What Are The Conditions Today?
Explore the Best Dive Sites in Tenerife
Diverse scenery and wildlife can be seen while diving in Tenerife. Towering basalt rock columns, caves, and swim-throughs were produced by the island’s volcanic origins. From the reef-dwelling Morays, Seahorses, Scorpionfish, Octopuses, Cuttlefishes, and Lobsters to the schooling Barracuda, Roncadores, and Bream, we also enjoy clear, warm water in all of our dive sites.
A number of wrecks add some variety to the landscape and, over time, have developed into captivating artificial reefs that are teeming with life. The Green Turtles are one of our most well-known and well-liked resident species and they love our rocky coastline and the meadows of sea-grass.
Shore Dive Sites
Marina San Miguel
Our diving center is one of the lucky few centers to have access to it, since the entrance is from a jetty reserved for divers where the passage of boats is prohibited.
Las Eras
An incredibly populated natural wall guarded by a Buddha statue. This dive site can be explored 365 days a year, thanks to the breakwater wall that protects the entrance.
Abades First Reef
One of the most protected bay of the East coast with a gradual and easy slope. It is incredibly rich of sea life such as gold lines, trumpets, arrow crabs, wrasses, damsels, and scorpion fishes.
Abades Second Reef
This is the wild side of the bay. Here you can meet barracudas, rays of different species, garden eels and if you are lucky – turtles.
El Espigon North
One of our favourite dive sites. Every hole or crack hosts some incredible creatures.
You could easily do an entire dive in about 10 square meters for how richly populated it is
El Espigon South
This wall is incredibly populated and colored. Definitely one of our favorites on the island.
Tabaiba
Big shoals of fishes surround El Raton, a tug boat sank in 2006 to create an artificial reef. It has been cleaned up and the structure was reinforced to permit penetration in safety.
Radazùl
Very nice dive site, two different walls full of sea life, shoals of Barracuda are common. There’s the chance to see some big pelagic fish too.
El Poris
A very sheltered bay – suitable for everyone – with high chances to observe wild green turtles and angel sharks.
La Caleta
A stunning rock formation that ends with a drop-off, from 20 to about 35 metres, where we find a spectacular, big and safe cave.
Boat Dive Sites
El Bajonito
Definitely our favorite boat dive site, a huge pinnacle in front of our Marina. Full of shoals of fishes, Snappers, Porgies, Barracudas, this site will leave you speechless.
Alien Rock
An easy and stunning dive site with fabulous lava formations that build up a unique landscape in the bay of the marine protected area, Montaña Amarilla.
Crocodile Rock
From the top of the Yellow Mountain, you can see this crocodile rock formation. Under the water this rock makes a swim-through richly populated.
Los Chuchos
One of the most popular dive sites on the island. A big school of Roncadores populate the side of a spur and there is a little wreck called Estorne in the sand in front of the coast.
Poco Naufragio
Just to the side of our Marina, there is a nice pinnacle full of life that forms a canyon with the wall where we anchor the boat. There are many chances to see Roughtail Stingrays.
The Steps
This dive site is called the “The Steps” because of the typical coastal formations that look like steps. There is some nice swim-through and the chance to see a lot of sea life.
Moon Pools
One of the natural pools of the island with a suggestive entrance from the ocean – thanks to the incredible light games.
El Condesito
A commercial boat that was carrying concrete to Los Cristianos crashed the coast around 40 years ago. It’s now lying down in a nice canyon made by prismatic rocks.
Estorne
This sail boat was sunk in front of Las Galletas harbour upright at 20m. There is a great deal of life to see, Stingrays, Bream, Roncadores and many Moray Eels hide themselves in the tiny vessel.
Los Arcos
In front of Galletas, we find Los Arcos which means “the arches” – thanks to the three submerged big arches that create a stunning landscape.
Tenerife South is a premier European scuba destination, offering a unique blend of volcanic geology, crystalline waters, and an incredible diversity of marine species. From the majestic presence of green turtles and angel sharks to the haunting beauty of submerged wrecks and basaltic columns, the best dive sites Tenerife South has to offer cater to every level of experience. At GooDiving, located strategically in Marina San Miguel, we provide direct access to over 20 exceptional locations, ensuring that your underwater journey is led by marine biologist guides who understand the delicate balance of these Atlantic ecosystems. Whether you are looking for easy shore entries or deep-sea boat adventures, this guide explores the top-rated spots that make the southern coast of the island a world-class diving hub.
The best dive sites in Tenerife South combine exceptional visibility, reaching up to 30 meters, with a unique volcanic landscape formed by ancient eruptions. Divers can explore basalt columns, caves, and swim-throughs while encountering iconic species such as angel sharks, turtles, and rays, all within a short distance from Marina San Miguel.
Top 10 Dive Sites Accessible from South Tenerife
Selecting the absolute best spots is challenging due to the sheer variety of the coast, but certain locations consistently stand out for their biodiversity and geological interest. The southern coast, particularly around Golf del Sur and Las Galletas, is shielded from the dominant trade winds, providing calmer waters than the north. This makes the area ideal for year-round exploration.
Our top 10 selection includes:
- Marina San Miguel (The GooDiving House Reef) – Unique access and high biodiversity.
- El Bajonito – A stunning volcanic pinnacle.
- Las Eras – A natural wall guarded by a Buddha statue.
- Abades – Perfect for shore dives and spotting sea grass life.
- El Condesito – A historic shipwreck encased in prismatic basalt.
- Los Chuchos – Famous for its friendly rays and "Roncadores".
- Montaña Amarilla – Famous for its "Alien Rock" formations.
- The Steps – Spectacular coastal basalt formations.
- Tabaiba (El Raton) – A purpose-sunk tugboat wreck.
- El Poris – A sheltered bay with high turtle sighting rates.
These sites offer a mix of depths from 5 to over 40 meters, ensuring that whether you are on your first "Discover Scuba Diving" experience or a seasoned technical diver, there is a landscape waiting for you. Each site is chosen for its reliable conditions and the high probability of encountering the "Big Five" of Tenerife: Turtles, Angel Sharks, Rays, Moray Eels, and Barracudas.
The top-rated dive sites in South Tenerife offer a diverse range of underwater experiences, from historic shipwrecks like El Condesito to volcanic pinnacles like El Bajonito. These locations are characterized by their accessible depths and rich Atlantic biodiversity, making them suitable for both recreational and advanced divers seeking high-quality marine encounters.
Shore Dive Sites – Easy Entry & Highlights
Shore diving in Tenerife South is an excellent way to explore the ocean with ease. Many of the shore dive sites Tenerife offers are located in sheltered bays or protected marinas, allowing for controlled entries that are perfect for beginners or photographers who want to spend more time focusing on macro life.
Marina San Miguel: Our Exclusive House Reef
GooDiving is one of the few centers with direct access to this jetty. Because boat traffic is prohibited in the diving channel, it provides a safe, quiet environment. The site features various cracks and holes where scorpionfish, octopuses, and moray eels hide. It is an ideal spot for night dives where the nocturnal fauna truly comes to life.
Las Eras: The Buddha’s Wall
Located a short drive from our base, Las Eras is a natural wall that reaches a depth of about 25 meters. It is protected by a breakwater, making it diveable 365 days a year. The highlight is the Buddha statue placed underwater, which has become a vibrant artificial reef colonized by sponges and small crustaceans.
Abades – A Double Reef Experience
Abades offers two distinct reefs. The First Reef has a gradual slope, making it a heaven for beginner divers. You can see large schools of goldlines (Sarpa salpa) and trumpet fish. The Second Reef is deeper and more "wild," where barracudas and rays are frequently spotted cruising over the sand.
Shore dive sites in Tenerife are renowned for their accessibility and consistent conditions, with locations like Marina San Miguel and Abades offering safe, protected entries. These sites are perfect for shore-based training and spotting diverse species such as moray eels and octopuses without the need for boat travel.
Boat Dive Sites – Deeper Adventures
For those looking to venture further from the coast, our boat trips depart daily from Marina San Miguel. Utilizing a boat allows us to reach offshore pinnacles and wrecks that are inaccessible from the shore, often resulting in better visibility and larger pelagic species.
El Bajonito: The Towering Pinnacle
This is widely considered a favorite among our guides. It is a massive volcanic pinnacle situated just outside our marina. The top of the rock is teeming with life, including snappers, porgies, and large shoals of barracudas. The currents here can bring in larger predators, providing an exciting spectacle for advanced divers.
Alien Rock (Montaña Amarilla)
Located within a marine protected area, this site features incredible lava formations that look like they belong on another planet. The "Alien Rock" is a massive structure surrounded by volcanic sand where angel sharks are often seen partially buried during the winter months.
Los Chuchos & The Estorne Wreck
Los Chuchos (The Rays) is perhaps the most iconic boat dive in the south. A large school of Roncadores (grunts) inhabits a rocky spur, while in the sand nearby lies the wreck of the Estorne, a small sailboat lying at 20 meters. This site is famous for the various species of rays—Common Stingrays, Bull Rays, and Butterfly Rays—that frequently visit the area.
Boat dive sites in South Tenerife provide access to deeper volcanic pinnacles and offshore wrecks that host larger schools of fish and pelagic species. Locations like El Bajonito and Los Chuchos are top choices for experienced divers looking for dramatic underwater topography and frequent ray encounters.
Best Sites for Turtles, Rays & Angel Sharks
Finding specific marine life is the goal of many divers visiting the Canary Islands. While the ocean is unpredictable, certain spots are known as "hotspots" for high-probability sightings. A turtle reef dive Tenerife experience is most common in sites with shallow rocky reefs and sea-grass meadows.
- Turtles: Green turtles are resident species. Sites like El Poris and Abades are excellent for observing them in a natural, respectful environment. We always remind divers to maintain a safe distance to ensure these animals remain unafraid of human presence.
- Angel Sharks: The angel shark dive site Tenerife hunters look for is typically one with sandy bottoms near rocky outcrops. These endangered sharks visit our waters primarily from November to April. They are masters of camouflage, often hiding under a thin layer of sand.
- Rays: Tenerife is a paradise for ray lovers. In sites like Playa San Juan or Los Chuchos, you can see five different species in a single dive. The Roughtail Stingray and the majestic Eagle Ray are common sights during our morning boat runs.
South Tenerife is one of the few places in the world where divers can reliably see turtles and endangered angel sharks in their natural habitat. Sites such as El Poris and Los Chuchos serve as primary hubs for these encounters, especially during the peak sighting seasons between late autumn and spring.
Volcanic Formations & Unique Underwater Landscapes
The "Macaronesian" underwater landscape is entirely different from the coral reefs of the tropics. It is a world of dramatic geo-diversity. The volcanic origins of the island have created volcanic formations diving Tenerife enthusiasts find mesmerizing: towering basalt columns, lava tubes, and large caverns.
El Condesito is a perfect example of this. This commercial boat crashed into the coast 40 years ago and now lies in a canyon made of "prismatic" volcanic rocks that look like giant organ pipes. Similarly, Los Arcos features three massive submerged arches that create stunning light effects, making it a favorite for underwater photographers.
The underwater landscape of South Tenerife is a testament to its volcanic history, featuring basaltic columns, caves, and swim-throughs. Historic wrecks like El Condesito are now integrated into these geological formations, creating artificial reefs that offer a unique blend of history and dramatic Canary Island geology.
Water Temperature & Visibility – What to Expect
One of the reasons Tenerife is a top global diving destination is its stable climate. Diving is possible 365 days a year.
| Month | Water Temp (°C) | Visibility (m) | Top Marine Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan - Mar | 18°C - 19°C | 25m - 30m | Angel Sharks, Rays |
| Apr - Jun | 20°C - 21°C | 20m - 25m | Mobula Rays, Turtles |
| Jul - Sep | 23°C - 25°C | 20m - 30m | Tropical Fish, Turtles |
| Oct - Dec | 21°C - 23°C | 25m - 30m | Angel Sharks, Barracudas |
The diving visibility Tenerife offers is legendary, often exceeding 30 meters on calm days. The lack of major rivers flowing into the sea means there is very little sediment to cloud the water. While the Atlantic can be cooler than the Red Sea, a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is more than sufficient for most of the year.
The diving conditions in Tenerife South are exceptional year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C and visibility often reaching 30 meters. This stability, combined with the lack of sediment, ensures clear waters and consistent opportunities for spotting marine life regardless of the season.
Dive Sites for Beginners vs Advanced Divers
We believe in matching the right site to the right skill level to ensure safety and enjoyment. Not all the best dive sites Tenerife South boasts are suitable for everyone, and our biologist guides will help you choose based on your certification and recent experience.
- Beginners (Open Water / Discover Scuba): Sites like Abades First Reef or Playa San Juan are perfect. They offer shallow depths (max 12m), no current, and plenty of light. Beginners can see turtles and colorful fish without the stress of depth.
- Intermediate (Advanced Open Water): Sites like El Condesito or Alien Rock allow you to explore depths of 18-30 meters, investigate wrecks, and perform slightly more challenging entries.
- Advanced / Deep Divers: For those with deep certifications, El Bajonito or the deeper sections of La Caleta (which features a safe cave at 35m) offer the thrill of the abyss and the chance to see larger pelagic fish.
Diving sites in South Tenerife are categorized to suit all levels, from shallow, calm bays like Abades for beginners to deep pinnacles and caves for advanced divers. This segmentation ensures that every diver can explore the island's marine beauty within their personal safety limits and experience level.
Book Your Dive Trip with GooDiving
Choosing the right center is as important as choosing the right site. At GooDiving, we are located in the heart of Marina San Miguel (Golf del Sur), giving us the logistical advantage of being minutes away from the island's best boat and shore spots.
We pride ourselves on:
- Small Groups: You will never be part of a "herd." We keep groups small to ensure personal attention and a better chance of seeing shy marine life.
- Biologist Guides: Our team doesn't just show you "a fish"; they explain the biology and behavior of the species you encounter.
- Safety & Equipment: We use high-quality, well-maintained gear and follow strict safety protocols.
- Pick-up Service: We offer pickups from major hotels in Tenerife South, making your logistics seamless.
Inspired by our dive site guide? Reserve your spot with GooDiving and explore these top-rated sites on your next visit to Tenerife South!
Booking a trip with GooDiving ensures a premium experience focused on small groups and educational guidance from professional marine biologists. Located centrally in Marina San Miguel, we offer convenient access to the best dive sites in Tenerife South, combined with a commitment to safety and personalized service for every diver.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Which dive site is best to see turtles in Tenerife?
The best sites are typically El Poris and Abades. These areas have the right combination of rocky shelter and sea-grass where resident green turtles live. While sightings aren't guaranteed, these spots offer the highest probability in the south.
Are there angel sharks all year round?
Angel sharks are migratory and prefer the cooler waters of winter. The best time to see them is from November to April. During the summer, they tend to move to deeper, cooler waters that are less accessible to recreational divers.
What is the average water temperature and visibility?
Water temperature fluctuates between 18°C in winter and 25°C in late summer. Visibility is remarkably consistent, usually ranging from 20 to 30 meters, which is among the best in the Atlantic Ocean.
Can beginners access most dive sites?
While many sites are suitable for beginners, some are restricted by depth or current. GooDiving specializes in guiding beginners to sites like Abades or Marina San Miguel, which are shallow and very safe for those new to the sport.
What are the most popular wreck dives in South Tenerife?
The most popular are El Condesito, a cargo ship surrounded by volcanic columns, and Tabaiba (El Raton), a tugboat wreck specifically prepared for divers to explore its interior safely.
How do I get to each dive site from my hotel?
GooDiving offers a pickup and drop-off service for our guests staying in the main tourist areas of South Tenerife (Los Cristianos, Las Américas, Costa Adeje, and Golf del Sur). We handle the logistics so you can focus on the diving.
Is diving in volcanic landscapes different from reefs?
Yes, it is very different! Instead of colorful corals, you find dramatic geometric shapes, lava tubes, and caves. The life is concentrated in the cracks of the basalt, and the landscape is much more dramatic and rugged than a typical coral reef.
Do you offer snorkeling at these sites?
Yes, many of our shore sites like Abades and Marina San Miguel are excellent for snorkeling. We provide guided snorkeling tours led by our marine biologists, so even non-divers can enjoy the incredible biodiversity of Tenerife.
