Marbella
In the sun-drenched Costa del Sol town of Marbella, it is possible to explore the underwater realm f
Explore Málaga
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!
Situated along the Costa del Sol and La Costa Tropical, several dive centres offer trips to sites near Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas Costa, Marbella, and Gibraltar. The dive centres offer dive courses for everyone, from those wanting to try scuba diving for the first time to experienced divers ready to become instructors.
Top Regions to Explore
Top Málaga Dive Sites
1. Los Tres Picos
Located in a sheltered bay, this site features three dramatic pinnacles rising from 30 m to just 6 m. Scuba divers can discover octopus, cuttlefish, and eels hidden in the crevices. Occasionally, sunfish drift by in the open blue. Ideal for intermediate divers due to the range of depths.
2. Roqueillos (near Marbella)
An advanced offshore reef dive between 25–35 m, swept by strong currents and dense with anthias. Scuba divers will find conger eels, spider crabs, and spiny lobsters. Due to the depth and currents, this site is best for experienced divers.
3. The Wall (Tarifa)
A vertical reef at 18 m, this site is perfect for beginners working on buoyancy control. Scuba divers can explore cracks filled with macro life like gobies and nudibranchs. The calm conditions and rich biodiversity make it popular for underwater photography.
4. Rosia Bay (Gibraltar)
This historic dive features admiralty anchors, scattered cannons, and the Seahawk wreck lying just offshore. With depths of around 20 m, it suits intermediate scuba divers and is a must for wreck enthusiasts interested in history and marine archaeology.
5. Cala del Moral (freediving possible)
A calm and shallow site east of Málaga, this area features seagrass meadows and rocky outcrops home to wrasse, sea stars, and octopus. Suitable for both scuba and freediving, it's a great spot for relaxed exploration and marine photography in crystal-clear waters.
The best Months to Dive in Málaga
Scuba diving in Málaga is best during the summer months, from March to October, when the water temperatures are at their most comfortable. As Málaga has a Mediterranean climate, the area has warm summers and mild winters, with water temperatures ranging from 16℃ to 24℃. From November through to March, Málaga sees quite a high proportion of rain yet, dive centres are open year-round where you can escape the rain by descending below the water’s surface. Despite the rain, the Costa del Sol and the surrounding areas are said to see over 300 days of sunshine, making ample time for diving.
To witness dolphins and whales, the best time to visit is between April and October, when the whale and dolphin watching tours operate.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Málaga
While diving La Costa Tropical, expect to encounter octopus, cuttlefish, brittle stars, and the occasional sand eel. At deepwater sites, such as Punta de la Mona, sea bass and the ocean sunfish have been found basking in the current. Nudibranchs adorn rocky surfaces and seahorses are starting to find refuge in the area. At Marbella’s artificial reefs diver may witness blennies, octopus, squat lobsters, and conger eels while groupers and large schools of anthias are found at deeper reefs.
Exploring the multitude of wrecks in Gibraltar, divers will discover a profusion of colourful marine life, from giant gorgonian sea fans and fan worms to spider crabs and lobster. Scuba diving at Tarifa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, large groupers, eagle rays and schools of yellow-tail tuna are observed drifting in the current. At the deep wrecks of Tarifa, sea turtle sit lazily on the remains of the wreck and curious dolphins arrive from the deep. On surface intervals, pilot whales and sperm whales can be seen.
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 approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
6 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 30
Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 350
Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 3400
Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
2
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 12
iStock/cinoby
Lionfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 120
AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 300
Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species approx.: 120
SSI-Peter-Schinck
Cuttlefish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0