Cadiz
Explore AndalusiaDiving in Andalusia offers a unique and diverse underwater experience that captivat
Explore Andalusia
Diving in Andalusia offers a unique and diverse underwater experience that captivates both novice and seasoned divers. With its extensive coastline stretching nearly 900 km along both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, Andalusia presents an array of dive sites that range from serene sandy seabeds to thrilling current-swept locations. The region is home to vibrant marine life, including moray eels, octopuses, and lobsters, providing unforgettable encounters beneath the waves.
In Costa del Sol, divers can explore deep offshore reefs and intriguing wrecks, like the crane tower turned artificial reef and 19th-century shipwrecks near Benalmadena. For those interested in history and adventure, the wreck of the SPM Nortomra and rocky reef corridors in Estepona offer a perfect dive. Meanwhile, Tarifa’s dynamic underwater landscapes, such as Morocco Point, challenge divers with their currents and overhangs, and occasionally reveal the majestic ocean sunfish.
Andalusia’s diving scene is enriched by protected bays and training grounds ideal for beginner courses in Marina del Este and Tarifa. Further east, the Natural Park Cabo de Gata features stunning volcanic formations and mysterious sites like the Cave of the French, where divers can immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of Andalusia’s underwater world, making it a must-visit dive destination.
Places to explore
Courses and Events
Dive Activity
Diving in Andalusia
Andalusia, a diving paradise, offers a mix of exhilarating wreck dives and stunning shore dives. The "Urca de Lima" wreck in Almería is a top spot, resting at 22 meters/72 feet and teeming with diverse marine life. Cadiz hosts the "Galeón San José," a fascinating historical dive site. For vibrant shore dives, the Maro-Cerro Gordo Natural Area offers colorful reefs and abundant marine species, making it a favorite among divers.
Adventurers can experience night dives in the Cádiz area, where bioluminescent plankton creates an otherworldly glow. Andalusia provides a perfect balance between shore-based and liveaboard diving, catering to diverse preferences. The region's rich underwater ecosystem and historical sites ensure unforgettable diving experiences for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Andalusia
Andalusia, with its Mediterranean coastline, offers a diverse marine ecosystem, featuring both common reef fish and special seasonal visitors. In the shallow reefs, divers can frequently encounter species like the ornate wrasse, damselfish, and bream. These vibrant fish are abundant year-round, providing a colorful backdrop for underwater exploration.
During warmer months, the region may host migratory species such as loggerhead turtles and various ray species, including the common eagle ray. Shark sightings are rarer but not unheard of, with occasional visits from blue sharks in deeper waters. The likelihood of encountering these migratory species increases during late spring and summer, particularly in areas with rich feeding grounds.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
3.7k Sightings
J
156
F
86
M
162
A
231
M
237
J
304
J
467
A
685
S
551
O
383
N
279
D
207
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
3.6k Sightings
J
83
F
91
M
144
A
143
M
244
J
368
J
495
A
866
S
613
O
276
N
111
D
120
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
2.4k Sightings
J
113
F
66
M
126
A
174
M
147
J
174
J
337
A
417
S
310
O
232
N
163
D
111
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
489 Sightings
J
22
F
3
M
1
A
10
M
37
J
45
J
44
A
144
S
105
O
29
N
23
D
26
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3000
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch
2.9k Sightings
J
108
F
74
M
114
A
228
M
265
J
367
J
357
A
486
S
343
O
221
N
201
D
121
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
2.6k Sightings
J
114
F
73
M
134
A
182
M
161
J
204
J
351
A
459
S
343
O
236
N
180
D
124
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
2.5k Sightings
J
123
F
71
M
143
A
185
M
160
J
180
J
303
A
476
S
320
O
237
N
158
D
127
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 7000
iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab
2.4k Sightings
J
113
F
59
M
112
A
150
M
154
J
205
J
334
A
377
S
330
O
253
N
216
D
140
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
2.4k Sightings
J
58
F
52
M
88
A
98
M
134
J
221
J
290
A
552
S
439
O
217
N
129
D
116
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
k
Mullet
1.4k Sightings
J
67
F
50
M
66
A
92
M
98
J
84
J
138
A
298
S
243
O
136
N
89
D
73
The best Months to Dive in Andalusia
Diving in Andalusia is possible year-round due to its mild Mediterranean climate. During summer, water temperatures range from 20°C to 24°C/68°F to 75°F, while in winter, they drop to 14°C to 17°C/57°F to 63°F. Visibility generally remains good, often ranging from 10 to 30 meters/33 to 98 feet, depending on the location and weather conditions.
Wind and currents can occasionally affect dive conditions, particularly in the Strait of Gibraltar area. The best diving months are from April to October when conditions are most stable. However, winter diving is still feasible with appropriate gear, though the cooler water and potential for rougher seas make it less favorable for some divers.
