Diving in Saharan Upwelling
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Saharan Upwelling's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Saharan Upwelling, ecoregion. This region features 16 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Saharan Upwelling 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 Saharan Upwelling (5)
Popular Spots in Saharan Upwelling (16)
El Boquete
El Boquete is a notable underwater feature characterized by a hole in the wall of the island, providing access to the surface. This site is situated near the San Andres buoy, approximately 6 meters deep on the island's platform. While marine life within the gap is limited, divers can observe the interplay of light filtering through from above. Caution is advised on days with significant wave activity, as conditions can become challenging.
La Caldera Nueva
La Caldera Nueva is located in the Atlantic region of Tarifa, directly in front of Los Lances beach. This dive site features depths ranging from 20 to 28 meters, making it necessary for divers to possess an advanced diving qualification or a deep diving specialty. It is advisable to use Nitrox for this dive. As there is no Natural Park buoy present, boats must anchor using their own anchors for access.
La Pared
La Pared is a wall dive that ranges in depth from 5 to 18 meters. It is situated between the San Andres buoy and the Las Piscinas buoy, allowing divers to explore in both directions along the wall. The site is rich in marine life, featuring various types of soft corals, numerous sponges, and a variety of nudibranchs. Divers may also encounter crustaceans, mollusks, and moray eels that can be found hiding in crevices.
La Piscina
La Piscina is a dive site located on the east side of Tarifa Island, featuring a depth of approximately 18 meters. The site includes a wall area that ranges from 9 to 15 meters, providing divers with the opportunity to explore varied underwater topography. Marine life is abundant, with large schools of fish and a diverse array of nudibranchs commonly observed. The site is accessible via shore entry, and there is potential for drift diving due to the currents in the area.
Las Calderas (Wreck)
Las Calderas is a wreck dive site featuring the remains of an early 20th-century steamer. The wreckage is spread over a wide area, with depths ranging from 10 to 23 meters. Divers can navigate between the ship's hull and the rocky seabed where it has settled. The site is named after the three prominent features visible from the wreck.
Las Calles
Las Calles is located on the Atlantic side of Tarifa Island and offers an easy dive experience suitable for divers of all levels. The site features a combination of wall areas, sandy bottoms, and rock corridors, allowing for varied underwater navigation. Divers can explore depths ranging from 8 to 18 meters, with the unique rock formations resembling streets enhancing the dive experience.
OAK-MOORE WRECK
The Oak-Moore is a wreck of an early twentieth-century vapor vessel located near Punta Paloma. It is believed to have sunk after colliding with the Bajeta de los Cabezos. The wreck lies at a depth of 28 meters on a sandy and grassy seabed, oriented from south to north, with the bow pointing towards the stern. Divers can observe the helm and propeller in good condition.
PECIO PUERTO PAJARES
PECIO PUERTO PAJARES is a wreck dive site featuring a boat that was constructed in 1957. The vessel, known as Puerto de Pajares or Barco de la Sal, measures 50 meters in length and 7 meters in width. It sank in 1978 after colliding with the seabed of the Cabezos. The wreck is situated at a depth of 28 meters on a sandy bottom and is oriented from south to north. Divers often utilize Nitrox for this dive due to the depth and conditions.
Pecio San Andrés (Wreck)
The Pecio San Andrés is a wreck of a mid-19th century steamship located at coordinates 36.000400, -5.608500. Divers can explore sections of the deck and observe the two bushings associated with the ship's propulsion system. The wreck is home to various marine life, including groupers and conger eels, which can often be seen inhabiting the numerous openings in the structure. Additionally, sunfish may occasionally be spotted at a cleaning station nearby, where they engage in de-worming behavior. The site is heavily colonized by astroids, contributing to the ecological diversity of the wreck.
Pepe’s Point
Pepe’s Point offers a shore entry at the edge of a cliff on the island platform, where the depth begins between 6 and 8 meters. The descent continues down to 22 meters and further extends to depths of 40 to 50 meters. This site is located at the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Marine life commonly observed here includes groupers, schools of corvina, lemon fish, barracudas, and lobsters.
Playa - La Garita
Playa - La Garita offers a dive experience suitable for divers of all levels in the Mediterranean region of Tarifa. The site features a combination of rocky and sandy substrates, providing an excellent environment for practicing buoyancy control. The depth ranges from 0 to 12 meters, with a large shallow area that is sheltered from westerly winds. This location is also favorable for night dives due to its calm conditions.
Puerto Fenicio
Puerto Fenicio offers diving opportunities suitable for all experience levels along the Atlantic coast of Tarifa. The site features a depth range from 0 to 12 meters, with a combination of rocky and sandy substrates. The shallow waters are sheltered from easterly winds, making it a favorable location for buoyancy training. Additionally, the site is well-suited for night dives due to its calm conditions.
Punta Marroquí de Levante
Punta Marroquí de Levante is located at the southernmost diving point in the Mediterranean region of Tarifa, directly across from Punta Marroquí on the island of pigeons. Divers can enter from the shore and descend using a rope to reach depths of 16 meters. Caution is advised due to the presence of iron remnants from a small shipwreck at the bottom. The dive can be oriented towards the north or south, with the potential to cross into the Atlantic Ocean. Marine life commonly observed includes groupers, lobsters, rays, and various other fish species.
Punta Marroquí de Poniente
Punta Marroquí de Poniente is located in the southwestern region of Tarifa. Divers can access the site from the shore, with a buoy marking the descent point within the natural park of the Strait. The dive site features a depth range of 16 to 30 meters, providing a wide area for exploration. Divers may encounter a variety of marine life, including large schools of barracudas and groupers. Additionally, there are opportunities to observe different anchors from shipwrecks, enhancing the dive experience.
The Gorgonian (Wreck)
The Gorgonian wreck is situated off the beach of the Tariff Launches, resting on a sandy bottom. This early 20th-century cargo ship lies on its side, oriented in a south-north direction. The dive site has a minimum depth of 18 meters and reaches a maximum depth of 30 meters, making it suitable for advanced divers. The use of Nitrox is recommended for this dive.
Vuelta a la Isla
Vuelta a la Isla offers a unique diving experience around the island, accessible via shore entry. Divers can explore varying depths, making it suitable for both open water and experienced divers. The dive can be conducted in either the Atlantic or Mediterranean waters, depending on environmental conditions. The site is characterized by interesting topography and a diverse range of fish species inhabiting the surrounding waters.