Dive SItes
So, what can you expect from the dive sites in Tenerife? Even though the Canary Islands are a part of Spain, they are actually closer to Africa than to Europe. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Tenerife is a fantastic destination for diving. Not only does the sun shine all year around, but the average diving conditions are excellent. The volcanic topography provides many dramatic rock formations, with plenty of caves and swim-throughs to explore.
The Canary Islands are next to the Gulf Stream which regulates the water temperature and can bring in large marine life. Water temperature is lowest at 18-19°C/64-66°F in the winter and is highest 23-24°C/73-75°F in the summer. Usually a 5mm wetsuit is suitable in the summer and we suggest to use extra layers such as a vest and hood in the winter. Normal underwater visibility averages around 30 metres/100 feet, depending on local diving conditions.
Diving in Tenerife you will encounter Atlantic and Mediterranean species. Not only do we have amazing topography and a huge variety of marine life, but we also have some shipwrecks ranging from 18m/60 feet to 40m /130 feet and some are penetrable.
Our Favourite Dive Sites in Tenerife
Alcala
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 15m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
Alcala offers an easy dive suitable for all levels. With a sandy bottom, volcanic rocky reef and resident fish school there is a lot to see. Due to the easy entry point, this site is also fantastic for night dives where you can see Sea Hares, Spotted Octopus and much more!
Alcala
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 15m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
Alcala offers an easy dive suitable for all levels. With a sandy bottom, volcanic rocky reef and resident fish school there is a lot to see. Due to the easy entry point, this site is also fantastic for night dives when you can see Sea hares, Spotted Octopus and much more!
Barco De Las Morenas
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Sand
Suitability: Advanced +
We know very little about this shipwreck due to finding it by accident! (Remember to ask us how). With inhabitant Moray Eels and schooling fish, the wreck attracts a large variety of life including Atlantic Rays, Octopus and occasionally Cuttlefish.
Cueva De Las Sirenas
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 40m
Feature: Cave
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Wall
Suitability: Deep Training
This is a deep dive starting at 16m descending to 40m and requires the Deep Diver Specialty certification. You will see dramatic volcanic rock formations as you descend to the cave. Keep a lookout for black coral… and mermaids!
Cueva De Las Sirenas
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 40m
Feature: Cave
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Wall
Suitability: Deep Training
This is a deep dive starting at 16m descending to 40m and requires the Deep Diver Specialty certification. You will see dramatic volcanic rock formations as you descend to the cave. Keep a lookout for black coral… and mermaids!
Cueva De Los Cerebros
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 12m
Feature: Cave
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: Advanced +
This is one of the best dive sites in Tenerife and one of the largest caves available for us to explore. Translated, the site name means Cave of the Brains due to the type of sponge found inside as well as Shrimps, Lobsters and Sting-Rays. During the dive and if conditions allow, we can visit the fresh air pocket inside the cave! Due to the advance nature of this dive, it is not suitable for beginners and a torch is a must.
Cueva Del Zorro
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Cave
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: Advanced +
Named due to the letter “Z” being visible when the sunlight shines through the cave. You will spend around 10 minutes inside exploring for Canarian Rock Lobsters and Sting-Rays. Make sure you spend some time on top of the cave to witness tiny “diamond” bubbles escaping through the holes.
Cueva Del Zorro
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Cave
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: Advanced +
Named due to the letter “Z” being visible when the sunlight shines through the cave. You will spend around 10 minutes inside exploring for rock lobsters and sting-rays. Make sure you spend some time on top of the cave to witness tiny “diamond” bubbles escaping through the holes.
El Condesito
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
This shipwreck sank in the 1970s and has since broken apart. The ship was carrying cement bags during its last voyage which have solidified. These as well as the engine and boiler are all visible during the dive. Due to the corrosion of the sea, the ship has broken apart which offers a large opening for any diver to swim through.
El Meridian
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Sandy
Suitability: Advanced +
Originally a WW2 German minesweeper this ship sank in 2005. El Meridian was brought to Tenerife in the 1970s and modified to become a whale-watching boat. With 25m in length, there is a lot of wreck to explore! Penetration dives are also possible with the Wreck Diver Specialty certification.
El Meridian
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Sandy
Suitability: Advanced +
Originally a WW2 German minesweeper this ship sank in 2005. El Meridian was brought to Tenerife in the 1970s and modified to become a whale-watching boat. With 25m in length, there is a lot of wreck to explore! Penetration dives are also possible with the Wreck Diver Specialty certification.
Escalera De Palm Mar
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 24m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky & Sand
Suitability: All Levels
Named due to the underwater rocks looking like steps, this site is overlooked by the impressive cliffs of Palm Mar. With a huge array of marine life living close to the cliffs, including our resident Green Sea Turtles and Sting Rays this site is one of our favourites to dive. If you are Advanced you may also get to see the large school of Roncadores found at 24m.
Fishermans Cove
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Sandy
Suitability: All Levels
This site is great for photography and exploring in small crevices and cracks. There are 2 to 3 routes with various small caves to look into giving you the chance to see lots of marine life including Cuttlefish, Rays and even Seahorses!
Fishermans Cove
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Sandy
Suitability: All Levels
This site is great for photography and exploring in small crevices and cracks. There are 2 to 3 routes with various small caves to look into giving you the chance to see lots of marine life including Cuttlefish, Rays and even Seahorses!
La Falla
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 30m
Feature: Drift
Current: Likely – Strong
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: Advanced +
Best experienced as a drift dive, La Falla showcases sheer underwater cliff faces not found on other dive sites in Tenerife reaching down to 40m and beyond. Strong currents can be expected on this dive which makes it perfect for the Drift Dive Specialty. You will see an abundance of fish life including a school of roncadores and maybe even some sting rays in the depths sleeping under the large volcanic coves.
Las Eras
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
With an abundance of fish life and rocks covered in flora, Las Eras is a beautiful site to dive. Generally the visibility is very good, enabling you to see the huge school of barracudas living there. You will spend the dive exploring the natural volcanic wall, looking for different marine life and… a Buddha!
Las Eras
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
With an abundance of fish life and rocks covered in flora, Las Eras is a beautiful site to dive. Generally the visibility is very good, enabling you to see the huge school of barracudas living there. You will spend the dive exploring the natural volcanic wall, looking for different marine life and… a Buddha!
Las Vistas
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 12m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky & Sand
Suitability: All Levels
Located in Los Cristianos, Las Vistas beach provides an easy entry to this shore dive. Searching the breakwater rocks, you will see the large school of roncadores and if you are lucky, possibly a sea horse! The shallow water and boulders provide shelter, making it great for night dives to search for nocturnal marine life.
Los Arcos
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 27m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: Advanced +
Ever heard of Jacques Cousteau? Well he loved this dive! During the dive you will see a stone plaque dedicated to his memory as you swim through one of 5 natural arches. During the exploration of the arches you will see Shrimp, Lobsters, Sting rays and even the seasonal Angel Sharks.
Los Arcos
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 27m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: Advanced +
Ever heard of Jacques Cousteau? Well he loved this dive! During the dive you will see a stone plaque dedicated to his memory as you swim through one of 5 natural arches. During the exploration of the arches you will see Shrimp, Lobsters, Sting rays and even the seasonal Angel Sharks.
Los Champiñones
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 30m
Feature: Volcanic Rock Formation
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Known for its impressive rock formations in the shape of mushrooms, Los Champiñones offers a dive not to be missed. For divers with a limit of 18m, you will dive through tight canyons and peer over the edge into the deep. For divers with limits of 30m or 40m, you will venture down and search for the Black Coral and the mushroom shaped rocks.
Lost Mountain
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 40m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Locally known as El Bajonito, we like to call this dive Lost Mountain. (Ask us how this site got it’s name!) You will spend the duration of this dive circling a large pinnacle of rock, which looks like an underwater mountain and exploring for marine life. We specifically have the ability to see many schooling fish of roncadores, bogues and barracudas.
Lost Mountain
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 40m
Feature: Fish Variety
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Locally known as El Bajonito, we like to call this dive Lost Mountain. (Ask us how this site got it’s name!) You will spend the duration of this dive circling a large pinnacle of rock, which looks like an underwater mountain and exploring for marine life. We specifically have the ability to see many schooling fish of roncadores, bogues and barracudas.
Mar Azul
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 30m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
This site offers multiple swim-throughs which are suitable for all diver levels. You will see huge boulders during this dive and special lava-flow rock formations. With a ladder entry, the site is easily accessible. Explore the volcanic topography to find Octopus, Sting-Rays and Canarian Rock Lobsters.
Moray Rock
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Sting Rays
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Also known as Los Chuchos, this dive is famous for it’s large and beautiful Atlantic Sting-Rays. One of our favourite dives, you will see a huge variety of life. Moray Eels, Octopus, Lobsters, Shrimp and countless mid-water fish. If conditions allow, we also have the ability to make a short swim to a fishing boat shipwreck at 21m. You will spend the dive surrounded by some of the best marine life of our dive sites in Tenerife.
Moray Rock
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 21m
Feature: Sting Rays
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Also known as Los Chuchos, this dive is famous for it’s large and beautiful Atlantic Sting-Rays. One of our favourite dives, you will see a huge variety of life. Moray Eels, Octopus, Lobsters, Shrimp and countless mid-water fish. If conditions allow, we also have the ability to make a short swim to a fishing boat shipwreck at 21m. You will spend the dive surrounded by some of the best marine life of our dive sites in Tenerife.
Palm Mar Cave/Reef
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 40m
Feature: Turtles
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
With a cave at 30m, this dive offers Advanced Open Water Divers the opportunity to explore around the entrance. But, you don’t have to descend into the depths to love this dive. The majority of the life stays on top of the cave, around 18m. Particularly special to this site are the Bull-Rays and Green Sea Turtles.
Punta Maravilla
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Translated to mean marvellous point, Punta Marravilla is a gentle dive where we follow a rock sand border. We will find lots of invertebrate life including crabs, lobsters and various anemones. Keep a look out for Red Reef Lobsters as they hide in the swim through cave among large Trumpet Fish and if we’re lucky, a Marbled Electric Sting-Ray. This is our Project AWARE Adopted site, learn more about this here.
Punta Maravilla
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: All Levels
Translated to mean marvellous point, Punta Marravilla is a gentle dive where we follow a rock sand border. We will find lots of invertebrate life including crabs, lobsters and various anemones. Keep a look out for Red Reef Lobsters as they hide in the swim through cave among large Trumpet Fish and if we’re lucky, a Marbled Electric Sting-Ray.
Roncadores Del Faro
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 30m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Likely – Mild
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
This site really shows off the volcanic rock formations which we see across Tenerife. You will see huge basalt columns whilst exploring the canyons of this wall dive. There are two swim throughs to enjoy during the route and on occasion a very large Burrfish who we like to call “Bernie”. With various routes for different dive levels, all divers can enjoy the amazing life and topography of this dive.
Tabaiba
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 32m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: Advanced +
Named El Peñon, the wreck in Tabaiba is one of the most famous shipwrecks of the dive sites in Tenerife. It was originally used as a tug boat and sunk for recreational scuba diving in 2006. Starting at 20m and descending down to 32m, the wreck is more suitable for Advanced Open Water divers and perfect for the Wreck Diver Specialty due to the possibility of wreck penetration.
Tabaiba
Type: Shore
Max. Depth: 32m
Feature: Wreck
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky Reef
Suitability: Advanced +
Named El Peñon, the wreck in Tabaiba is one of the most famous shipwrecks of the dive sites in Tenerife It was originally used as a tug boat and sunk for recreational scuba diving in 2006. Starting at 20m and descending down to 32m, the wreck is more suitable for Advanced Open Water divers and perfect for the Wreck Diver Specialty due to the possibility of wreck penetration.
Yellow Mountain
Type: Boat
Max. Depth: 18m
Feature: Volcanic Swim-Throughs
Current: Unlikely
Topography: Rocky
Suitability: All Levels
Known locally and Montaña Amarilla, Yellow Mountain offers us two dive sites – both with fantastic swim throughs to explore. Due to it’s close location to the shore, the volcanic rock is particularly dramatic in this area and you will spend the dive searching the rocky crevices. This dive offers the potential to see sting-rays, octopus, moray eels and when in season angelsharks.