranging from 18 to 20 meters. This site features a unique fossil sand rock formation, primarily composed of sandstone, which extends nearly 1 kilometer in a north-south direction and has a maximum width of 20 meters, surrounded by a sandy seabed. Marine life includes sting rays, marbled rays, and angel sharks resting on the sand, while moray eels, crabs, breams, groupers, and anemones can be found among the rocky areas. Above, barracudas, yellowfin jacks, and amberjacks are often seen swimming in the water column.
El Champiñon
El Champiñon is named after a volcanic rock formation resembling a mushroom, situated at the corner of a wall adorned with striking basaltic structures. This site marks the continuation of the Arcos volcanic wall and serves as the entry point for wall dives. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including king bream, rays, barracuda, angelfish, grouper, cuttlefish, and octopus. There are also opportunities to observe pelagic species, including mantas on occasion.
El Condesito
El Condesito is a wreck dive site featuring the remains of a 30-meter cargo ship, located at a maximum depth of 21 meters. The wreck is broken into several sections, with parts accessible at shallower depths of 6 meters. Visibility often exceeds 35 meters, and the site is well-known for a variety of marine life around the wreck.
El Condesito (Wreck)
El Condesito is a notable wreck dive located in the southern region of Tenerife. The site features the remains of a cement freighter, which serves as an artificial habitat for a variety of marine species. Divers can expect to encounter trumpet fish, red mullet, scorpion fish, glass-eyes, lizard fish, bream, fire worms, and octopus among the wreckage. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this underwater structure.
El Coral de Garachico
El Coral de Garachico is a wall dive characterized by a notable red coral located at a depth of 45 meters, which is uncommon for this species. The dive involves a lengthy approach to reach the coral, which grows beneath an overhang. Divers may encounter typical Canarian marine life, including various fish species, moray eels, and occasional rays, depending on the day's conditions.
El Coral/Punta del Río
El Coral, also known as Punta del Río, features a gradual descent along a lava tongue adjacent to a light sandy bottom on the eastern side. As divers ascend along the western side, they can investigate the various nooks and crannies of the rock formations, particularly in shallower areas. The sandy regions are home to garden eels and stingrays, with the possibility of encountering an angelshark during colder months. Ocean triggerfishes are commonly observed, and divers can also find colonies of Palitoa coral in this area.
El Desierto
El Desierto is located within the Mar de las Calmas Marine Reserve, approximately 10-15 minutes from the port of La Restinga. This dive site is notable for having the highest concentration of Heteroconger longissimus in Europe, providing a unique opportunity to observe these eels in their natural habitat. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater features.
El Emisario
El Emisario is a dive site off Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, featuring a lava tongue that descends to about 18 meters (59 feet). The site includes overhangs, crevices, and large tubes from a submarine outfall that attract various marine life, including dusky groupers, octopus, rays, and moray eels.
El Fafo
El Fafo is located northwest of Lobos Island, featuring a notable cave system. Divers can begin their descent at a depth of 23 meters on a volcanic platform, moving vertically through a narrow gorge that leads down to 32 meters. At this depth, the underwater landscape opens up into a large area resembling a church portal, surrounded by various tunnels and cracks formed by volcanic activity. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes dusky groupers, particularly the rare 'capitan,' along with sea breams and barracudas. Additionally, large groupers can be found hiding in the crevices, while rays and occasionally angel sharks can be spotted resting on the sandy bottom.
El Faro
El Faro is located at coordinates 28.153100, -15.699800 and is accessible via shore entry. This dive site features the remnants of what was once the second most significant port in the Canary Islands. The area is characterized by a diverse ecosystem, home to various marine species typical of the region. Divers can expect to encounter schools of barracuda, bogas, and longorones, as well as elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays. Additionally, sightings of frogfish and seahorses are common, contributing to the site's rich biodiversity.
El Hongo
El Hongo is a dive site off Puerto Del Carmen, Lanzarote, featuring a steep wall that drops from 20 to 40 meters (66-131 feet). Divers can encounter various marine life, including schools of fish, groupers, barracudas, and trumpetfish. The site has excellent visibility, averaging 30 meters (100 feet), with a maximum depth of 50 meters (164 feet).
El Laberinto
El Laberinto features a rugged underwater landscape where large rocks rise from depths of 35 meters, creating canyons that extend deeper to over 40 meters. At the northern section, a chimney structure descends from 34 meters to 24 meters, home to various orange tree corals. The site is characterized by the presence of black corals hanging between the cliffs. Due to its proximity to deeper waters, divers may encounter large schools of amberjacks passing through the area.
El Marrajo
El Marrajo is a small circular shoal located near the islet of Lobos, making it an ideal dive site for beginners. The underwater terrain consists of white sand interspersed with sparse rocks, with depths ranging from 5 to 8 meters. The top of the shoal reaches a depth of 3 meters. The site is characterized by vibrant light and colors, attributed to its shallow depth and the rich marine life present. Divers can observe various schools of fish, including breams, dreamfish, steenbras, yellowfin, and amberjacks. The bottom habitat is home to crabs, lizardfish, octopus, rays, and scorpionfish.
El Meridian
El Meridian is a scuttled WWII minesweeper located at a depth of 30 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The wreck is 40 meters long and serves as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life such as sardines, triggerfish, groupers, and tunas.
El Mirador
El Mirador features a canyon approximately 5 meters wide and 20 meters deep that runs parallel to the reef edge. To the east, unique rock formations provide shelter for various fish species, creating a contrasting environment with the surrounding white sandy bottom. The area is home to large groupers and moray eels, while the sandy substrate hosts rays of multiple species. Additionally, black and orange tree corals can be found in this dive site.
El Monasterio
El Monasterio is characterized by closely spaced rocks, openings, and niches that create a tranquil environment reminiscent of a monastery. The dive site features a gradual slope to the south, leading into sandy areas that descend into deeper waters. The rocky formations are covered with black corals, providing habitat for various marine life. Moray eels and forkbeards can be found in the crevices, while gurnards inhabit the sandy bottoms between the rocks.
El Muellito
El Muellito is situated in the central region of the Salina reef, making it an ideal location for novice divers. The dive begins at a depth of 7 meters, progressing through various stages to depths of 15 meters, 19 meters, 32 meters, and extending beyond 40 meters. A notable feature of this site is a solitary rock pinnacle that stands apart from the reef wall, providing a habitat for juvenile groupers. Along the reef's edge, divers can observe large schools of sardines and a diverse array of fish species inhabiting the rocky areas, which are covered in algae and marine plants. Commonly seen species include parrotfish, octopus, and sepia.
El Narcótico
El Narcótico is an inverted wreck located at a depth of approximately 28 meters, with the deepest section reaching around 35 meters. The wreck measures about 60 meters in length and is situated on the seabed of Gran Canaria. This site is notable for its typical marine flora and fauna, making it an interesting location for divers exploring wrecks.
El Pajar Bay
El Pajar Bay is a shallow dive site, making it suitable for beginners and snorkelers. The sandy bottom enhances the diving and snorkeling experience, while the rock formations provide opportunities to observe various marine life. Common sightings include stingrays and sea turtles, and the area is known for being a breeding ground for many species.
El Peñon (Wreck)
El Peñon is a notable wreck dive located at coordinates 28.400800, -16.330300, accessible from the shore. This site is suitable for divers interested in wreck exploration and is also enjoyable for recreational diving. The marine life here includes large schools of breams, barracudas, nudibranchs, octopi, shrimps, and scorpionfishes, providing diverse underwater experiences. The sea conditions are generally favorable throughout most of the year, enhancing the diving experience.
El Pinque Mushrooms
El Pinque Mushrooms is situated at Hard Rock Bay, specifically at Playa El Pinque. Divers can access the site from the shore using stairs located to the right or left of the Hotel Beach Club. The dive begins after the breakwater, where two terraces are found on the right side, ranging from depths of 3 to 12 meters. After approximately 20 minutes of diving, divers will encounter two notable mushroom formations. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels and offers a variety of marine life, including lobsters, rays, moray eels, octopus, and cuttlefish.
El Poris
El Poris offers a shore entry point with a pier and pedestrian paths nearby, providing free parking options. The access features large non-slip stairs and a rope for assistance during low tide. The site is sheltered from the predominant northeast trade winds, making it a comfortable dive location. Divers can expect to see marine life such as green turtles, butterfly rays, roughtail stingrays, octopus, cuttlefish, and barracudas.
El Portal
El Portal features a prominent rock wall that begins at a depth of 32 meters and rises to 18 meters. A notable diveable breakthrough is located in the middle section of the wall. Beyond this portal, the site descends rapidly into deeper waters where large groupers can be observed. The area is also home to large Atlantic stingrays, amberjacks, and barracudas. At depths of 30 meters, divers can encounter orange tree corals, with the largest specimens found at a depth of 42 meters.
El Puertito
El Puertito is a sheltered bay that offers a calm diving environment, ideal for beginners and training dives across all skill levels. The sandy seabed is home to diverse marine life, including seagrass meadows, cuttlefish, seahorses, lizardfish, spider crabs, red mullet, and wide-eyed flounder. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water easily.
El Puertito
El Puertito is a lesser-known dive site accessible primarily by 4x4 vehicles. The area features a typical lava landscape that extends from both sides of the beach, providing an interesting environment for divers. The marine life here is diverse, with frequent sightings of sardines, parrotfishes, trumpetfishes, pufferfishes, and rays, representing a variety of species found in the Atlantic. The site offers a unique diving experience with its distinctive underwater topography.
El Rincon - Radazul
El Rincon in Radazul offers divers the opportunity to explore a reef characterized by large stones, creating numerous habitats for marine life. The dive site features depths ranging from 0 to 34 meters, with some areas reaching up to 40 meters. Common marine species include barracudas, stingrays, eagle rays, manta rays, gold stripe bream, black stripe bream, and groupers, making it a diverse underwater environment. The entry to the site is from the shore, providing easy access for divers.
El Rincón, El Hierro
El Rincón is located just 100 meters from the port of La Restinga, making it the nearest dive site to this area. The site is accessible from the shore and is positioned 20 meters from the port's outer edge. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including moray eels, groupers, parrotfish, Barred Hogfish, horse mackerel, and sea eagle rays.
El Río
El Río offers a dive that begins at a depth of less than 10 meters, allowing divers to gradually descend while navigating through rock ridges and nearby ravines. As the dive progresses, the seabed transitions to more uniform sandy areas, where garden eels and stingrays can often be observed. Notably, there are colonies of Palitoa coral, which are home to harlequin crabs. A cave located in the shallower regions is also a point of interest, frequently inhabited by spiny lobsters.
El Salto, El Hierro
El Salto offers a tranquil diving experience characterized by minimal currents. Divers can explore a variety of small caves and a unique circuit that showcases vibrant color displays from the marine life. Notably, during the months of June to October, there is a chance to observe female Solrayo sharks in the area, enhancing the dive's appeal. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.
El Sueno
El Sueno is a dive site located at a depth of approximately 15-30 meters. Divers can expect to see various reef fish and coral structures, with opportunities for both shallow and deeper exploration. The site is suitable for divers of intermediate skill levels.
El Sueno
El Sueno is located off the southern tip of Tenerife and is suitable for advanced divers. The dive begins at a depth of 30 meters and reaches depths over 90 meters, featuring orange corals on a volcanic plateau and barracudas near an arch in a canyon with black corals.
El Tablado
El Tablado is located along the shore of the town of El Tablado, providing easy access for divers. The underwater terrain consists of a mix of rocky and sandy bottoms, with sea grass found further offshore. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including barracudas, octopuses, cuttlefish, stingrays, and Atlantic triggerfish, making it a diverse spot for underwater exploration.
El Tazar
El Tazar features a notable rock tower to the north that creates a narrow gorge with a sharp 90-degree angle. In front of this tower, large lava blocks descend rapidly into sandy depths, resembling a domino arrangement. The steep walls of the site are home to schools of barracudas and bonitos. Among the lava formations, divers can observe groupers, moray eels, and parrotfish, while tube eels can be found in the sandy areas.
El Tubo
El Tubo is located just a few meters from the shore of Garachico and features an old flooded lava tube that begins at a depth of approximately 12 meters. As divers descend, the entrance widens, leading to a larger exit at depths reaching up to 35 meters. This site is particularly notable for those interested in cavern diving. Within the tube, divers may encounter various marine life, including lobsters, rays, trumpetfish, octopuses, and spotfin burrfish.
El Veril
El Veril is a dive site accessible from the shore, suitable for divers of all experience levels. The dive features stunning lava formations at shallow depths, allowing for an exploration of unique volcanic structures. Notably, divers can navigate through a distinctive volcanic crevice that hosts a variety of macro marine life. Common sightings include giant anemones, Redbacked Cleaner shrimps, various species of bream, barracuda, moray eels, oceanic Triggerfish, electric rays, stingrays, sponges, pufferfish, and spider crabs.
Escollera y Piramide Radazul
At Escollera y Piramide Radazul, divers can enter the water from the stairs leading into the bay. The dive site features a flat sandy bottom at a depth of approximately 15 meters, where divers can observe a diverse array of marine life. Notable species include redhead cichlids, salemas, fulas, breams, lizards, barracudas, trumpets, and octopuses. The conditions are generally favorable with no current and good visibility, making it an accessible dive for various skill levels.
Faro de Fuencaliente
Faro de Fuencaliente offers access to the water in a shallow region characterized by volcanic formations created by the Teneguia eruption. This dive site accommodates divers of all experience levels and presents a variety of dive routes. The area is rich in benthic species, with notable populations of barracudas and jackfish found in deeper sections, alongside diverse marine life visible in the sandy areas.
Faro del Lobos
Faro del Lobos is a deep dive site located at the northernmost point of a volcanic plateau. Divers typically begin their descent at approximately 24 meters, moving eastward where the plateau transitions to a sandy bottom, reaching a maximum depth of 35 meters. The site is characterized by large fallen rocks that form cracks and overhangs, providing shelter for various marine life. Common sightings include yellowfin jacks and barracudas actively hunting sardines, while angel sharks and rays can often be found resting on the sandy substrate. Groupers are known to inhabit the crevices of the volcanic formations.
Fish Tower
Fish Tower is situated on a volcanic rock and sand bottom, located in the central eastern area of the island. Divers can explore the rocky towers and walls, which provide a habitat for a variety of marine life. Species commonly observed include angel sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, barracudas, groupers, morays, red mullets, crabs, and numerous small fish. The site is accessible from the shore.
Flamingo Wall
Flamingo Wall offers excellent visibility near the jetty, making it a straightforward dive site. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of fish species, including schools of snorers, barracudas, salemas, blacksmiths, bogas, sardines, tuna, scrapie, angel sharks, and tablecloths. The site is accessible from the shore, providing easy entry for divers.
Fonsalía
Fonsalía is situated between Playa San Juan and Alcalá in southern Tenerife. Access to the dive site is via a set of stairs leading down to a secluded bay. Divers can explore unique rock formations, including one resembling a high heel, which allows for swimming through and beneath it. The dive route includes several caverns where trumpet fish are commonly observed. Additionally, divers may encounter stingrays and eagle rays, either swimming by or resting within the caves.
Formigas
Formigas is characterized by a diverse range of dive sites, including the 'Olympia' shipwreck located on the southwest side of the islets, which lies between depths of 30 and 50 meters. Additionally, divers can explore a shallow reef at 8 meters and numerous wall dives along the islets. The northern area features several reefs. Marine life in this region includes galapagos sharks, schools of tuna, bonitos, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks, alongside various Atlantic species such as groupers, hogfish, and dogfish.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza is characterized by a reef that rises to approximately 1.5 meters below the surface, which has resulted in numerous shipwrecks in the area. At a depth of around 12 meters, divers can observe remnants of wreckage and coal from a sunken freighter. The site features jagged rocks that provide habitat for octopus, cuttlefish, and a variety of nudibranchs. Additionally, divers can encounter schools of monk-perch and parrotfish along the wall.
Galeones
Galeones is a deep dive site suited for advanced and technical divers, featuring a rocky ledge that begins at 38 meters and extends down to nearly 60 meters. Divers can navigate through an arch located between 38 and 45 meters. The area is characterized by steep drops and is home to a variety of marine life, including large groupers, schools of barracudas, sierras, moray eels, and occasionally large amberjacks. The entry to this site is from the shore.
Garajau
Garajau dive site is part of the Natural Reserve of Garajau off Madeira Island, with a maximum depth of 29 meters (95 feet). Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life including barracudas, dusky groupers, eagle rays, and stingrays. This dive site is suitable for all skill levels.
GAZA
Gaza is characterized by a series of rocky walls extending over 100 meters. The dive begins in shallow waters, allowing divers to drift along the wall throughout the dive. Marine life commonly observed includes Canary Damsel, Salema, Rainbow Wrasse, Orinate Wrasse, Arzores Chromis, Rock-pool Blenny, Rusty Blenny, Red Scorpion Fish, Madeira Rockfish, and Redlip Blenny.
Gerardias
Gerardias is situated off the coast of Montaña Clara, reaching a maximum depth of 40 meters. This site is designated for expert divers who possess the Deep Diving specialty. Divers can explore extensive meadows of gerardias and observe various gorgonians in multiple colors. The area is rich in pelagic life, and divers can expect visibility to be around 30 meters.
Gorgonias
Gorgonias is a deep dive located at the southern end of Los Cancajos beach. Divers will encounter a downward slope leading to expansive fields of red Gorgonias. As they descend further, black corals become visible. The return journey can include navigating through a shallow lava formation known as 'Mordor.' The sandy bottom supports various species of rays, and divers may also spot amber jacks along with schools of smaller fish.
Gruta Azul
Gruta Azul is a notable cave dive characterized by its three distinct exits, which facilitate various exploration routes. The dive spans approximately 150 meters of stone corridors, with a maximum depth of 17 meters. Divers can observe large common stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca) resting on the sandy bottom or navigating through the narrow passages. The walls of the cave are adorned with a variety of colorful sponges and small nudibranchs, enhancing the underwater scenery.
Gruta dos Camaroes
Gruta dos Camarões, situated on the Guia Hill slope, is a deep dive characterized by a long and narrow cave structure. This site is recommended exclusively for experienced divers who hold cave diving certifications. The underwater environment is home to large congers (Conger conger) and swarms of narwal shrimp (Plesionika narval), along with various small nudibranch species. Occasionally, divers may encounter large Almaco jacks (Seriola rivoliana) in this unique habitat.
Helena Reef
Helena Reef is a small reef structure rising approximately 1.5 meters above the surrounding seabed, with an average depth of 15 meters. It is accessible from the shore, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including numerous snappers and a nursery habitat for trompetfish. Divers may also encounter various murenes. Caution is advised due to the presence of scorpion fish that can be camouflaged among the rocks. Early morning is the optimal time for diving here, as stronger currents may develop later in the day.
High Stones
High Stones is a rock formation located in front of the diving center, with depths ranging from 2 meters to 7 meters. The site is well-sheltered, exhibiting minimal current, which makes it suitable for both diving and snorkeling lessons. Visibility typically reaches around 20 meters. The shallow waters are home to various marine species, including breams, puffers, blennies, wide-eyed flounders, rays, morays, damselfish, Turkish wrasse, bogues, and parrotfish.
House reef
The House Reef offers a shore entry point where divers can access depths of up to 6 meters. The site is generally protected from prevailing winds, which helps maintain visibility that can vary based on weather conditions. It is suitable for confined water training, beginner divers, and snorkeling activities. Marine life commonly observed includes various species of breams, puffers, blennies, wide-eyed flounders, rays, morays, damselfish, Turkish wrasse, triggerfish, and parrotfish.
House Reef Ponta Delgada
House Reef Ponta Delgada is accessible from the shore and features a variety of underwater landscapes, including sandy bottoms, arches, and rocky formations. The dive site has depths ranging from 4 meters to 20 meters, providing opportunities for divers of different experience levels. Marine life commonly observed in this area includes species such as seaslugs, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, grey mullet, axillary seabream, red porgy, wrasse, bastard grunt, and blacktail comber.
Hoyos del Feo
Hoyos del Feo features a ravine that extends westward from the entry point, gradually descending in depth. Divers will encounter a vertical wall that includes a small cave located just beyond 30 meters. The area adjacent to the drop-off consists of light-colored sandy seabed. The vertical wall is covered with various sponges, and divers may observe marine life such as anemones, stingrays, and island groupers. To the east, there is a significant colony of *Palitoa* coral.
Hukan Dana
Hukan Dana features a U-shaped reef composed of volcanic rock, with a maximum depth of 15 meters. This site is suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. During late afternoon, divers may experience mild to strong currents. The reef is home to various marine life, including trumpet fish, groupers, numerous damselfish, and multiple moray eels found within the cracks and crevices of the rock formations.
Ilhéu da Vila
Ilhéu da Vila is located approximately 200 meters off the southwest coast of Santa Maria. This dive site is part of the natural park surrounding the island, which contributes to its diverse marine life. Divers can expect to encounter schools of pelagic fish, including Almaco jacks (Seriola rivoliana), yellowmouth barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis), and white trevallies (Pseudocaranx dentex). The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore the underwater ecosystem in this area.
Ilhéu de Cima Cave
Ilhéu de Cima Cave is a small underwater cave dive that begins at a depth of 15 meters and can extend down to 25 meters. The site typically offers visibility ranging from 15 to 20 meters. It is generally sheltered from prevailing winds and experiences little to no current, making it a stable dive environment. Marine life commonly observed here includes rays, jacks, groupers, morays, red hogfish, larger forkbeard, various species of breams, as well as giants anemones, shrimps, and the greater locust lobster.
ILHÉU DE SÃO ROQUE
Ilhéu de São Roque is a shore dive site located approximately 37.744500 latitude and -25.637600 longitude. The dive area features a sandy bottom that ranges from 5 to 10 meters in depth. It is encircled by a volcanic wall extending from the surface down to the seabed, providing a unique underwater landscape. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including groupers, hogfish, parrotfish, sea bream, queenfish, jack mackerel, moray eels, barracuda, hermit crabs, spider crabs, and nudibranchs. This site is particularly suitable for entry-level divers due to its manageable depth and conditions.
Ilheu West
Ilheu West is situated on the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, featuring a slope that descends to a depth of 22 meters. The site includes four canyons that divers can enter, although they cannot be traversed completely. These canyons serve as habitats for various marine species. Notable marine life in the area includes eels, octopuses, rays, triggerfish, lobsters, amberjack, barracudas, pufferfish, and flounders.
Ilhéus da Madalena
Ilhéus da Madalena consists of two volcanic islands located directly in front of Madalena, with a sunken crater situated between them. The underwater landscape features lava formations that host a variety of marine life. Divers can explore swim-throughs in the elongated island, where species such as triggerfish, moray eels, and rays can be observed. The area's vegetation is minimal, typical of the region, but the tidal movements reveal a diverse array of fish.
Komotu
Komotu is the site of an 18-meter fishing vessel wreck located on the sandy seabed at a depth of 30 meters. The wreck is often obscured by large schools of snappers. Surrounding the wreck, divers can observe significant populations of roncadores and barracudas. The sandy bottom also provides opportunities to see eagle rays, sting rays, and torpedo rays, making it a diverse site for marine life observation.
La Bajita
La Bajita is located just 5 minutes south of Los Cancajos, adjacent to the airport. The site features a mix of rock formations and sandy areas, which provide habitat for various species of rays. In the shallower regions, divers can observe a variety of small fish. Notably, this area is frequented by different types of rays, and there have been sightings of a humpback whale. Additionally, marine life such as octopuses and moray eels can also be encountered here.
la burrera
La Burrera is recognized for its intricate underwater topography, featuring large rocks, arches, columns, and crevices that provide habitats for diverse marine life. This site is notable for its algal forests, which remain intact and are not affected by the Diadema urchin, making it a unique ecological area in the Canary Islands. The dive site is accessible from the shore, allowing divers to explore its rich biodiversity and geological formations.
La Caleta
La Caleta is accessed from a small beach located at the end of a cul-de-sac. The site has limited parking availability and is suitable for diving approximately 50% of the year, primarily when northeast winds are mild. The dive features a striking rock face with several small caves that provide habitat for diverse marine life. A notable cave can be found on the southern side at the end of a gradual descent.
La Caleta
La Caleta is a drift dive located just a short distance from the harbor, approximately 5 minutes away. Divers should be mindful of their physical condition due to the potential for strong currents and waves. The site is characterized by large schools of grunts and guelly jack, which add color to the underwater landscape. Beneath the reef, divers may encounter stingrays and angel sharks, making it a notable site for marine life observation.
La Caleta Reef
La Caleta Reef is a wall dive accessible by boat, approximately 15 minutes from the coast. The site features moderate currents and average visibility of 15-20 meters, home to various marine species including moray eels, stingrays, and octopus. Suitable for divers of all experience levels.
La Carrera
La Carrera is located on the eastern side of Isla de Lobos and features a sandy lagoon with a depth of approximately 15 meters, bordered by black volcanic rocks. The site is characterized by large fallen rocks that form small caverns and overhangs. On the western side, sandstone formations create a unique landscape reminiscent of a lunar environment. Marine life commonly observed here includes stingrays, eagle rays during the summer, groupers, trumpet fish, yellowfin jacks, amberjacks, barracudas, a variety of sea breams, porcupine fish, and angel sharks.
La Catedral
La Catedral is a boat dive located between the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Isleta. This site is characterized by its deep underwater features, making it suitable for advanced divers. Divers can explore various caverns and tunnels, with opportunities to experience backlighting effects as they navigate through the formations. While the marine life in this area is limited, the unique underwater geology provides a striking visual experience.
La Catedral
La Catedral is characterized by its impressive arches and expansive caverns, showcasing the rugged nature of the Palm Coast. The site features large sandy areas nearby, often populated with large tablecloths. A significant bank of snorers can be observed guarding the entrance to the largest cave, providing a unique aspect to the dive experience.
La Cueva del Garachico
La Cueva del Garachico features a vertical cave system with an entrance located at a depth of 42 meters and an exit at 12 meters. The cave includes narrow passages that can pose risks, making it suitable primarily for technical divers. Marine life in this area is notable, with sightings of large lobsters, moray eels, stingrays, and Canarian lobsters, contributing to the site's exceptional biodiversity.
La Cuevita
La Cuevita offers a shore entry dive where divers can expect to spend approximately 60 minutes exploring the underwater environment. The site is characterized by a variety of hard and soft corals, providing an excellent opportunity for macro photography. Divers may encounter a significant number of crabs and shrimp during their dive, enhancing the experience for those interested in marine life observation.
La Deriva
La Deriva offers a drift dive experience starting from the rocky entrance at Roquete Beach. Divers will utilize the current to navigate through various ecosystems, allowing for the observation of a diverse range of marine species. The site is characterized by its dynamic underwater environment, where different habitats can be explored along the dive route. This dive is suitable for those who are comfortable with currents and wish to experience the rich biodiversity of the area.
La Emboscada
La Emboscada features a steep wall that begins at a depth of 2 meters and descends to a cooled lava flow between 20 and 32 meters. The wall is characterized by lava fingers extending into a sandy bottom. In the northeastern section, rock formations create gorges, and deeper areas reveal caves and openings. The reef top hosts schools of yellowtail, garfish, and parrotfish, while the wall attracts predatory species such as barracudas, tunas, and bonitos.
La Garra
La Garra is located at Los Cancajos beach and features a notable rock formation known as The Claw, which is surrounded by a diverse array of fish. Divers can explore the area by navigating through unique lava formations and scenic canyons. Marine life commonly observed includes parrotfish, trumpetfish, scorpion fish, and occasionally stingrays, triggerfish, octopuses, and moray eels.
La Herradura
La Herradura features two buoys marking the boundaries of the marine reserve, specifically between zones B and C. Diving is prohibited in zone A. The site is characterized by numerous canyons on the plateau, which can be subject to strong currents, making it unsuitable for novice divers. During spring, the area is known for an abundance of juvenile fish, which later gives way to larger fish as the year progresses.
La Jaca Bay
La Jaca Bay is located just before Abades and features a rocky underwater landscape teeming with diverse marine life. The site is accessible from the shore, providing an easy entry and exit point. Conditions can occasionally be windy. Divers can expect to encounter species such as parrotfish, ornate wrasse, trumpet fish, octopus, moray eels, stingrays, and cuttlefish, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels.
La Jaca Pool
La Jaca Pool is an artificial dive site located in the town of La Jaca. The entry point is from the shore, where the terrain can be slippery. As divers proceed, they will encounter increasing depths and rougher water conditions. The marine life in this area includes barracudas, garden eels, trumpet fish, sea urchins, needle fish, crabs, and lobsters, providing a diverse underwater experience.
La Lagunita
La Lagunita is located on the northeast side of Isla de Lobos, featuring a significant volcanic platform that descends from 18-20 meters down to 26-28 meters, forming a wall oriented from south to north. A notable feature of this site is a canyon situated in the middle of the ridge, which allows divers to enter the platform and ascend through an opening above. Marine life is abundant here, with sightings of groupers, moray eels, nudibranchs, starfish, lobsters, barracudas, and amberjacks. On the sandy bottom, divers may encounter sting rays, eagle rays, and angel sharks.
La Lajita
La Lajita is a shallow dive site ideal for beginners, snorkeling, and freediving. The area features rock walls and sandy bottoms that support a diverse marine ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including small to medium-sized fish, crustaceans, nudibranchs, rays, groupers, morays, octopuses, and angel sharks.
La Lava
La Lava features a unique underwater landscape characterized by black volcanic rock, which contrasts with the presence of violet algae and yellow verongias. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of bogas during their descent. At greater depths, sightings of large rays and Canary Island lobsters are common, often found in the crevices of the rock formations.
La Morena
La Morena is situated at the southern end of Lobos Island, characterized by a sandy lagoon bordered by black volcanic rocks. The dive begins at a depth of 4-5 meters, with a maximum depth reaching between 9 and 11 meters. During the dive, divers can observe schools of mullets, saddled seabreams, and dreamfish. On the sandy bottom, flounders can be spotted, while octopuses and various moray eel species inhabit the rocky areas.
La Murga
La Murga offers divers a unique experience with its steep cliffs teeming with marine life. The site is characterized by excellent visibility, allowing divers to navigate between towering rock formations. The dive can be conducted close to the rocks or further out into the open water. Marine species commonly observed include clove and black stingrays, various jellyfish, schools of barracudas, and a variety of fish such as bonito and groupers. Additionally, divers may encounter harlequin crabs and vibrant sponge formations throughout the dive.
La Pared
La Pared is located on the north coast of Lanzarote. Divers can enter from the shore, though locating the entry point can be challenging. The main feature is a large fissure that is approximately 10 meters deep and 35 meters long, with marine life including various species like angel sharks.
La Piramide
La Piramide is the most distant dive site from the shore, characterized by significant rock formations that create gorges, drop-offs, and various openings. The site features prominent black lava formations with fissures, contrasting sharply against the surrounding white sandy bottom. This location attracts a variety of deep-sea fish, including predators such as wahoo and hammerhead sharks. Additionally, black coral can be found growing among the rocks, adding to the site's unique underwater landscape.
La Roca
La Roca is a shore entry dive site characterized by long-distance exploration, reaching depths that often exceed 18 meters. Divers can expect to encounter large schools of marine life, including sardines, bogas, and sea bream. The area is also frequented by trumpet fish, barracudas, and various crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. The dive offers a chance to observe puffer fish and other species in their natural habitat.
La Tixera
La Tixera is a dive site accessible by boat, located just a short distance from Playa San Juan. The dive features a V-shaped platform at a depth of 25 meters, with a steep drop-off reaching down to 40 meters. This area of the island experiences wilder ocean conditions and is less affected by tourism. Marine life includes Murray eels, octopuses, various rays such as stingrays, and a range of typical Atlantic fish. Divers may also encounter flying fish in this region.
Las Cabras
Las Cabras is characterized by a young lava landscape formed from the volcanic eruption in 1971. This site offers a unique underwater environment with excellent visibility and features black coral amidst the volcanic rock. During late summer and autumn, divers have the opportunity to encounter various marine life, including mobulas and occasional sightings of whale sharks. Other species commonly observed here include turtles, tunas, and groupers.
Las Anclas
Las Anclas offers a shore entry where divers can begin their dive with a giant stride into the water. After a brief navigation of approximately 7 minutes at a depth of 3 meters, divers will reach the planned dive area. This site features a diverse ecosystem characterized by various anchors from different generations. Notable marine life includes red and yellow gorgonians, multiple species of elasmobranchs such as sharks and rays, as well as three species of moray eels and groupers. A cleaning station for scarlet ladyfish can also be observed here.
Las Eras
Las Eras is a dive site in Arico, Tenerife, with depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters (16 to 100 feet). Divers can explore swim-throughs, overhangs, and volcanic rock formations, including a notable 15-meter-long swim-through where sleeping stingrays may be observed. Divers should have some experience due to potentially strong currents.
Las Eras
Las Eras is located on the east coast and offers diving opportunities year-round due to the protective breakwater wall at the entrance. Divers should be aware that tidal changes can create currents and undertow along the wall, necessitating caution. The site is home to a diverse range of marine life, including triggerfish, angel sharks, porcupines, parrotfish, barracudas, butterflyfish, eagle rays, octopus, cuttlefish, morays, sea breams, bass, seahorses, jurrels, and crabs.
Lavafinger - Galo
Lavafinger - Galo is a dive site conveniently located at the dive center, providing easy shore access ideal for novice divers. The site features a small cave and a wall rich in marine life, making it an engaging spot for exploration. Divers can observe various species including lancet ghost crabs, tiger moray eels, and groupers. The area also hosts sand eel fields and anemones, along with colorful parrot fish and puffer fish. This site offers a diverse underwater experience with plenty to discover.
Lavakita
Lavakita features a unique lava flow characterized by volcanic wall formations. Divers may encounter an unidentified shipwreck along with various accessory anchors. The site offers opportunities for deeper dives. Marine life commonly observed includes dwarf tongue fish, wide-eyed flounder, cleaver wrasse, lizardfish, sea slugs, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, round stingrays, and grey mullet.
Lidador - Archaeological UW Park
The Lidador - Archaeological Underwater Park offers divers an opportunity to explore the underwater archaeological features of Terceira Island. Access is available from the shore, making it convenient for divers. This site is appropriate for beginners, those looking to refresh their scuba skills, and underwater photography enthusiasts. Marine life commonly observed includes scorpionfish, salema, hermit crabs, spider crabs, nudibranchs, octopuses, flounders, pufferfish, cardinalfish, wrasses, and red mullets. Occasionally, pelagic fish may also be spotted in the area.
Los Arcos
Los Arcos features a shallow dive area known as 'The Bulb', characterized by over 10 arches located between 5 and 10 meters deep. The site is composed of a lava maze that includes hidden chimneys, contributing to a unique underwater landscape. The marine life is notable, with a prominent presence of giant balloon fish and numerous trumpet fish, making encounters with these species common during dives.
Los Arcos
Los Arcos is a dive site in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, reaching a maximum depth of 30 meters (100 feet), suitable for advanced divers. The site features a wall with hard and soft corals, sea sponges, and arches that house schooling fish, crustaceans, and moray eels, along with barracudas, mackerels, stingrays, and possibly bull sharks. Currents can be strong, so be prepared.
Los Cañones
Los Cañones offers a shore entry where divers can begin their dive with a giant step into the water. After a brief navigation of approximately 7 minutes at a depth of 3 meters, divers can explore the planned dive area. The site is characterized by a diverse ecosystem, prominently featuring elasmobranchs such as rays and angel sharks, along with large schools of pelagic fish.
Los Champiñones
Los Champiñones is a dive site located at a depth of 13 to 35 meters, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Access is by boat, and the site features volcanic rock formations and marine life typical of the area. The water temperature averages around 20 degrees Celsius, and dives usually follow the mild current in a drift pattern.
Los Coloradas
Los Coloradas is located near the Museo Atlántico, with depths ranging from 12 to 18 meters (40-60 feet). The site has a variety of marine life including octopi, horse mackerels, and moray eels. Bring a torch to explore the overhangs.
Los Dedos
Los Dedos offers a unique dive experience characterized by its volcanic landscape. The site features formations resembling a giant stone hand, created by tongues of sand that extend into basaltic rocks. Divers can explore these formations while surrounded by the deep blue waters of Northeast La Graciosa. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to experience its geological features up close.
Los Guirres
Los Guirres beach offers a unique diving experience characterized by a group of formations known as 'Las Hermanas,' which are arranged similarly and can be confusing to navigate. This site is particularly suitable for observing turtles in shallow waters. In the deeper sandy areas, divers may encounter large manta rays and black stingrays, adding to the site's appeal for marine life observation.
LOURENÇOS
Lourenços is a dive site characterized by a pinnacle that begins at a depth of 26 meters, with vertical walls extending down to 45 meters. This location is known for the presence of pelagic species and various anthias, alongside some benthic species. Divers may encounter a range of marine life including stingrays, round stingrays, grey mullets, axillary seabreams, red porgies, wrasses, bastard grunts, blacktail combers, Tritons, axillary wrasses, and white seabreams.
Luso Wreck
The Luso Wreck, dating back to 1883, is a scattered wreck site ideal for drift diving. Divers can explore various sections of the wreck, including the propeller and boilers, at depths ranging from 14 to 18 meters, with shallower areas also accessible. Marine life frequently observed at this site includes dusky grouper, island grouper, common octopus, white trevally, yellowmouth barracuda, chub mackerel, blue mackerel, bogue, almaco jack, and stingrays.
Madeirense
Madeirense is a popular wreck dive located at a depth of 33 meters (100 feet), with the upper structure at 26 meters (85 feet). The sunken vessel serves as an artificial reef and attracts diverse marine life, including barracudas, snappers, groupers, and nudibranchs. This dive site requires a boat entry.
Madeirense (Wreck)
The Madeirense wreck, a cargo vessel that sank in October 2000, lies at depths ranging from 24 meters at its highest point to 35 meters at the bottom. This site is characterized by minimal current and excellent visibility, typically exceeding 25 meters. It is also well-protected from prevailing winds, making it a stable dive location. Marine life commonly observed here includes schools of bogues and horse mackerel, groupers, various bream species, parrotfish, blacktail comber, striped mullets, triggerfish, rays, barracudas, and jacks.
Magic II
Magic II is located at the Anfi Del Mar marina, featuring a dive along the harbour wall which serves as an artificial reef. The dive site ranges in depth from 5 meters to 20 meters. Divers can explore the sandy bottom where rays and octopuses are commonly seen. The rocky areas are home to a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, sea slugs, sea cucumbers, Canarian lobsters, and scorpion fish.
Maldivas
Maldivas is located on the eastern side of the island, offering a dive experience suitable for beginners. The site features depths ranging from 5 to 9 meters and is characterized by the absence of strong currents. Divers can explore unique rock formations while observing a variety of marine life, including damselfish, parrotfish, turkish wrasse, and various species of breams. Occasionally, divers may encounter a small ray or a school of small barracudas.
Malpique - Cruces
Malpique - Cruces is a notable dive site featuring a collection of 39 crosses that serve as a memorial for the martyrs of Tazacorte. The area surrounding these crosses provides a diverse underwater environment. Divers can encounter various marine life, including electric rays, common stingrays, and angel sharks. Additionally, seahorses and nudibranchs can be spotted among the sandy substrate. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore this unique underwater landscape.
Malpique: Colada Teneguía
Malpique: Colada Teneguía is a less frequented diving area that provides access to a rich underwater ecosystem. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including large schools of snorers, blue roosterfish, bonito, conger eels, moray eels, groupers, and puffer fish. Additionally, divers may encounter black coral and marlin, along with various longfinned fish. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore this vibrant underwater habitat.
Malpique: Torre de Malpique
Malpique: Torre de Malpique is a wall dive suited for experienced divers, featuring a prominent underwater tower adorned with black coral. Divers can navigate through the open blue to reach this structure and return via a notable arch. The sandy bottom attracts various rays, and during autumn, sightings of mobulas are possible. The site is also home to numerous yellow sponges and the distinctive black corals.
Mamas / T-Reef, Madeira
Mamas, also referred to as T-Reef, is situated within the Underwater Natural Park of Madeira. This dive site features two significant volcanic pinnacles that ascend from a depth of 30 meters to approximately 12 meters beneath the water's surface. The area is home to various marine species, including moray eels that inhabit the crevices of the pinnacles. Divers can also encounter barracudas, large schools of grey triggerfish, as well as sting rays and eagle rays in the vicinity.
MANTA DIVE CENTER
Manta Dive Center is situated at Galo Resort Bay, providing a shore entry via a ladder that is appropriate for novice divers. However, divers should be aware that wave conditions can make entry somewhat challenging. The site features a small cave and a wall rich in marine life, where divers can observe various species including groupers, tiger moray eels, parrot fish, puffer fish, and anemones. The area is part of a national park, which contributes to a diverse underwater ecosystem, making it an excellent location for exploration.
Marazul
Marazul is a boat-accessible dive site located 30 minutes from shore. Depths range from 12 to 20 meters with minimal current. Divers can explore varied topography including grottoes and overhangs, and encounter marine life such as anemones, trumpetfish, octopus, barracudas, moray eels, and cuttlefish.
Marina San Miguel
Marina San Miguel is located 8 kilometers south of Reina Sofia airport and features a private marina with restricted access for divers. Entry is from a designated jetty where boat traffic is prohibited, ensuring a safe environment for diving. Facilities include bathrooms with showers and a bar/restaurant for convenience. The marine life in this area is diverse, with sightings of groupers, barracudas, various labridae, parrotfish, cuttlefish, octopus, moray eels, porcupine fish, angel sharks, seahorses, stingrays, eagle rays, nudibranchs, and ghost shrimp.
Media Almud
Media Almud features an elongated reef structure with a moderate height, characterized by numerous crevices and openings that provide shelter for various marine species. A notable feature at this site is a small concrete boat that has become lodged among the rocks. Divers can explore the cracks to observe marine life such as anemones and moray eels. The surrounding rocks are home to a variety of fish, including damsels and parrotfish, making it a diverse environment for underwater exploration.
media almud shallow
Media Almud Shallow is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 27.800600, -15.742600. The typical dive depth is around 10 meters, where divers can explore the transition area between sandy and rocky substrates. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including numerous anemones, snappers, and cleaning shrimps. Divers may encounter a cleaning station and observe large schools of smaller fish swimming in a coordinated manner.
Meteor, Arguineguin, Gran Canaria
The Meteor, also known as El Pajar, is a wreck site located at the entrance of a commercial port in Arguineguin, Gran Canaria. This site features the remains of a Russian hydrofoil that sank in the early 2000s. Efforts to deter divers from the wreck resulted in its destruction, yet it continues to attract various marine life. Divers can observe rays, cuttlefish, snappers, and moray eels utilizing the wreck as a habitat. Surrounding the wreck, there are areas of seagrass that contribute to the biodiversity of the site.
Montaña Amarilla
Montaña Amarilla is located within a volcanic landscape, offering a unique underwater environment. This site is designated as a Marine Nature Reserve, providing a habitat for various marine species. Divers can encounter a range of marine life, including stingrays, angel sharks, butterfly rays, barracudas, pufferfish, octopuses, moray eels, and schools of Bastard grunzer and Goldstrieme. Turtles may also be spotted on occasion. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers.
Montaña Roja
Montaña Roja features a volcanic reef that extends parallel to the shoreline from south to north. Divers typically begin their descent at approximately 10 meters on the reef's top, then continue down the slope towards the sandy bottom, reaching depths of 18 to 20 meters. The dive can be conducted in either a northern or southern direction along the slope. Seasonal sightings include angelsharks during winter and various species of rays throughout the year. Additionally, jacks, barracudas, and schools of sardines are commonly observed in the surrounding blue waters.
Mordor
Mordor is located at the right side of Los Cancajos, featuring a unique lava labyrinth that divers can navigate. This site offers the option to either descend deeper to explore a field of garden eels or remain at shallower depths to investigate a lava tunnel. Marine life commonly observed includes triggerfish and spotted burrfishes, with occasional sightings of stingrays. Additionally, divers may encounter a field of anemones inhabited by harlequin crabs.
MORRO DAS CAPELAS
Morro das Capelas features a volcanic rocky wall that descends to depths of 35 meters. Divers can explore the wall at shallower depths as well. The site is known for the potential presence of strong currents, which may affect diving conditions. Marine life commonly observed here includes Triton, axillary wrasse, white seabream, slipper lobster, two-banded seabream, ballan wrasse, island grouper, barred hogfish, planehead filefish, and spiny s.
Muelle de Morro Jable
Muelle de Morro Jable is located in Fuerteventura, characterized by a sandy bottom adjacent to the tetrapod wall of the harbor. The site offers a depth range from 6 to 14 meters, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Access is via boat. Marine life commonly observed includes angel sharks, various rays such as butterfly, torpedo, eagle, and stingrays, along with barracudas, schools of shorefish, sea bream, and moray eels.
Muelle Viejo
Muelle Viejo is situated at the old dock in El Puerto, Tazacorte, and offers shore entry from a well-protected beach. This dive site is accessible throughout the year and is notable for its proximity to an underwater moat, which attracts large marine animals. Divers can expect to encounter species such as medregales, adult black mutts, duck-billed morays, triggerfish, and octopuses during both daytime and nighttime dives.
Museo Atlantico
Museo Atlantico is an artificial reef created through a series of sculptural installations made from pH-neutral concrete. This site serves as a platform for marine conservation and education, integrating art with the marine environment. The museum is located at coordinates 28.855400, -13.801100 and is accessible by boat. Divers can explore the unique underwater sculptures while observing the marine life that inhabits this artificial habitat.
Museo Atlantico
Museo Atlántico is an underwater museum located in Lanzarote, Spain, at depths of around 12-14 meters. The site features ten groups of sculptures created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor, designed to promote marine life and serve as an artificial reef. Notable installations include 'Rubicon' with 35 human figures and 'Raft of Lampedusa', which addresses the refugee crisis.
Naufrágio (Corceira) Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
The wreck of the corvette 'Afonso Cerqueira' was intentionally sunk on September 4, 2018, off the coast of Madeira. This site serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life. The wreck measures 85 meters in length and lies at depths ranging from 12 to 33 meters. Divers can explore all decks and rooms of the vessel. Common marine species observed here include scorpionfish and schools of sea breams, making it a notable site for underwater photography.
Neptune'S Cave
Neptune's Cave is a dive site located in Tenerife with depths ranging from 10 to over 25 meters. At about 18 meters, divers can explore a cave and observe a variety of marine life including angelshark, trumpetfish, and moray eels. Water temperatures vary between 13 to 25 °C, with good visibility throughout the year.
Neptune’s Cave
Neptune's Cave offers a cave diving experience accessible from the shore, suitable for divers of all skill levels. Divers should be aware of the strong currents that are typically present in this area. The dive site features a variety of marine life, including grouper, lobster, glass-eye fish, trumpet fish, prawns, and shrimps, which can often be seen cleaning lobsters and other species.
O Arco
O Arco is a shore dive site located at coordinates 37.744400, -25.613000. The site features a bottom composed of volcanic rocks and includes a prominent arch that reaches heights of 3 to 4 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including dwarf tonguefish, wide-eyed flounder, cleaver wrasse, lizardfish, sea slugs, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, and grey mullet.
Orange Coral
Orange Coral is located at Playa Chica, featuring a wall that begins at a depth of 5 meters and extends beyond 40 meters. Near the end of this wall, divers can explore a small cave that houses a branch of Orange Coral. The area is home to various marine species, including grouper, bream, and white-eyed anemones, as well as pelagic species such as sardines and tunas. This site is accessible from the shore.
Palm Mar Wall
Palm Mar Wall is a dive site located in the south of Tenerife with a maximum depth of 25 meters (85 feet). The site features a horseshoe-shaped wall that provides numerous hiding spots for marine life, including barracudas, green sea turtles, octopus, and stingrays. Visibility typically reaches 20 meters (66 feet) with water temperatures ranging from 7° C (63° F) in winter to 24° C (75° F) in August.
Palm-mar Cave
Palm-mar Cave, also referred to as Moray Cave, is accessible only by boat. The dive site can present challenges due to varying currents and visibility conditions. Divers can explore the cave and may encounter a variety of marine life, including tiger morays, dark morays, anemones, shrimps, and crabs. The area is known for good visibility, and divers may also spot angel sharks and bull rays during their dive. Full cave diving is an option here, making it suitable for experienced divers.
Palma Mar Cave
Palma Mar Cave is an advanced dive site with a plateau at 15 to 17 meters and a cave entrance at 27 meters. Visibility is about 30 meters, and divers can encounter species such as Atlantic stingrays, wrasse, moray eels, shrimps, and lobsters. Caution is advised due to the complex and potentially hazardous nature of the cave tunnels.
Palma Mar Roncadores
Palma Mar Roncadores is a dive site with depths ranging from 6 to 22 meters, suitable for divers of all levels. The horseshoe-shaped reef features varied topography and is accessible by boat, home to marine life including wrasse, trumpetfish, barracudas, stingrays, and occasional dolphins.
Pandora
Pandora is located approximately 15 minutes from Caleta de Sebo and is known for its extensive population of yellow sea fans. This dive site features one of the largest concentrations of gorgonians in the Canary Islands, providing a unique environment for underwater photography. The dive is accessible from the shore, allowing divers to explore the vibrant coral formations and diverse marine life in the area.
Panela das Calhetas
Panela das Calhetas is located approximately 7 minutes from the coast and is accessed via shore entry. The site features a significant volcanic structure shaped like a pan and includes several deep channels that run perpendicular to the coastline. Divers may encounter various marine species such as spiny spider crabs, triggerfish, parrotfish, pompano, dusky groupers, common octopuses, white trevallies, yellowmouth barracudas, and chub mackerels. Conditions may include swell and current effects, which divers should be prepared for.
pared
Pared is a dive site accessible by boat, located at coordinates 28.918800, -13.661300. This site offers an easy dive experience, where divers can descend directly to the underwater terrain. Marine life commonly observed includes schools of sardines, along with larger species such as tuna and barracuda. The area is also home to gerardias, a type of orange coral, as well as groupers and trumpet fish. The dive conditions are generally favorable, making it suitable for divers of various skill levels.
Parede do Silva
Parede do Silva offers a shallow wall dive that begins at the surface and gradually descends to a depth of 25 meters. The underwater landscape consists of a mix of large and small rocks, providing a habitat for a variety of macro marine life. Divers can expect to see numerous urchins, shrimps, crabs, nudibranchs, and colorful anemones throughout the dive.
Pasito Blanco
Pasito Blanco is located approximately five minutes from the sports beach in Pasito Blanco on the southern part of the island. The underwater terrain features a rectangular shape, measuring up to 60 meters in length and 16 meters in width. Divers can explore various crevices and formations, which are home to a diverse range of marine life. Common sightings include moray eels and spiny porcupine fish, particularly as night approaches. Additionally, roncadores, also known as grunts, can be observed attempting to blend into their surroundings.
Pasito Blanco Reef
Pasito Blanco Reef is located off the southernmost point of Gran Canaria, with a maximum depth of 22 meters (72 feet). The site features plateaus, ledges, and overhangs with soft corals, and is home to a variety of marine life, including stingrays, electric rays, eagle rays, and angel sharks.
Pechiguera
Pechiguera is located outside Playa Blanca, adjacent to the lighthouse. The dive site features a wall that descends to depths exceeding 80 meters. Divers can expect to encounter large marine species such as shoals of tunas and barracudas, along with corals, stingrays, angel sharks, and occasional sightings of mantas. This site is recommended for advanced and technical divers due to its depth and conditions.
Pecio Arona
The Pecio Arona is a Spanish freighter that sank in 1972 following a fire in its engine room. After the crew was evacuated, the vessel sank while being towed to port. The wreck, measuring over 100 meters in length, rests on a sandy bottom at a depth of approximately 33 meters, with its shallowest point at around 20 meters. This site serves as an artificial reef, attracting various marine life. Divers can observe schools of fulas, bogas, bicuda, as well as stingrays and angel sharks beneath the ship's hull. Additionally, nudibranchs, anemones, and canary lobsters are commonly found in the area.
Pecio de Puerto del Carmen
Pecio de Puerto del Carmen offers divers the opportunity to explore the remains of up to six wrecks in a single dive. The shallowest wrecks are notably well-preserved, with one wreck partially visible beneath the rocks of the jetty, creating a distinctive underwater view. The site features remnants of fishing boats that were intentionally sunk to form an artificial reef, resulting in a unique dive environment that differs from other locations on the island.
Pedra do Ginja
Pedra do Ginja, previously known as Pedra do J, is a dive site notable for its resident dusky grouper, which is known for its friendly and inquisitive nature, often accompanying divers throughout their dive. At the start of the dive, divers may encounter a large ray resting on the sandy bottom among the boulders, while sand eels can be seen peeking out from their hiding spots until they notice the divers approaching. The site offers a unique opportunity to observe these marine species in their natural habitat.
Pedrinha
Pedrinha is located approximately 15 minutes from the marina of Vila do Porto in Santa Maria. This marine reserve features a diverse array of marine life and vegetation. The site is accessible from the shore and includes a mooring buoy that descends to 8 meters, leading to the main rock formation. Divers can expect an average depth ranging from 15 to 25 meters. Near the rocky bottom, there are crevices that host dusky groupers and a notable yellow moray eel, while barracudas and amberjacks can be spotted in the open water. Moderate currents may be present, making it advisable for divers to be aware of their surroundings.
Perchel Caves
The Perchel Caves are located west of Puerto de Mogan in a largely untouched natural area. This site features a small horseshoe-shaped cave within a wall, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. Marine life includes moray eels, octopus, snappers, and damsel fish, with occasional sightings of squids, rays, and sharks in the deeper sections. The entry to the dive site is from the shore.
Piedra Bermeja
Piedra Bermeja offers a dive that begins on a sandy and rocky seabed, leading towards the roques. The highlight of this site is the vertical wall on the open sea side, which provides an impressive backdrop. Divers typically ascend to a platform at approximately 15 meters, where two-banded seabreams can often be observed alongside various shallow-water fish and invertebrates. The return to the mooring point is through a narrow passage, completing the dive experience.
Piper Airplane, wreck
The Piper Cherokee wreck lies at a depth of 35 meters, having crashed and submerged in 1996. The airplane is positioned on its back, allowing divers to observe its engine, wheels, and a portion of one wing. The surrounding debris is home to various marine life, including moray eels and scorpion fish. Additionally, divers may encounter roncadores and snappers in the vicinity, while rays and sand eels can often be seen on the sandy bottom nearby.
Playa Brava (Cueva de Arena)
Playa Brava, also known as Cueva de Arena, features a rocky seabed that descends to depths of 20 to 25 meters. A notable aspect of this dive site is a large cave measuring approximately 25 meters in length, situated at a depth of 8 meters. Divers can expect to observe typical marine life of the region, including black coral in the deeper areas. Inside the cave, sightings of shrimp, spiny pufferfish, and lobsters are possible.
Playa Chica
Playa Chica is a dive site with a maximum depth of 40 meters (130 feet), suitable for open water and advanced divers. Divers can explore underwater cliffs, caves, and channels, with marine life including seabream, parrotfish, and cuttlefish commonly observed. Entry is from shore.
Playa de La Caleta del Espigon
Playa de La Caleta del Espigon is a shore dive site best accessed during calm sea conditions or with a west wind. Parking is available in the barranco located just behind the cove. The easiest entry point is from the northern end of the site. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including eagle rays, morays, angel sharks, bonitos, octopus, cuttlefish, barracuda, nudibranchs, rays, and roncadores.
Playa de la Cebada
Playa de la Cebada, located in Fuerteventura, offers a shore entry dive suitable for beginners. The site features large rock formations, crevices, and caves, contributing to a diverse marine ecosystem. The maximum depth at this location does not exceed 20 meters, making it accessible for novice divers. The area is characterized by its relaxed diving conditions, allowing for an enjoyable experience while exploring the underwater landscape.
Playa de las Vistas
Playa de las Vistas is a dive site ideal for training, featuring a sandy bottom and protection from currents. The entry is from the beach, making it accessible for beginners. The maximum depth at this site is 12 meters. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of small aquatic life, including schools of bastard grunt, octopus, cuttlefish, and flounder.
Playa Flamingo
Playa Flamingo is a shore dive site located off Playa Blanca in Lanzarote, with a maximum depth of 18 meters. The dive begins in a man-made bay and includes a descent along a 9-meter wall, featuring a variety of marine life including trumpetfish, octopus, barracudas, and moray eels.
Playa Jablillo
Playa Jablillo is a man-made bay characterized by calm and sheltered waters, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners and advanced divers. The site is home to various marine species, including groups of salema, bream, seabream, ordinary damselfish, and the brightly colored ornate wrasse. Divers may also encounter spider crabs, wide-eyed flounders, and stingrays that find refuge in this area.
Playa La Bombilla
Playa La Bombilla is located on the western side of La Palma, characterized by a shallow dive featuring numerous arches and significant lava flows that extend into deeper waters. The marine life includes species such as cuttlefish, trumpetfish, parrotfish, and occasional sightings of stingrays. The site reflects its fishing village surroundings, which contribute to a more varied underwater landscape than the diversity of marine life itself.
Playa La Herradura
Playa La Herradura is situated directly in front of 'El Bajón' and is a short two-minute distance from La Restinga port. This dive site is characterized by its abundant marine life and relatively shallow depths. Notable species include Cerianthus, meros (groupers), scrawled filefish, various types of moray eels, parrotfish, Thunnus (tuna), spotted burrfish, and lobsters, making it a rich environment for divers to explore.
Playa La Salemera
Playa La Salemera features a vast expanse of lava formations interspersed with sandy patches, descending to depths of approximately 40 meters. The dive can be initiated at a depth of 15 meters, providing an opportunity to explore various underwater structures. The shallow areas are characterized by numerous arches, which can be explored during the dive or on subsequent visits. Marine life is abundant, with notable sightings of yellow sponges, groupers, amberjacks, and tuna. Divers may also encounter large stingrays in the clear waters.
Playa Los Cristianos
Playa Los Cristianos is a shore dive site characterized by a sandy entry and a sandy bottom, making it suitable for training dives. The visibility can be poor, which is beneficial for practicing in low visibility conditions. Historically a fishing port, the area contains various items that attract marine life. While fish populations are limited, divers may encounter angelsharks, several species of rays, and cuttlefish during their dives.
Playa Paraiso
Playa Paraiso is a shore dive site with depths ranging from 8 to 23 meters and minimal current, making it suitable for novice divers. The area features rocky structures and diverse marine life, including species like moray eels and various fish. It offers a relaxed diving experience with easy access.
Playa San Juan, Gym
Playa San Juan offers a shore diving experience from the harbor or near a small outdoor gym located in the town's bay. The site is characterized by diverse rock formations that contribute to generally excellent visibility. The dive reaches a maximum depth of approximately 18 meters, where divers can encounter stingrays resting in sandy patches. Additionally, octopuses are frequently observed hiding among the rocks.
Poco Naufragio (Wreck), Amarilla
Poco Naufragio is a dive site that begins at a depth of approximately 16 meters, with a short swim leading down to 30 meters. This area is known for a local family of five stingrays, which can be encountered and hand-fed, providing a unique interaction with these large creatures. The dive site also features a small wooden wreck, attracting various marine life including weavers, sardines, and roncadores.
Poio Pequeno
Poio Pequeno is situated on the southern slope of Islet de Cima, offering a dive depth ranging from 8 to 20 meters. Divers typically head south, where they may encounter some current conditions. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including resident schools of bastard grunts, rays, groupers, morays, various bream species, striped mullet, trumpetfish, larger forkbeards, and glasseyes.
Ponta da Galera
Ponta da Galera features a series of arches located at depths between 14 and 18 meters, providing multiple passageways for exploration. The site is characterized by lava flows that extend down to 40 meters. Divers should be aware of the potential for strong currents in the area. Marine life commonly observed includes spiny spider crabs, triggerfish, parrotfish, pompano, dusky groupers, island groupers, common octopuses, white trevallies, and yellowmouth barracudas.
Ponta do Altar
Ponta do Altar features a rocky wall with a varied substrate of rock and sand. The area is characterized by several prominent rocks that provide shelter for various marine species. The seabed is predominantly covered with green and brown algae, supporting a diverse array of macro life. Schools of different fish species can often be observed in this environment. The site is noted for its calm conditions, with no significant current present, making it accessible for divers of varying experience levels.
Ponta do Cintrão
Ponta do Cintrão is a dive site characterized by its vertical walls that extend to significant depths. The site is accessible from the shore and is located at coordinates 37.848900, -25.484000. Divers should be prepared for the possibility of strong currents and waves, as conditions can be variable. Marine life commonly observed here includes barred hogfish, planehead filefish, spiny spider crabs, triggerfish, parrotfish, pompano, dusky grouper, common octopus, white trevally, and yellowmouth barracuda.
Pool Radazul Sport Center
The Pool Radazul Sport Center features a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool with six lanes. The pool has a shallow end at approximately 1.5 meters and a deep end reaching about 2.2 meters. Facilities include showers and changing rooms for convenience. As the pool contains chlorinated fresh water, there is no aquatic flora or fauna present. For specific opening hours, refer to the official website of the Radazul Sport Center.
Porís de Mazo
Porís de Mazo is situated at Punta del Porís, offering divers an engaging approach to the dive site. The underwater landscape features notable lava formations, providing a unique environment for exploration. Common marine life includes trumpet fish and puffer fish, with occasional sightings of stingrays and eagle rays, as well as larger fish species. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers.
PORTO CAPELAS
Porto Capelas is a shore entry dive site suitable for divers of varying experience levels. The underwater landscape consists of walls, rocky formations, and sandy areas. Divers should be aware of the potential for strong waves in the entrance zone. Marine life commonly observed includes Canary Damsels, Salema, Rainbow Wrasse, Ornate Wrasse, Azores Chromis, Rock-pool Blennies, Rusty Blennies, Red Scorpion Fish, Madeira Rockfish, and Redlip Blennies.
PORTO STA IRIA
Porto Sta Iria offers a shore entry point suitable for divers of varying skill levels. The dive site features a sandy bottom at a depth of 4 meters, making it accessible for beginners, while more experienced divers can explore depths reaching up to 22 meters. Marine life commonly observed here includes Madeira rockfish, redlip blenny, black-faced blenny, mystery blenny, brown moray, black moray, leopard-spotted goby, rock goby, and cardinalfish.
Pozo Negro
Pozo Negro is a shore dive accessible from the beach, typically characterized by calm conditions with minimal wave activity. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels and offers opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and freediving. Marine life includes a variety of fish species, crustaceans, and notable sightings of moray eels, eagle rays, butterfly rays, stingrays, and cephalopods such as octopuses, cuttlefish, and angel sharks.
Princesa Alice
Princesa Alice is situated approximately 85 kilometers from Pico Island, rising from depths exceeding 1,000 meters to just 35 meters below the surface. This mid-Atlantic seamount is accessible by boat from Horta or Madalena, with a travel time of around three hours. The site is known for its diverse marine life, including devil rays (Mobulas), giant mantas (Manta birostris), schools of jacks, Atlantic bonito, barracudas, large tunas, Galapagos sharks, dusky groupers, hogfish, and colorful wrasses.
Princesa Alice / Princess Alice Bank
Princess Alice Bank is a dive site located at an average depth of 35 meters (115 feet) above a submerged seamount that rises from 2,500 meters. Divers can expect strong currents and should have at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Common marine life includes up to 50 mobula rays and various pelagic species.
Prison Break
Prison Break is a natural reef characterized by two parallel walls along the coastline, providing a depth range from 5 meters to 18 meters. This site is suitable for divers of varying experience levels, from beginners to advanced. Marine life commonly observed here includes forkbeard, eagle rays, dwarf tonguefish, wide-eyed flounder, cleaver wrasse, lizardfish, red mullet, seahorses, stingrays, round stingrays, and grey mullet.
Puerto Calero Wrecks
Puerto Calero Wrecks features six sunken boats from the 1970s and 1980s, creating an artificial reef for divers. The dives range from 12 to 40 meters (39 to 131 feet) deep, making it suitable for experienced divers. The site is located on the east coast of Lanzarote, near Puerto del Carmen, and offers a good opportunity to explore various wreck structures and marine life.
Puerto de La Restinga
Puerto de La Restinga is located within a small fishing port, offering a shore entry point for divers. The site is known for its clean waters, which have earned the beach a 'blue flag' designation for purity. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including turtles, rays, and specifically the Spiny butterfly ray. This location is frequently used for night dives, diving courses, and introductory dives.
Puerto de Mogán (Wreck)
Puerto de Mogán features the wrecks of two fishing vessels, the Arigansa and the Ceremona, located at a depth of approximately 19 meters off the port. The Arigansa is notable for hosting one of the few gorgonian corals found in the southern region. Divers exploring the Ceremona may observe various marine species taking refuge beneath the ship's bow. Encounters with the Yellow Submarine are also possible during dives at this site.
Puerto Moro
Puerto Moro is a dive site suited for advanced and professional divers, featuring challenging entry and exit conditions. The underwater landscape includes notable caves and tunnels, providing an adventurous diving experience. Divers can observe rays in both the sandy areas and within the caves throughout the year. The volcanic topography adds to the site's unique geological features.
Puerto Naos - Playa Chica
Puerto Naos - Playa Chica offers easy shore access to the water, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features a range of depths, from shallow areas to deeper sections, all accessible from the same entry point. This location is noted for its high marine biodiversity, with various species of moray eels and conger eels inhabiting the crevices. Additionally, divers can often spot tuna in the open water.
Punta Berrugo
Punta Berrugo offers a dive experience along the transition between sandy areas and rocky formations. Divers can explore a variety of environments, including caves and small veriles, as well as expansive sandbanks. The site features unique geological formations that create small niches for marine life, making it an engaging dive for those interested in observing different habitats.
Punta de La Cocina
Punta de La Cocina is a shore dive site located at coordinates 29.217800, -13.547100. The dive begins at a shallow depth and gradually descends, showcasing a variety of marine life typical of the region. Divers can expect to encounter diverse reef species and unique underwater formations. The site is characterized by its wall features, providing opportunities for exploration at varying depths. Conditions can vary, so it is advisable for divers to assess the environment before entry.
Punta de la Pared
Punta de la Pared is a shore dive site located at coordinates 29.108000, -13.455200. This site can only be accessed under favorable weather conditions. When conditions are calm, divers can explore a canyon formed by rock slabs, providing a unique underwater experience. The marine life here includes a variety of fish, fan corals, octopus, cuttlefish, and rays, including butterfly rays.
Punta de los Molinos
Punta de los Molinos features a small beach located just below the windmills, providing a shore entry point for divers. The entry can be challenging due to strong currents, which adds to the site's intrigue. Underwater, divers can explore notable pillow lava formations resulting from the Teneguia eruption. The site typically offers excellent visibility and is home to a diverse array of marine life.
Punta Gines
Punta Gines is located approximately 5 minutes from Marina Rubicon and features a multilevel dive site. The top of the lava reef is situated at a depth of around 12 meters, while the deeper sections extend down to 20 meters. Divers can encounter a variety of marine life, including Angel Sharks, moray eels, rays, breams, bass, and Barracudas.
Punta las Cañas
Punta las Cañas is a shore dive located near an integral reserve, an area designated for maximum protection. The dive site is generally easy, although divers may encounter currents that typically flow eastward. Marine life is abundant here, with notable species including Ornate Wrasse, Common Two-banded Seabream, Cow Bream, Thuna, and Island Grouper, which often gather in schools.
Punta Luna
Punta Luna is a dive site in southern Tenerife, near Las Galletas. The site features a moon-shaped rock at a depth of 16 meters (52 feet) and a wreck of the Estorné at 22 meters (72 feet). Divers can expect to see various marine life, including schools of grunts, stingrays, tuna, groupers, sea turtles, and octopus, with visibility around 15 meters.
Punta Mujeres Ramp
Punta Mujeres Ramp is a suitable location for beginner divers, featuring a depth range of 6 to 8 meters. The site is characterized by a rich diversity of marine life, including species such as the Angel Shark, great stingray, electric ray, cuttlefish, seahorse, wrasse, scorpionfish, sar, and octopus. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, providing easy access to the underwater environment.
Punta Restinga
At Punta Restinga, divers begin their descent onto a relatively flat platform at approximately 20 meters. The dive continues towards a drop-off that extends beyond 40 meters in certain sections. The wall features various caves and crevices, providing opportunities to explore. As divers ascend along the wall, they will navigate through several canyons before reaching the mooring point. Marine life includes white trevallies, groups of island groupers, and large dusky groupers, along with schools of seabream. The area also offers numerous crevices where moray eels, lobsters, and pufferfish can be found.
Punta Tiñosa
Punta Tiñosa is located on the west side of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote. Dive at depths of up to 30 meters along steep sloping reefs, lava rocks, and caves. Expect to see marine life such as sharks, stingrays, parrotfish, crabs, and sea urchins.
Quiquere Wrecks
The Quiquere Wrecks consist of three wooden fishing boats that were constructed in the last century for fishing activities. These vessels now rest on the ocean floor, providing habitat for various marine species. Divers can expect to encounter Angel sharks, along with Trigger fish, Barracudas, Sting rays, octopus, and cuttlefish in this area. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore the wrecks and the surrounding marine life.
Radazul
Radazul is a shore dive site located approximately 10 kilometers south of Santa Cruz. Divers can access the site easily via a stairway leading into the water. The marina wall drops to depths exceeding 40 meters. Facilities at the site include public restrooms, wooden benches, and showers. Marine life is abundant, with sightings of large schools of fish such as bogues, barracudas, and bonitos. Divers may also encounter small flabellinas nudibranchs along the path to the wall. Notably, whale sharks can be observed in the area during December.
Ray Bank, Gran Canaria
Ray Bank features a series of concrete structures including cubes, tubes, and pyramids, which create an artificial reef environment. The sandy substrate surrounding these sculptures provides a contrasting backdrop. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life such as rays, trumpet fish, and moray eels. Large schools of snappers are commonly seen, often accompanied by barracudas. This site is accessible from the shore.
Reis Magos
Reis Magos is a dive site located at coordinates 32.646900, -16.823200, accessible from the shore. This site is characterized by excellent visibility and the absence of currents, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers. The underwater landscape features walls where divers can observe a variety of marine life, including frogfish, seahorses, octopus, moray eels, and numerous tropical fish species.
Roncadores del Faro
Roncadores del Faro is a dive site accessible only by boat, located at coordinates 28.000000, -16.694600. The site features a colorful underwater platform with clear water, providing excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including different species of crabs, cleaner shrimp, prawns, arrow crabs, spider crabs, barracudas, and rock lobsters.
Roncadores Del Faro
Roncadores Del Faro is a wall dive reaching depths of over 25 meters (80 feet) located in Los Cristianos, Tenerife. Divers can expect to see barracudas, tuna, lizardfish, cuttlefish, and moray eels. This site has mild currents and is suitable for experienced divers year-round.
Roncadores del Palmar
Roncadores del Palmar offers a shore entry dive suitable for divers of all experience levels. The site features striking volcanic rock formations typical of Tenerife's underwater landscape. Divers can explore various cracks in the walls, which are home to diverse marine life including tiger moray eels, dark morays, prawns, trumpet fish, anemones, and wide-eyed flounders.
Roque del Oeste
Roque del Oeste is a dive site accessible from the shore, located at coordinates 29.310000, -13.525900. The site features a prominent pinnacle that rises from the ocean floor, providing divers with an opportunity to explore its vertical walls. The depths at this site vary, allowing for diverse marine life encounters. Expect to see a range of species, including various types of fish and invertebrates that inhabit the area. The conditions can vary, so divers should be prepared for potential currents. This site is suitable for divers with varying experience levels, depending on the specific conditions on the day of the dive.
SABRINA
Sabrina is an underwater pinnacle formed from an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred in 1811. The site reaches a depth of 22 meters, where divers can observe large pelagic species moving through the area. Notable marine life includes mantas, rays, salema, rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, Azores chromis, rock-pool blenny, rusty blenny, red scorpion fish, and Madeira rockfish.
Sailboat
The Sailboat dive site features a 42-foot wreck resting on white sand at a depth of approximately 30 meters. This site is primarily suited for experienced divers, offering a tranquil diving experience. Divers can observe large groups of garden eels, as well as rays and sharks that are often concealed beneath the sand. Additionally, large schools of rancadores can be seen, with barracuda frequently hunting above them.
Sailboat Deep
Sailboat Deep features the wreck of a 40-foot sailboat resting at a depth of 44 meters. The wreck is largely intact, with the hull and propeller remaining, although all masts have been removed. This site is home to a significant population of yellow snappers and sardines. Additionally, divers may encounter various rays and angel sharks hidden in the sandy bottom. A DEEP specialty certification is required for this dive.
Salobre Reef
Salobre Reef is an extension of the Pasito Blanco Natural Reef, characterized by a prominent wall that rises approximately 2 meters. This site is rich in marine life, including various species of rays such as eagle rays, electric rays, and stingrays, as well as sharks that can often be spotted on the sandy bottom. The wall is also referred to as MORAY alley, where divers can encounter three types of morays: green morays, brown morays, and the striking tiger moray. The sandy areas around the wall provide opportunities for observing these species in their natural habitat.
Sandy
Sandy is a shore dive located just 5 minutes from the Brava diving center. Divers enter the water via the stairs at the harbor, and the dive proceeds along the coastline. The site is home to a variety of marine life, including trumpet fish, barracudas, Madeira scorpion fish, cuttlefish, octopus, and crabs. There is also a chance of encountering a butterfly stingray and the resident sea turtle known as Sandy.
Santa Clara Arena
Santa Clara Arena is characterized by a lava escarpment and a sandy bottom, providing a spacious dive area. Divers can explore depths of up to 30 meters, with the potential for strong currents in the vicinity. The site is home to various marine species, including Brown moray eels, black moray eels, leopard-spotted gobies, rock gobies, cardinalfish, Swallowtail seaperch, Mediterranean morays, fangtooth morays, pufferfish, and sharpnose species.
Scorpio House Reef
Scorpio House Reef is a dive site suitable for both beginners and snorkelers. The site features an easy shore entry, with depths ranging from 2 meters to approximately 12-14 meters. A small wreck can be found on the right side of the reef. Marine life includes stingrays, octopuses, seahorses, and various fish species such as sea bream, salemas, and crabs, along with some pelagic species.
Sea Lion Oasis Wild Life
Sea Lion Oasis is located within the Oasis Park Fuerteventura Zoo, situated in the municipality of Pájara, close to La Lajita and Costa Calma along the FV2 main road. This site features a training pool where sea lions are kept in captivity. Visitors can observe demonstrations that showcase the sea lions' skills, as well as learn about their natural habitat and behaviors. The site serves as an educational experience regarding these marine mammals.
Shark Point Las Palmas
Shark Point Las Palmas features a shallow reef characterized by volcanic formations along the coastline. Divers can drift along the reef, which is home to a variety of marine life. In the sandy areas in front of the reef, angel sharks are commonly found. The reef supports large schools of fish, including groupers and barracudas, as well as moray eels, lobsters, and anemones.
Sharks Cave
Sharks Cave is a dive site located off the southern tip of Tenerife. The main feature is a large cavern at approximately 17 meters (56 feet) where divers can observe various marine life, including sleeping stingrays, bream, trumpetfish, jacks, and occasionally angel sharks on the sandy bottom. The dive depth ranges from 15 to 25 meters (50-82 feet) with visibility reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet).
Sol La Palma House Reef
The Sol La Palma House Reef, located at Puerto Naos beach, features an underwater hill known locally as 'El Hotel.' This site is recognized for its high biodiversity, despite its proximity to a popular tourist area. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including moray eels, stingrays, sea hares, frogfish, amberjacks, and tunas. The reef offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide range of species in their natural habitat.
Ss Papadiamandis Shipwreck
The SS Papadiamandis shipwreck, a former cargo carrier built in 1944, is located at a depth of 12 meters (40 feet) near Flores Island in the Azores. The wreck is accessible to divers of all skill levels, with little to no current, and is home to marine life such as moray eels and dusky groupers. The best diving conditions are from June to September, when the seas are calmer and the water is warmer.
Tabaiba Natural Pool
Tabaiba Natural Pool is a tidal saltwater pool located within the Jardin del Mar complex. The pool has a kidney shape, featuring a shallow end with a depth of approximately 0.8 meters and a deeper end reaching around 1.6 meters. It is occasionally populated by small fish and shrimp due to its connection with the ocean, but it is generally well-maintained and clean. The site is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making it important to plan visits accordingly.
Terceirense
The Terceirense site features a cargo ship wreck lying at a depth of 20 meters, accessible exclusively by boat. The wreck is characterized by large sections of its hull that remain intact, alongside various components such as tubes and boilers scattered across a sandy seabed. This area is rich in marine life, where divers can observe large dusky groupers, inquisitive blacktail comber, moray eels, and numerous yellow Azores chromis. Schools of amberjacks are also frequently seen around the wreck, contributing to the vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Tesoro Negro
Tesoro Negro features a small overhang and cave, where divers often discover sand tiger shark teeth scattered on the sandy bottom. The site is characterized by rocky pinnacles that divers can explore. Common marine life includes various species of sardines, groupers, and angel sharks resting on the sand. Large schools of barracudas are frequently observed, likely in pursuit of sardines in the area.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is a dive site located in Puerto del Carmen at a depth of 22 meters (72 feet) with a tunnel that exits at 27 meters (89 feet). Divers can see marine life such as angel sharks, rays, groupers, and cuttlefish, with possible sightings of manta rays. The site features a tunnel structure and offers a clear view of the surrounding water and wildlife.
The Garden of Gorgonians
The Garden of Gorgonians is located in the center of Sardina Bay, featuring a significant area of rhodoliths, which play a crucial role in oxygen production and combating climate change. Divers can expect to encounter yellow gorgonians along with various marine species, including moray eels, angel sharks, and rays. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to explore this unique underwater environment.
The Ramp
The Ramp is a suitable location for both scuba diving and training in confined water, with easy access from the shore. The descent is gentle, making it ideal for beginners. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of marine life, including angel sharks, octopus, barracudas, nudibranchs, groupers, scorpionfish, dogfish, and schools of sea bream, which are frequently observed in the area.
The Richies
The Richies features dramatic underwater topography with steep walls that descend into deep waters. The site is characterized by significant rock formations, including pointed rocks, caves, and submarine canyons. Divers can explore various arches and large shoals of marine life, contributing to a rich biodiversity. Notably, the rock recesses host two species of orange corals and a small cave that provides shelter for narwhal shrimp, alongside a variety of other marine species. The diverse landscape is a key highlight of this dive site.
The Rubicon Marina Ramp
The Rubicon Marina Ramp offers straightforward access to the water, situated in a sheltered bay behind the Marina Rubicon. This site features calm and shallow conditions, making it suitable for both novice and experienced divers looking to practice their skills in a safe environment. Divers may encounter small coastal fish, as well as the possibility of spotting angel sharks, stingrays, octopus, and arrow crabs.
The Steps
The Steps dive site features underwater blocks of basalt shaped by volcanic activity, creating step-like formations. Depths range from 5 to 20 meters, suitable for novice divers and interesting enough for advanced divers. Expect to see a variety of marine life in swimthroughs and along the structure.
The Tongues
The Tongues features extensive lava reef formations that rise approximately 6 meters, leading divers to a volcanic reef teeming with marine life. The site reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters, where divers can observe a diverse array of species including angel sharks, stingrays, groupers, triggerfish, and large schools of barracudas and bream. The underwater landscape is characterized by its volcanic structure and rich biodiversity.
The Wall
The Wall is a dive site characterized by a vertical drop starting at a depth of 12 meters and reaching down to 28 meters. The underwater landscape consists of a combination of sand and rocky formations. Divers may encounter various pelagic species as they explore the area. Notable features include walls adorned with black coral. Drift diving is also a possibility at this location. Marine life commonly observed includes slipper lobsters, two-banded seabream, ballan wrasse, barred hogfish, planehead filefish, and spiny spider crabs.
Timanfaya
Timanfaya offers a shallow dive with an average depth of 12 meters, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate divers. The dive features a drift towards Flamingo Beach, where divers can expect clear waters and favorable conditions. Marine life includes stingrays, damselfish, parrotfish, crabs, garden eels, angel sharks, and small groupers, along with a variety of small and colorful reef fish.
Tiritaña
Tiritaña offers a straightforward shore dive along the northwest coastline of Media Almud Bay. The dive site features a sandy bottom complemented by volcanic rock formations, creating a unique underwater landscape. It is particularly suitable for photographers interested in macro subjects, with abundant cleaning shrimp, anemones, and damselfish. Divers may also encounter occasional rays passing through the area.
Trumpet Fish Cave
Trumpet Fish Cave is a unique dive site characterized by its association with trumpet fish, which are known for their ability to change color for camouflage. These fish often adopt a vertical position when threatened, making them an interesting subject for underwater photography. Divers with keen observation skills may be able to recognize individual trumpet fish by their distinct markings located at the rear. The site is accessible from the shore, providing an easy entry point for divers.
Tufia
Tufia, located just north of the airport, features a small beach and bay that can be accessed via a well-maintained pedestrian path leading from the upper car park to the water's edge. The descent is steep, and the return trip may challenge your aerobic fitness. The dive site has a depth range of 15 to 21 meters, making it suitable for divers with at least an Open Water certification. The rocky bottom is home to a variety of marine life, including nudibranchs, octopuses, and rays, along with numerous schools of fish.
Turtle Village
Turtle Village is a shore entry dive site located at coordinates 28.141000, -16.439000. The area features an extensive growth of sea grass, which has expanded to cover approximately 600 square meters since 2008. This habitat supports a variety of marine life, including a family of turtles that visit regularly. Divers are encouraged to observe these turtles without feeding or touching them, ensuring a respectful interaction with the wildlife. The site is monitored daily and hosts regular conservation events to maintain its ecological health.
Twin Wrecks
The Twin Wrecks dive site features two steel shipwrecks, a 12-meter boat and a 15-meter yacht, located at a depth of approximately 22 meters. The wrecks attract various marine life, including trumpetfish, amberjacks, scorpionfish, rays, octopuses, and crustaceans. This site has minimal current, making it suitable for divers of all levels.
Twin Wrecks (Wreck)
The Twin Wrecks site is located just off the coast of Puerto Colon, approximately five minutes by boat from the harbor. This dive site features two shipwrecks situated on a sandy bottom at a depth of 20 meters. The area lacks rock formations or notable underwater references, making the wrecks the primary points of interest. The site is accessible only by boat and is suitable for divers of all experience levels.
Veril Blanco Gran Tarajal
Veril Blanco Gran Tarajal is a dive site located near the Gran Tarajal harbor, characterized by shallow waters that are ideal for beginners and photographers. The site is home to a diverse range of marine life, including small to medium-sized fish, crustaceans, nudibranchs, rays, groupers, morays, octopuses, and angel sharks. This variety provides ample opportunities for extended diving sessions and photography.
Veril Chico
Veril Chico is characterized by a rocky and sandy platform located parallel to Saladar beach in Jandia, Fuerteventura. The dive site is suitable for Advanced Open Water Divers and deep divers, with depths ranging from 17 to 32 meters. Divers can access the site from the beach. Marine life commonly observed here includes angel sharks, rays, Atlantic mackerel, barracudas, groupers, yellowfin mackerel, morays, and conger eels, along with numerous small fish species.
Veril Chico de Costa Teguise
Veril Chico de Costa Teguise features a prominent wall that spans nearly two miles, characterized by numerous crevices that support diverse marine life. During dives, divers may encounter curious white bream and ornate wrasse that often accompany them. Additionally, sightings of red hogfish, grouper, and triggerfish are common, enhancing the underwater experience. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.
Veril de Arrecife
Veril de Arrecife is a dive site located off the coast of Lanzarote, accessible only by boat from the harbor of Arrecife. Divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life, including numerous fish species, moray eels, and the possibility of rays or sharks. The site is known for its beautiful reef structure, but divers should be cautious of potentially strong currents in the area.
Veril De Fariones
Veril de Fariones is a dive site located off Playa Grande, featuring an underwater cliff at an average depth of 15 meters (49 feet) and a maximum depth of 60 meters (197 feet). Divers can observe migratory species such as amberjacks, tuna, wahoo, and bonitos, as well as occasional sightings of dolphins and sea turtles.
Veril de las Anclas
Veril de las Anclas features a prominent rock shoal that rises from a flat sandy bottom, extending nearly one kilometer. This area is situated near El Río and is characterized by its rugged underwater topography. Nearby dive sites include Veril de las Langostas to the south and Cueva de los Jureles to the north, providing divers with various exploration opportunities. The site is accessible via shore entry, making it convenient for divers looking to explore the marine environment.
Veril Grande
Veril Grande is a rocky and sandy platform situated in front of Saladar Beach in Jandía, Fuerteventura. The site offers a depth range from 15 to 40 meters, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Access is available from the shore, allowing for convenient entry into the water.
VidaMar House Reef
VidaMar House Reef is a shore dive site that is easily accessible for divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. The site is characterized by good visibility and the absence of strong currents, making it a suitable location for novice divers. It also provides opportunities for night diving. Marine life commonly observed here includes Cutlassfish, Bream, Parrot Fish, Wrasse, Sting-ray, Barracuda, and Damselfish. Divers may also have the chance to see the sea lions from Deserta Island.
Waikiki
Waikiki offers a unique underwater experience characterized by rocky formations that descend to a few meters. The interplay of sunlight on the sandy bottom creates a distinct tropical ambiance. This site is primarily utilized for safety stops during snorkeling, but divers can explore further by descending to the edge, where additional features await discovery.
Willy Wonka
Willy Wonka is a dive site situated approximately 10 minutes from the Ponta Delgada marina, directly in front of a chocolate factory. The underwater landscape consists of volcanic rock formations, with depths ranging from 7 meters to 19 meters. Divers can explore various arches of differing sizes during their dive. Common marine life observed in this area includes red scorpion fish, Madeira rockfish, redlip blenny, black-faced blenny, mystery blenny, brown moray, and black moray.
www.scubasur.net
Scuba Sur is a shore dive site located at coordinates 27.771100, -15.698800. The area is recognized for its diverse marine life, including rays, trumpet fish, rainbow fish, moray eels, and large schools of yellow snappers, barracuda, and sardines. This site provides access to a variety of underwater experiences typical of the southern dive locations.