Top 10 Epic Dive Sites in Tenerife

Planning your first outing? Start with a shallow, sheltered site near santa cruz to build confidence and team control. A free 60-minute course helps you make the most of the moment, aligning gear checks, buoyancy, and buddy signals before you live the experience.

Site 1 – Santa Cruz Wall (shore entry, 6–25 meters): A vertical drop hosts caverns and schools of small reef fish. Depths range from 6 to 25 meters; visibility typically 15–25 meters in summer and 10–18 meters in winter. Local guides said conditions shift with wind; plan for 15–20 minutes bottom time if currents pick up. This site is ideal to fine-tune buoyancy and control with a short, beginner-friendly route from the shore. The backdrop of the island’s mountain range makes every surface interval memorable.

Site 2 – Lava Cathedral (lava tubes and arches, 12–28 meters): Swim-through passages form a cathedral-like ceiling with beams of light. Water temp sits around 19–23°C in summer, 17–20°C in winter, and visibility often reaches 15–25 meters. Move calmly through the tunnels with your buddy; whether youre started or not, keep a steady pace and practice navigation and air management. For gear, use a 5–7 mm wetsuit and a reliable buoyancy control device.

Site 3 – Costa Adeje Reef (nearshore, 8–14 meters): A gentle reef wall with patches of sandy clearings invites easy exploration of macro life and small critters. Depths 8–14 meters; typical visibility 15–22 meters; water temp around 20–23°C in summer, 17–20°C in late autumn. This site shines for rotation drills and camera practice, making it a reliable warm-up before longer shore-to-boat sessions.

Site 4 – La Garita Seamount Drift (drift, 25–40 meters): Currents run along the seamount, demanding teamwork and pre-briefed signals. Drift depths from 25 to 40 meters; bottom time often under 20 minutes. Plan routes with two-minute air checks and a bailout; surface by a known exit point. Based on local charts, this site rewards a clean start but requires disciplined formation and awareness of the ocean’s push against the volcanic flank.

Site 5 – Los Cristianos Wreck (~12–20 meters): A compact wreck resting on sandy bottom, offering several pass-throughs and a sheltered corridor. Depths 12–20 meters make it accessible for learners; expect a few entanglement hazards and curious species like gobies and pufferfish. Follow a short, controlled route with your team to keep the group tight and reduce bottom time on your first pass. This site has been a favorite for mid-week practice when seas stay calm.

Site 6 – El Médano Macro Zone (15–25 meters): A playground for macro life and larger species; check vertical drop lines and watch for stingrays. Depths 15–25 meters; typical visibility 18–25 meters; temps 19–24°C. This site often stays free of crowds in early mornings; use the moment to practice stable positioning and shot composition for photos, making every minute count.

Site 7 – Taganana Cavern Route (caverns, 18–28 meters): A network of lava tubes with low-light corridors. Depths 18–28 meters; current moderate; water around 18–22°C; good for light-narration guidance and signaling. Use a course of navigation and maintenance; keep 5–8 meters of distance in low-visibility pockets and maintain team cohesion.

Site 8 – West Coast Wall (boat-based entry, 20–40 meters): A steep wall with pinnacles and canyon-like slots. Depths from 20 to 40 meters; typical visibility 20–30 meters on clear days; water 18–22°C. A boat-based outing lets you time the surface interval and maintain a steady ascent plan, with a moment to check the whole team before the final push.

Site 9 – Las Galletas Pinnacle (pinnacle, 16–30 meters): A lone rock rising from the deep attracts amberjacks and mackerel schools. Depths 16–30 meters; currents moderate; visibility typically 15–25 meters. Based on the wind and sea state, plan your approach from the surface and coordinate with your partner to reduce drag. For those with some experience, this site offers a solid test of positioning and buoyancy control.

Site 10 – South Coast Reef Corridor (reef, 8–28 meters): A protected channel with sand patches and coral gardens. Depths 8–28 meters; visibility 12–22 meters; water 18–23°C. This site is ideal for a long, steady finish and a calm end to the day; use it as a live example of pacing a session with a plan, whether youre new or returning, to end on a confident note.

Start at Cathedral Arches, Abades, at sunrise to enjoy warm water, clear visibility, and dramatic lava arches along the sandy edge that echo Canarian history.

Site 1: Cathedral Arches, Abades Depth 12–20 m, light to moderate currents, visibility 15–25 m in summer. A special swim-through corridor with two arches and a sandy terrace along the edge; cracks invite attention from morays, shrimps, and cuttlefishes, while reef life frequents the walls. Access is convenient from southern hotels, and local centers offer morning or afternoon trips, making it easy to add an extra session to a day of island exploration.

Site 2: Puertito Reef, Güímar Depth 6–18 m, calm seas most days, visibility 12–25 m. A friendly macro hotspot with sandy pockets and scattered boulders along the reef edge. Look along cracks for octopuses and cuttlefishes; the sheltered conditions suit beginners and families. From your village stay, a short drive completes a compact outing, and excursions are commonly available through Canarian centers.

Site 3: Bajamar Cracks & Lava Tubes Depth 8–25 m, currents can rise to moderate, best in warmer months. Lava tubes and vertical cracks create dramatic silhouettes against the blue. Expect morays, snappers, and schooling fish along the walls; thermoclines may form in winter. From the hotel corridors to the landing point, a moderate drive is typical, and centers in the area can tailor a route around the seas for an exciting morning or afternoon.

Site 4: Las Galletas Chimneys Depth 10–26 m, volcanic chimneys rising from the sandy bottom and offering rich relief. Wildlife concentrates around the chimneys and along cracks where cuttlefishes hide. In the sandy patches between columns you’ll find rays and small flatfish. Best during calm conditions in summer, with many centers running specialized macro routes that start from the village and finish with a warm coastal drive back to your hotel.

Site 5: Los Cristianos Wall Depth 15–30 m, a prominent vertical wall with overhangs and tunnels. Color and life pop along the ledges; look for wrasses, groupers, and shrimps around the cracks. Currents vary, so this route suits guests with some experience, especially in late mornings and afternoons. Plan a longer session and fuel the day with a short stop at a nearby village café before the drive home to the resort areas.

Site 6: Anaga Marine Caves Depth 8–22 m, light beams break through the openings, creating striking photos. Parrotfishes, anemones, and rays patrol the dim corridors. The rugged terrain and cave layout require a guided route, but the setting is unforgettable, especially for summer mornings when the water is calmer. Start from a Santa Cruz–area center, then enjoy a scenic drive through lush nature to the nadir of the coast and back to your hotel.

Site 7: La Caleta Channel & Pinnacles Depth 10–24 m, open-water channel with submerged pinnacles and clean blue water. Currents can be punchy, so stay along the markers and listen to your guide. Barracudas, stingrays, and wrasses patrol the ledges, with cuttlefishes common in crevices. The route rewards patience and steady hands, and a late-morning plan lets you finish with a relaxed walk through the Canarian village along the coast.

Site 8: Teno Shelf & Drop-Offs Depth 14–28 m, pronounced shelf dropping into clearer water. Pelagic visitors such as tunas and jacks cruise the edge, while reef species cluster on the ledges. Visibility typically 20–30 m in summer; currents can shift quickly, so stay close to your guide. The drive from the southeast hotels winds through dramatic volcanic landscapes, offering a natural backdrop before you return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Site 9: Playa de Las Vistas Sand Drift Depth 6–12 m, shallow macro and sandy bottom. Pipefishes, pipefishes, and a variety of small critters inhabit the inshore flats, making this an ideal warm-up route or recovery option after a longer session. It’s beginner friendly, with centers coordinating short trips and plenty of time for photos. Summer conditions bring calmer seas and an amount of wildlife that keeps guests smiling.

Site 10: Montaña Seamounts East Depth 20–35 m, seamounts rising from the abyss invite large fish and expansive schools. Expect groupers, eels, and pelagic activity around rocky faces; planning with a trusted center is key since strong currents can occur. Best in late spring and summer, this route pairs well with a hotel stay and a driving tour through nearby villages, leaving room for extra stops and a relaxed evening by the marina.

The Cathedral (La Catedral): depth, currents, and photography tips

Recommended approach: Wear a 5 mm full wetsuit, bring a wide-angle lens with a strobe, and enter during slack tide to minimize surge. Allocate 45–60 minutes for this session to cover the entry, cathedral arch, and peñón area.

Depth and currents

Depth: entry around 12–14 m, main chamber at 18–22 m, deepest pockets down to about 28 m.
Currents: usually mild near the exit, with gentle pulses near the arch when winds push from the west; in strong conditions, stay close to your guide and use the peñón as a sheltered spot.
Navigation: follow the natural limestone columns, avoid stirring sediment, and keep a safe distance from the Montaña rock face.
Protected area: this zone hosts a protected habitat with stable life; resist touching or moving any features.

Photography tips

Lens and lighting: use a wide-angle lens (14–16 mm equivalent) with a dual strobe setup; keep strobes 0.5–0.8 m from the subject to reduce backscatter.
Settings: ISO 100–200, aperture f/8, shutter 1/125 s; shoot RAW; white balance manually around 5200–5500 K.
Be mindful of light beams: position yourself under the arch to catch lines of light crossing the chamber; this yields dramatic images.
Protection: protect optics from sediment by moving slowly and maintaining a short distance to subjects; consider a protective filter for dusty water.
Advanced technique: experiment with manual focus, low-light composites, and sequence shots using the reef’s columns as a frame.
Just bring a spare battery and a dry bag for the camera.
Suitable approach: this site suits experienced underwater photographers and divers with current tolerance.
House support: many operators run from a single base with gear rental and safety briefings; they offer german facilities for language comfort.
Underwater notes: plan shots around the peak visibility windows; days with calm seas tend to produce the best beam angles.
Depth reference: keep a visible reference to the 20–25 m zone for framing the cathedral’s columns.
Take time to observe water clarity before each shot.
The guide explained how currents shift with wind and tides during briefing.

Spots to photograph

Entry passage and the first column grove
Cathedral arch with light beams crossing the chamber
Central pillar forest and the beam shaft of sunlight
Exit corridor back toward the blue

Practical notes

Ticket: book with a licensed operator offering a concise briefing before entry; many agencies provide gear rental and german facilities, which helps if you prefer language support.
Montaña nuance: keep distance from the Montaña rock face; macro life around it responds well to flashes.
Spots and safety: adhere to the guide’s path, respect protected zones, and perform a short safety stop at 5 m on the ascent.
Haven for photographers: the Cathedral is a playground of color, form, and warm light pockets yielding dramatic results.
Days of good visibility: plan for windows in late spring and early autumn to maximize light in the chamber.

El Puertito Dive: beginner-friendly depth, marine life, and entry options

Begin with a shore-based session at 6–12 m, guided by a small staff-led group of 4–6 beginner divers, and complete a concise briefing before entering the water. This approach keeps the experience easy and builds confidence while prioritizing safety for 40–50 minutes.

Look for octopuses tucked into crevices, beautiful corals along the reef, and trumpet fish among the rocks. The sheltered cove makes these sights accessible to a first-timer, while the shallow depth supports steady buoyancy work and well-paced learning between skills.

Entry options include shore entry from the port area using a ramp or ladder, or a short boat drop from the same location. Both stay open for beginners; bring your own mask and fins if you have them, or rent gear on-site.

Ticket prices for a single shallow session typically range from €25 to €40, with discounts for groups or multiple days. Many centers offer combined excursions that include equipment rental, and you can book a few days in advance to fit your schedule.

For beginners, a scuba starter course is available, with a certificate issued after successful completion. The package usually includes theory, a concise briefing, and a supervised shallow-water component before the open-water portion. Ask about discounts when enrolling with a friend or as part of a group.

Safety and etiquette matter: stay with your buddy or group, follow the briefing, maintain distance from corals, and avoid touching wildlife. Open-water conditions in El Puertito are best on calm days, usually mornings, with seas stable for 30–60 minutes per session.

To keep experiences comfortable, avoid barbarian crowds by booking in advance; staff often coordinate days and times to fit different itineraries. El Puertito is one of Tenerife’s reliable shore sites near the port, ideal for a beginner who wants a memorable first trip with a friend.

Punta de Teno Lighthouse Wall: drift angles, viz, and safety notes

Start with a drift plan: target a drift angle of 15–25 degrees to the wall, then ride the current along the volcanic face and exit on the sheltered side near the lighthouse. Keep a tight buddy line, manage your depth, and match finning tempo to the water flow to stay close to the rock and avoid drifting off the wall.

Viz and depth: in spring you typically enjoy nice viz around 12–18 m, with clearer conditions on calmer days and a tendency to drop on stronger winds. The base edge drops to depth12, marking a deeper terrace where currents slow; plan 25–35 minutes on the wall depending on current and weather, with a 10–15 minute bottom time for shallow sections. The amount of sediment can rise after swells, so monitor your buoy line to avoid picking up silt on the ascent.

Safety notes: currents can shift quickly; under changing conditions always keep a clear exit toward the sheltered side, use a surface marker buoy, and stay within 5–7 m of the wall to avoid fissures and snags. If swells exceed 2 m, postpone; never solo, and ensure the plan is managed by a responsible surface team. If anything feels off, abort and regroup immediately.

Site features and access: the Punta de Teno Lighthouse Wall runs along volcanic rock with ledges that attract fish and a school of small species. There is little shelter on the exposed side, so plan around surface swell; along the coastal path to the lighthouse you pass abrigos and a little shelter. Access from the puerto area is straightforward: walking next to the edge brings you to viewpoints and the final approach to the beacon; the santa landmark on the trail helps with orientation for those combining hiking with marine exploration.

Local notes: источник data from coastal guides emphasizes calmer options in spring and autumn, with tides and wind patterns that support controlled drift along the wall. Several teams helped by sharing current updates, and many divers and snorkelers felt satisfied with the plan when they stayed tight to the edge, used a line, and kept communication clear. Look for fish lingering near ledges and watch for a consistent school in clear water.

Garachico Reef System: best timing, macro life, and navigation tips

Book a morning session in late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) when seas are calmer, visibility sits around 20–30 m, and macro life thrives along the reef edges. Our essex instructor will brief you on safety and then guide you into Garachico’s reef system, turning practical steps into smooth, confident movements.

Macro life thrives here: octopuses tucked into cracks, cuttlefish drifting over lava ledges, nudibranchs in electric colors, pipefishes in sandy pockets, and canarian sea urchins. Expect turtles and even the occasional small sharks in deeper channels. For macro photographers, such scenes reward patience; bring a dedicated lens and move slowly into the micro world. trumpet sponges decorate the lava, and canarian nature rewards careful observation, whether you chase macro subjects or broader reef scenes.

Such variety makes Garachico worth planning around the tides. Wreck sites, though shallow, add texture and shelter for small creatures. Book with puerto-based operators who run crew-packs on canarian boats; staff coordinate safe, controlled dives. Whether you seek macro gems or a broader reef experience, guests leave with a positive review and the option to dive again.

Navigation tips: Start at the reef edge and follow the wall inland, using lava tubes as landmarks. Drift along a channel only when currents are favorable, and always plan your exit near the shallow bench. Keep your buddy close, communicate with your guide, and use a compass or natural lines in the rock to confirm direction. If conditions shift, abort and return to the wreck’s sheltered pockets.

Try-dive options exist for beginners, with puerto and santa cruz departures offering convenient access. Instructors tailor the pace to comfort, and you can book a second session if you would like. Such experiences are unforgettable, and many guests enjoy them again on future trips, sharing the review with groups.

Montaña Amarilla: rock formations, depth range, and access tips

Recommendation: Montaña Amarilla offers easy shore entry and stable lava shelves, making it the best starting point for Tenerife coastal exploration. Depths range from 6 to 18 meters, with a deeper niche up to about 22 meters along the wall. Pack a mask, bring fins if possible, and consider a small torch for the tunnels.

Rock formations include lava shelves, basalt columns, arches, and lava tubes. These features were created by past eruptions and provide many shelter and photogenic silhouettes; in calm conditions you may even see a ship on the horizon. Observe the textures under sun and shadow to gauge depth and age. Explanations about formation are common at these sites, and you may hear locals describe them in simple terms.

Access tips: Park at the small cove and descend a short, rocky path to the shore. Enter on a calm day via the left-hand entry near the wall for a smooth start; avoid stepping on fragile crust and watch for sharp edges. The inner shelf remains shallow and is ideal for a gradual start with a mask.

Local support: Katja and Mehran run small outfits that can arrange a ticket and gear hire, which includes a briefing on currents and safety. These services are particularly helpful for first-timers and for a special, streamlined experience; they said you will observe smooth progress along the shore and reach the best viewpoints.

Environment and etiquette: Observe the environment and marine life; do not touch corals or sponges. Fill a small bag with any litter you find and take it with you. Much wildlife thrives here, including canarian species; respect for the habitat remains key for long-term access.

источник: Canarian guides emphasize responsible access and note that Montaña Amarilla offers a balanced platform of exposure and protection; ticketing, mask checks, and gear hire help support a sustainable experience for these sites.

Top 10 Epic Dive Sites in Tenerife – The Ultimate Diver’s Guide