Garachico – Canary Islands – Tenerife
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
Labrus spp.
Best: Year-round
Parrotfish
Sparisoma cretense
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Bream
Diplodus spp.
Best: Year-round
Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Surge on entry
- Sharp volcanic rock
- Variable visibility
- Sun exposure
- Slippery lava
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.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks, beaches and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Garachico Dive
- Tenerife North Diving
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro
Nearby Stay
Local Dive Lodge
Garachico • 3km away
Coastal Guesthouse
Garachico • 5km away