The La Arenita dive site is located between the Punta Rasca lighthouse and El Palm Mar.
It is known for its impressive black coral forest and great variety of species. It is located at an average depth of 30 meters and a maximum depth of 40 meters.
The area is ideal for experienced divers, as it has frequent currents and can be moderate to strong. It is accessible only by boat from the ports of Los Cristianos, Puerto Colón and Marina del Sur in Las Galletas.
🧭 The best areas to dive in La Arenita
The anchoring takes place at -25 meters over a very rugged bottom with large rocks and white sand strips.
The rocky mound protruding from the reef is where the fauna is concentrated. A little deeper and to the right you can find black coral in abundance.
🐠 What marine species can be seen in the area?
- Sea turtles: marine reptiles that have shells and fins for swimming, live in all the world’s oceans and feed mainly on jellyfish, algae and crustaceans.
- Burrito listado: a fish with an elongated, silvery body and black spots on the sides. It is common in coastal waters of the Canary Islands.
- Abade: fish with an elongated and laterally flattened body, dark brown with light spots. It is common in rocky areas and sandy bottoms.
- Tamboril espinoso: fish with a flattened body and large head with spines. It has excellent camouflage and is a voracious predator.
- Trumpet fish: fish with an elongated body and a very large mouth. Its body is silver with dark vertical stripes.
- Sargo: oval-bodied and laterally compressed fish. Its color varies from reddish to silver, and it can measure up to 70 cm.
- Sargo breado: oval-bodied and laterally compressed fish, grayish in color with dark spots. It is common in rocky areas and sandy bottoms.
- Boga: cyprinid fish, with an elongated and laterally compressed body, silver in color with dark spots on the sides. It feeds on algae and small invertebrates.
- Pargo: fish with an elongated and laterally compressed body, reddish in color and with white spots. It is common in rocky areas and reefs.
- White Fula: oval-bodied fish, laterally compressed, reddish in color with white spots on the head and sides.
- Canarian lobster: crustacean with an elongated body and long, thin legs. It is a typical dish of Canarian gastronomy.
- Black coral: a species of black coral that forms reefs in deep ocean areas. It is an important refuge for many marine species.
🤿 Diving conditions at La Arenita
La Arenita is a diving area frequented by dive centers, so it is important to be cautious and respect safety rules. The depth can lead to a long decompression, so it is recommended that divers be careful. It is also important to be aware of the currents that can be frequent and moderate to strong.
