Abades Bay is an ideal place for divers of all levels, since its maximum depth is around 18 meters.
In addition, the currents are usually gentle, which makes diving easier and allows divers to enjoy the marine life in peace and quiet.
🧭 The best areas to dive in Abades
The most popular spots in the bay are the “Arco” and the “Jardín” area:
- El Arco is a rock formation located at a depth of about 10 meters. As its name suggests, it is shaped like an arch, and offers spectacular scenery for divers. Along the rock, there are numerous cavities, crevices and passages that are home to an abundance of marine life, such as moray eels, octopus, hermit crabs and starfish. Schools of tropical fish can also be seen swimming near the surface of the water.
- The Garden area is an extensive underwater meadow located at a depth of 12 to 15 meters. This area is full of algae and aquatic plants that are home to a large amount of marine fauna, such as parrot fish, trumpet fish, seahorses and hairy crabs. It is a perfect place for divers looking for a relaxing and contemplative experience, and for underwater photographers looking to capture images of marine life.
Both areas are ideal for divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced, and offer a unique and exciting diving experience.
It is important to keep in mind that Abades Bay is a protected nature reserve, and that it is important to respect the environment and the marine life that inhabits it. Safety rules and diving signs must be followed, and avoid damaging the ecosystem.
🐠 What species can be seen diving in Abades?
- Tropical fish: In Abades Bay you can find a great variety of tropical fish of different sizes, colors and shapes. Some of the most common are clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish. These fish are very showy and are often seen swimming in schools near the surface.
- Angel sharks: They are characterized by having a flat and wide body, with large and extended pectoral fins that resemble wings, hence their name. It can reach sizes of up to 3 meters in length.
- Moray eels: Moray eels are a type of fish characterized by their elongated, scaleless body and large, toothed mouth. In Abades you can find moray eels of different sizes, from small to specimens of more than one meter in length. These fish are usually hidden in caves and crevices, but sometimes they come to the surface to feed.
- Octopuses: Octopuses are fascinating animals characterized by their eight tentacles and their ability to change color and texture to camouflage themselves with the environment. We will find octopuses of different sizes, from small to specimens of more than one meter in length. These animals are usually hidden in caves and crevices, but sometimes they are seen swimming along the seabed.
- Hermit crabs: Hermit crabs are crustaceans characterized by inhabiting empty shells of other animals, such as snails. Hermit crabs can be found in different sizes and colors, and are often seen walking the seabed in search of new shells to live in.
- Starfish: Starfish are marine animals characterized by their flat, star-shaped body. In Abades Bay, you can find starfish of different sizes and colors, and they are often seen walking slowly along the seabed.
- Sea turtles: In the waters of Abades, it is common to spot sea turtles, especially in the summer months. These animals are large and majestic, and are often seen swimming near the surface in search of food.
- Parrotfish: Parrotfish are brightly colored fish characterized by their large size and strong, toothy mouth. Parrotfish can be found in different colors and sizes, and are often seen feeding on algae and corals.
- Trumpet fish: Trumpet fish are long and slender bodied fish characterized by their tubular mouth. In Abades Bay we will find trumpet fish of different colors and sizes, and they are often seen swimming solitary near the seabed.
- Rays and manta rays: They are cartilaginous marine animals with a flat, wide body. Stingrays have a flattened, rounded shape, while manta rays have a more triangular shape with a large, flat head and a short, pointed tail. Both feed on different prey and are fascinating and beautiful animals to watch in their natural habitat.
🤿 Diving conditions in Abades
To fully enjoy diving in Abades, it is important to take into account the weather and sea conditions. The best months for diving in this area are from April to November, when the waters are usually calmer and visibility is optimal.
The water temperature usually ranges between 18 and 25 degrees, so the use of 5 or 7 mm thick neoprene wetsuits is recommended.
In addition, it is important to keep in mind that the bay of Abades is a protected nature reserve, so the environment and the marine life that inhabits it must be respected. Divers must follow the safety rules and respect the dive signs.
📍How to get there?
Abades is a town in the municipality of Arico on the island of Tenerife. To get to Abades from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, you can take the TF-1 highway and then exit 42 towards Abades.
