Playa de los Tarajales

Conveniently located directly in front of our main dive center in Los Cristianos, Playa de los Tarajales—affectionately known as «Ray Bay» (Bahía de las Mantarrayas)—is one of the most vibrant and exciting shore dive sites in Tenerife.

Featuring a fascinating volcanic reef structure with shallow layers, overhangs, and hidden crannies, this site is a true underwater highway for large marine life. Because it offers a gentle, progressive walk-in entry straight from the pebble and black-sand beach, it is an absolute favorite for night diving, beginner certifications, and advanced divers alike.

📋 DIVE SITE OVERVIEW

• ⚓ Dive Type: Volcanic Reef / Sandy Margins / Shore Entry
• 📉 Depth Range: 5 to 12 meters (Shallow, highly accessible, and rich in marine life)
• 🌊 Water Conditions: Generally very calm, offering effortless navigation and an average visibility of 20 to 30 meters.
• 🤿 Suitability: Perfect for all levels, including PADI Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water students, Night Dive specialties, and experienced divers wanting a relaxed, long bottom-time dive.

🐠 KEY HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT YOU WILL SEE

• The Real «Ray Bay»: Playa de los Tarajales is legendary for its frequent encounters with multiple species of massive rays. As you glide along the border where the volcanic rock meets the sand, it is incredibly common to spot giant bull rays, common stingrays, elegant eagle rays, and wide-winged butterfly rays floating gracefully over the seabed.
• Volcanic Cracks & Cavelets: The ancient lava flow reef is filled with structure. Peer into the dark fissures using your dive light to discover curious moray eels waving from their homes, hunting octopus shifting colors instantly, and large triggerfish patrolling the reef tops.
• Angel Shark Sightings: During the cooler winter and spring months, the sandy flats of Tarajales become a prime resting ground for the critically endangered canarian angel shark. These magnificent, flat-bodied ambush predators blend perfectly into the sand, giving observant divers an unforgettable encounter.

📸 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR PLAYA DE LOS TARAJALES

• Low-Angle Wide Shots for Rays: Because the rays at this site are highly accustomed to human presence, they often glide quite close to the bottom. Position yourself low to the sandy seabed and shoot slightly upward to capture the full, dramatic wingspan of a bull ray against the sunlit surface water.
• Bring a Dive Torch Even by Day: The volcanic rock formations create deep, shadowed undercuts where macro life likes to hide. Shining a small dive light into these pockets will bring out the vivid neon red of arrow crabs, tiny cleaner shrimp, and hidden macro details that your camera sensor would otherwise miss in the shade.

💡 WHY DIVE PLAYA DE LOS TARAJALES WITH DIVING ATLANTIS

You literally cannot get a more convenient dive than this! Because Playa de los Tarajales sits right outside our doors, you can gear up comfortably on our spacious ocean-view terrace, listen to your safety briefing, and walk straight into the surf. There is no boat ride required, no rushing, and zero stress—just pure, unadulterated exploration of Tenerife’s ultimate ray sanctuary.

Ready to step off the beach and swim with the giants of Ray Bay? Experience the best shore diving Tenerife has to offer. Book your guided dive or night diving adventure at Playa de los Tarajales online with Diving Atlantis today and instantly claim your 10% online booking discount!