Diving in Tenerife

A volcanic underwater world where tropical and Atlantic influences mix together.

Tenerife is one of the Canary Islands, west of the coast of Africa. It is also called 'The Island of eternal Spring' because the average temperature throughout the year is between 15°C and 26°C. The water temperature is from 19 °C in winter and up to 25°C in summer (September). The water is crystal clear so you have the marvel of 30 meters / 99 feet average visibility. So, it's the perfect place for a diving holiday whenever you feel like it.

I was in Tenerife for 5 months and dived almost every day. However, I know more of the southern dive sites because my diving center was based in Costa Adeje. Since the diving center doesn't have its own boat, I mainly did shore dives. That means you put on all your scuba gear at the beach and walk into the water. I can recommend this to anyone who gets seasick easily like me.

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The dive sites are generally between 10 and 40 metres deep. Both beginners and professionals will find interesting dive sites around the island. Most of the life underwater happens closer to the surface anyway, so you usually don't have to dive that deep to see fish or corals. But the clear water means you can also snorkel just as well at the surface, where you can spot plenty of marine life too.

The variety of fish in Tenerife is great. In addition to the smallest of the underwater world, parrot fish as well as rays, octopuses and moray eels can be found in particular in the waters off the volcanic island. Depending on which dive spot you choose, you may also be lucky enough to see dolphins, turtles or barracudas. The angel shark is also increasingly seen on the coast of Tenerife, but it is very well camouflaged, so you have to be very attentive to find it. Of course there are many other types of fish and sea creatures, the list would only become far too long now.

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One fish that has crossed my path on every single dive is the trumpetfish. It has been my personal faithful companion on all my dives, I have really seen it everywhere. As well as the spider crab, which even gives you a high five when you approach it very slowly with one finger.

I hope you find out which one is the trumpet fish.

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My favourite dive sites in Tenerife:

Marazul

My absolute favourite is Marazul (blue sea in Spanish). As the name suggests, the water glows in a blue you can't even imagine. Unfortunately, the entrance is via a very long staircase, but once you're in the water, you'll soon forget about all the stairs. It's teeming with fish, crabs, octopodes and much more. You can dive up to 30 metres deep through a mini cave, where there are often rays chilling on the seafloor. At the end, there's another highlight, where you can surface in a kind of crater. Of course, don't forget the safety stop beforehand. It's simply magical. I just love this dive site so much. Unfortunately, I don't really have photos of this amazing dive site because I was always so busy with enjoying the beauty of this part of the ocean.

Piscinas Natruales

Another very beautiful and exciting spot are the natural pools (Piscinas Naturales). You jump into the pool with a big step forward and dive through the small caves into the open sea. If you look up, you will see smaller or larger pools from time to time, which will allow light to enter the cave. Be careful, though, as there are many creatures on the ‘ceiling’ of the caves, especially sea urchins, which are best avoided. I just find it interesting how these pools are connected to the sea and what creatures live in all the corners of the cave.

Of course, there are many more great, beautiful exciting dive sites in Tenerife both in the south and in the north of the island. To name a few: Alcalá, Montaña Amarilla, Abades, Punta de Morena, Las Eras, Shipwreck in Tabaiba, Palm Wall, La Cueva de las Morenas and many more! The underwater world of Tenerife is interesting and due to the volcanic influence, it is very unique. It is just very special and magical to observe the underwater creatures in their natural habitat.

If you are in Tenerife, you should definitely plan one or more days for diving. You won’t regret it!

If you have any questions about the dive sites or diving in general, feel free to drop me a line!

-Jackobina