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Wrecks in Tenerife – Where are the wrecks and how to see them while diving?

pecios barcos hundidos tenerife

Are you looking for new underwater adventures? Do you want to discover the secrets hidden in sunken ships at the bottom of the sea?

In Tenerife you will find some of the most famous wrecks in Spain. From warships, freighters and fishing boats; to sunken airplanes, each one of them with its own history and legend.

Do you want to know where they are located and how is the experience of diving in their waters? Read on and find out everything you need to know about the prices in Tenerife:

1. El Peñón wreck (Tabaiba)

El Peñón is a tugboat that was used for 49 years in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. In 2006, it was intentionally sunk in the area of Tabaiba to create an artificial reef to promote marine life in the area. The ship is located at 32 meters deep and therefore the dive is not suitable for any level of diving. It is necessary to have an advanced diving level to visit it.

2. El Condesito wreck (Punta Rasca)

The Condesito was a ship that transported cement and sank in the early 1970s in the Punta Rasca area when it hit the rocks of the coast. Currently, the ship is fragmented into several pieces and is approximately 20 meters deep. Although the inside of the ship is not safe for diving, on the outside we can find a great variety of marine species, such as trumpet fish, red mullet, scorpion fish, catalufas, lizard fish, bogas, bream, fire worms, octopus and bicuda.

3. El Meridian wreck (Los Cristianos)

The Meridian was used as an auxiliary ship for maritime surveillance during World War II and later as a whale watching boat in Tenerife. In 2004, it was intentionally sunk in the waters off Los Cristianos. It is one of the best preserved wrecks on the island. In the area where it is sunk you can see dolphins and sharks, as well as different species of fish and cetaceans.

4. Los Chuchos Wreck (Las Galletas)

The wreck “Los Chuchos” is located off the coast of Las Galletas, Tenerife, and is a fishing boat intentionally sunk in 2005 to create an artificial reef. The wreck is located at about 30 meters deep and offers an interesting dive for divers, with a variety of marine life, including rays, moray eels, octopus and various types of fish. Water visibility can be good and access to the site is by boat from the port of Las Galletas.

5. El Coronel wreck (Puerto de la Cruz)

The Coronel is a Russian fishing boat of 25 meters in length and 100 tons that sank in 2003 while anchored about 200 meters off the coast of Puerto de la Cruz. Although it is located in an area of strong currents and its condition is quite deteriorated, you can still see some interesting details such as the propeller and engines. It is not a very visited site by divers, but it is interesting to know its history and the existence of wrecks also in the north of Tenerife.

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6. El Carbonero ‘Westburn’ shipwreck (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)

The wreck El Carbonero is a British steamer called Westburn that was intentionally sunk in 1917 off the coast of Tenerife. It has a great historical interest and is a place of abundant marine fauna. It is possible to see large pelagics and even sharks. Access to the site is by boat from the Santa Cruz Marina and weather conditions are ideal approximately 80% of the year.

7. Cita en el Mar Wreck (Punta Rasca)

The wreck “Cita en el Mar” is a fishing boat sunk in 1995 near Los Cristianos, Tenerife. It is located at an average depth of 40 meters and maximum depth of more than 45 meters, which makes it suitable only for experienced divers. In addition to its historical interest, the site is also known for its marine fauna, including grunts, bream, abbot, bogue, amberjack, sawfish and stingrays. The remains of the ship include parts of the engines and the silhouette of the wreck, which is distinguishable on the white sandy bottom from 30 meters deep. Access to the site is by boat from Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón or Marina del Sur, and it is recommended to be careful with the remains of nets and ropes, as well as with the currents that can be moderate to strong.

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8. Los Gemelos Wreck (Adeje)

Los Gemelos are two ships that were intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef on the beach of Puerto Colón, in Adeje. They are about 20 meters deep and are an ideal place to observe marine fauna such as lizard fish, anemones and fire worms. It is a very popular site among divers and has excellent visibility.

9. Nelson’s Ship Wreck (Garachico)

Nelson’s Ship sank on the island of Tenerife during the attempted British conquest of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife at the end of the 18th century. The wrecks of Nelson’s ships have been located in several places, but in Tenerife we have evidence that there are remains of the ships on the beaches of Garachico, in the north of the island.

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10. Lolita Wreck (Los Gigantes)

The “Lolita” wreck is the name of a small fishing boat that sank in 2003. The original structure of the ship has disappeared, but you can find remains of the engine, propellers and crane that are home to small fish and crustaceans. The wreck is at a depth of 20-22 meters and is suitable for advanced divers. In addition, during the dive you may encounter endangered species such as the Canary Islands Lobster. At the end of the dive, at a depth of 10 meters, there is an extensive cavern inhabited by Manta Rays, Anemones and schools of small fish, ideal for safety stop.

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11. Douglas DC-3 Aircraft Wreck (El Sauzal)

The Douglas DC-3 aircraft of the Spantax company sank in the waters of El Sauzal after an accident in 1966 while en route from Tenerife to La Palma. The pilot made an emergency splashdown due to problems in one of the propellers, and all passengers and crew were rescued. The passenger cabin is buried in the sand, but divers can see the engines, propellers, landing gear and wings of the plane.

12. El Tinerfe Wreck (Güimar)

The Tinerfe is a ship that sank in 1862 and was discovered by chance off the coast of Güimar in 2017. The ship was carrying chasneras slabs and various fruits, as well as 35 passengers who were all deceased. The reason for the sinking is believed to be the excess of cargo and the bad sea conditions of that day. This wreck is located in an area of very dangerous currents, so it is not recommended for inexperienced divers.