Diving Tenerife

    Diving Tenerife, Canary Islands

Diving in Tenerife is truly remarkable; we are situated right in the middle of deep Atlantic waters and just a very short distance from the shore, the sea bed suddenly drops to many thousands of meters. This explains the close proximity we are to deep water marine species such as the famous pilot whales and many other migratory cetaceans we occasionally see from our boats off the coast of Tenerife. Whilst diving we regularly see deep water species making forays into shallower waters that are within recreational dive limits; including gigantic Atlantic sting-rays, angel sharks and on a rare occasion we have witnessed an enormous moon fish in only 20 meters (ask Ivan to show you his video!). Unlike the Mediteranean, the waters in Tenerife are simply teaming with marine life and although we can't boast the coral that is found in The Red- Sea or the Great Barrier reef we can surprise you with the extra-ordinary volcanic rock formations that have produced some of the best caves and swim-throughs to be found anywhere on the planet! And we can almost guarantee to be the only dive-boat on a site... you wont find that in the Red Sea!! To find out more read on.....

 The Canary archipelago is made up of a chain of seven islands of volcanic origins. It is located just north of the Tropic of Cancer and very close to the North-west coast of the African continent. While each island has it's own special features, what they do have in common are superb dive sites. Divers can enjoy dramatic rock formations, drop-offs, wrecks and reefs and a myriad of marine life such as eagle rays, angel sharks, barracudas, moray eels, tuna and sea bream.

The famous black coral can be found at depth at several dive sites.

Visibility year round is an exceptional 30 metres or more in some places, and the water temperature ranges from 17-18°C in winter and 22-23°C in summer.

A few of our favourite dive sites are listed below and we're happy to custom-design dive packages to suit any special interests you may have.

."El Aquario" - Boat Dive, Maximum Depth 20m.

A formidable community has taken up residence on a small wreck on the sandy bottom: a huge loggerhead turtle, a ray the size of a living-room carpet; a myriad of 'chuchos' (smaller rays); several morays (both black and brown); oversized trumpetfish; octopus and fish, fish, fish everywhere on the field of garden eels surrounding the wreck. You'll see why we call it 'The Aquarium'. This is a popular dive to an established feeding station where all marine life is so accustomed to divers that 'Pippo', one of the chuchos, rises to the surface when he hears a boat and guides the lead diver to the site.

A large wreck, broken in two, rests just below on of the island's lighthouses. Complete with its cargo of cement sacks, the wreck sits upright in clear water and is easily penetrated. 'El Condesito' is a real time capsule surrounded and inhabited by abundant marine life. This site also offers a dramatic view of the volcanic reef formation

Anchor just below the 'Yellow Mountain' in crystal clear water and you are on a volcanic drop-off leading to a sandy canyon 18 metres below. Follow the contour of the canyon and enjoy the abundant marine life. Rise slowly to the plateau above and do your safety stop at 5 or 6 metres while watching the world go by. A firm favourite from novice diver to advanced, a dive not easily forgotten.

An excellent deep dive where you will see a monument erected to the divers who have perished while exploring this cave, placed in the cave entrance. Penetration of the cave is forbidden and the current can sometimes be strong, but few resist the temptation just to pass the threshold for a couple of metres and admire the majestic cavern beyond. A statue to the memory of Jacques Cousteau can be found nearby Huge morays reside on the nearby reef and garden eels will indicate which way the current flows. Not a dive for the inexperienced or faint-hearted, watch your air gauge!

A friendly local diving centre has placed a plaque here in honour of the grandfather of our sport, Jacques Cousteau. While there is no coral to be found, the 'coral' arches are in fact three arches which appear to be almost man-made. Huge urchins inhabit he nooks and crannies below you as you swim through the arches. A metre-long trumpetfish will welcome you into the sandy patch - that somehow resembles an ancient greek theatre arena - and accompany you to the next arch.

From the shallow anchoring point of only 4 metres, a short swim takes you to the sharp wall which drops off nearly vertically to 18 metres below. The surreal landscape of angular basaltic blocks makes this a unique dive. Accompany huge schools of the local fish, the 'Roncadores', on their journey along the border of rock and sand. Watch out for the lone barracuda swimming at the edge of the school, waiting to pick out the weaker members of the fish for his lunch.Only divers with keen eyesight will be able to pick out the well-camouflaged octopus, well hidden in the rocks.

A dramatic challenging dive for the experienced diver. A pinnacle, falling into natural basin, where you can take refuge and observe the large shoals of barracuda hanging in the current above.

"Cueva de Ali-Baba" - Boat Dive, Maximum depth 40m

"Las Mesas" - Shore Dive, Depth Range 18m - 30m

A shore dive with an element of adventure you won't forget - the unique setting of volcanic grottos, valleys and arches.Shoals of barracuda often visit the site. Although the presence of parrotfish indicates there must be coral in the shallows, this formation of 'tables' is volcanic. The famous 'coral negro' (black coral) grows in this area at depths reaching 50m.

Our friendly Playa de las Vistas offers one of the best night dive sites. Barracudas - groups or sometimes a large lonely hunter - morays on the prowl, octopus dazzled by the lights. Camouflaging to disguise themselves, cuttlefish are always present. Shrimps, eels, and something you have to see to believe... phosphorescence! Try switching off your light, wave your arms about and you'll find yourself in a jacuzzi of luminescent green.

During the day, enjoy a relaxing shallow dive on the 'rock garden'. This is also the ideal site to 'Discover Scuba Diving'.