intermediate
    (75)

    Garachico – Canary Islands – Tenerife

    22m Max
    15-30m Vis
    shore

    Site Overview

    Garachico on Tenerife’s north coast is a dramatic dive among underwater volcanic lava flows from the 1706 eruption, with massive rock formations, clear water and a healthy reef of wrasse, parrotfish and moray eels. The sheltered bays and lava walls at 3-22 m offer both macro and wide-angle interest, and the clear northern water is a contrast to the busier south. It is a favourite for macro photographers and divers wanting to explore the island’s volcanic geology away from the crowds. Gentle conditions in summer make Garachico accessible to most certified levels. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and respect for Spain’s marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among divers who value dramatic volcanic or Mediterranean scenery, historic wrecks and rich marine life across a long, varied season.

    Dive Briefing

    "Enter from the rocky shore at Garachico and descend along the lava formations, following the walls and boulders at 10-14 m. Look in crevices for morays and octopus, and watch the open water for parrotfish and bream. Ascend gradually and take care with any surge near the entry. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your air and thermal comfort, watch your depth and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."

    Signature Marine Life

    Wrasse

    high

    Labrus spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Parrotfish

    high

    Sparisoma cretense

    Best: Year-round

    Moray Eel

    high

    Muraena helena

    Best: Year-round

    Bream

    high

    Diplodus spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Octopus

    medium

    Octopus vulgaris

    Best: Year-round

    Safety & Hazards

    • Surge on entry
    • Sharp volcanic rock
    • Variable visibility
    • Sun exposure
    • Slippery lava
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital Universitario de Canarias Hyperbaric Unit
    45km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    Suited to certified divers who enjoy volcanic topography, macro life and clear northern water away from the crowds. It works for Open Water divers in calm conditions and for photographers seeking parrotfish and morays. Confident divers appreciate the dramatic lava scenery. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level. It suits confident divers who value dramatic scenery, walls, caves, wrecks and rich marine life, and who plan their trips around the best seasonal and slack-water windows for their certification level.

    volcanic
    macro
    north-coast
    tenerife

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyintermediate
    CertificationOpen Water
    Currentmild
    Water Temp18-24°C
    Best TimeMay - October

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Garachico Dive
    • Tenerife North Diving
    Pricing Guide
    $60 - $110
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay

    Local Dive Lodge

    Garachico3km away

    Check Availability

    Coastal Guesthouse

    Garachico5km away

    Check Availability