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

Cadiz

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Cadiz is the oldest city in western Europe, situated in the Andalusia region of Spain. Cadiz’s beautiful golden-sand beaches host historically important wrecks beneath the water’s surface while nearby, Tarifa is situated where the Mediteranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. Due to the city’s close proximity to Tarifa, divers take the opportunity to dive the Atlantic and the Mediterranean all in the same day - diving The Bay of Cadiz and the Atlantic in the morning and the Mediterranean Sea at the east of Tarifa in the afternoon.

Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is a region in the south of Spain in the community of Andalusia. Translating to the ‘Sun Coast’, the area is known for miles of sandy beaches and a warm climate year-round. Beneath the ocean’s surface, the Costa del Sol offers some impressive dive experiences, from deep current-swept reefs at Marbella to the quiet sheltered bays and cave-systems of Marina del Este. The incredible ocean sunfish can be observed basking at the point where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge in Tarifa while dolphins and pilot whales can be witnessed riding the waves offshore.

Malaga

The city of Málaga in Andalusia, Spain, is the gateway to the sun-drenched beaches and night-life of the Costa del Sol. Located close to the convergence point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, an impressive abundance of marine life can be found beneath the ocean’s surface. This has seen the rise of Málaga diving, where divers can explore over 240km of coastline from Tarifa to the National Marine Reserve of Marina del Este. Discover wrecks and artefacts dating back to the Roman Empire, brave deep reefs where the current is racing or just relax and marvel at the presence of an incredible oceanic sunfish!

Cabo de Gata

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The natural geopark Cabo de Gata Nijar is uniquely where one can find a brilliant contrast between terrestrial and marine.

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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.

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.

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