01 Jul Marine Life in Tenerife | Canary Islands Underwater
Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, is renowned for its year-round sunshine, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant marine biodiversity. For ocean lovers, Tenerife is more than just a sunny escape—it's a hotspot for diving, snorkelling, and marine life. If you're curious about the marine life in Tenerife, this is what you can expect beneath the waves and why this island should be your next underwater adventure destination.
Why Tenerife is a Marine Life Haven
Thanks to its location off the northwest coast of Africa, Tenerife boasts warm waters, deep depths, and nutrient-rich currents. These conditions create the perfect environment for a diverse range of marine species, making diving in Tenerife an unforgettable experience. From curious sea turtles to playful dolphins, the waters around the island teem with life.
Top Five Marine Species You’ll Encounter in Tenerife
1. Green Sea Turtles
Green turtles are commonly seen in popular dive and snorkelling spots like Abades and El Puertito. Their graceful movements and gentle demeanour make them a favourite among divers and snorkelers alike. Abades Bay houses resident turtles that feed on the sea grass of the bay.
2. Angel Sharks
Once widespread in European waters, angel sharks are now considered critically endangered. However, divers in Tenerife still have the opportunity to see them, especially during winter months when they come closer to shore. Abades Bay is named the angel shark nursery and baby angel sharks can be found here.
3. Rays
Rays are very popular in Tenerife. The sand surrounding the volcanic seabed provides shelter for an impressive variety of rays, also perfect for underwater photography enthusiasts. Many different rays can be found, such as the butterfly ray, eagle ray, Atlantic stingray or torpedo ray.
4. Colourful Reef Fish of many species
Expect to see barracudas, trumpetfish, moray eels, damselfish, parrotfish and other colourful fish in the reefs and rocky outcrops around Tenerife. These can be found on every dive and snorkelling tour!
5. Bottlenose Dolphins & Pilot Whales
Tenerife is one of the few places in the world where you can see bottlenose dolphins all year round. These intelligent and social creatures are frequently spotted on dolphin watching tours in Tenerife, particularly between Los Gigantes and Costa Adeje. The short-finned pilot whale lives permanently in the deep waters between Tenerife and La Gomera. This makes whale watching in Tenerife a popular activity, with high chances of sightings at any time of year. You are very lucky if you encounter these animals during dives.
When Is the Best Time to See Marine Life in Tenerife?
Tenerife is a year-round destination with most of the species like green sea turtles and reef fish present throughout the year. Rays are present in slightly greater numbers during the winter months. Angel sharks visit the coastal areas between November and April. Some species, like the grey triggerfish, can be seen mostly during the summer months.
Best Spots for Marine Exploration in Tenerife
- Abades Bay - As mentioned before, Abades Bay is a nursery for angel sharks and a habitat for green sea turtles. The calm bay is a hotspot for juvenile fish, and rays are spotted here on almost every dive!
- Las Eras - A deep dive site with many crevices in the rock formations. The combination of stone and sand makes it perfect for diverse marine life!
- Montaña Amarilla – A unique volcanic marine reserve perfect for experienced divers.
- El Balito - Unique scenery with deep reef and swim-throughs, and shallow caves. Small crevices in the rocks are a hiding place for octopuses and lobsters.
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