Explore Tarifa
Tarifa is a small town of 15,000 inhabitants located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, on the southernmost point of Spain where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. Scuba diving in Tarifa takes place in the natural park, the Isla de la Palomas where divers can explore wrecks, vertical walls, and tunnels with the chance of encountering the awe-inspiring ocean sunfish and sea turtles.
Tarifa diving is accessible from several dive centres in the small town. Liveaboards are not regular visitors to the site yet, it’s possible to charter your own boat to explore the natural park. Dive courses are offered at many of the dive centres, from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster.
Top Tarifa Dive Sites
1. Wreck of San Andres
Located at a depth of 30 m, this historic paddle-steamer wreck is now a thriving reef. Sea turtles, ocean sunfish, and barracudas frequent the site. Suitable for advanced scuba divers due to its depth and occasional currents.
2. Eastern Edge (San Andres Shallows)
Ideal for beginners and freedivers, this 4 m-deep site offers access to parts of the San Andres wreck scattered along a shallow reef. Expect calm conditions, with sightings of wrasse, blennies, and nudibranchs among the wreckage.
3. Morocco Point
A challenging dive for advanced scuba divers, this site features strong currents and dramatic overhangs. At 30 m, large groupers, stingrays, and amberjacks are common. Best explored during slack tide with proper drift diving skills.
4. The Wall
Descending to 18 m, this sheer rock face is perfect for practicing buoyancy control. Suitable for novice and intermediate scuba divers, it shelters macro life like nudibranchs, as well as octopus and the occasional moray eel.
5. The Gap
This photogenic cavern dive begins at 12 m and leads into a naturally lit tunnel system. Accessible to intermediate scuba divers, the site is home to spider crabs, scorpionfish, and stunning light effects ideal for underwater photography.
