Abades

Located on the sunny southeastern coast of Tenerife, Abades is a sheltered, beautifully biodiverse bay that is widely celebrated as one of the finest marine reserves and shore dive sites on the island.

The site features a shallow, sandy semi-circular bay that transitions into a series of parallel volcanic rocky reefs running outward into the open sea. Free from heavy commercial boat traffic and shielded from dominant northwesterly winds, Abades serves as a massive underwater nursery. Its exceptionally easy, gradual beach entry makes it an unbeatable location for introductory experiences, navigation courses, and long, relaxed marine life safaris.

📋 DIVE SITE OVERVIEW

• ⚓ Dive Type: Protected Marine Reserve / Volcanic Reefs / Shore Entry
• 📉 Depth Range: 5 to 18 meters (An easy, progressive depth layout ideal for optimizing your bottom time)
• 🌊 Water Conditions: Notably calm with little to no surface current inside the bay. It regularly boasts crystal-clear water with visibility averaging between 20 and 30 meters.
• 🤿 Suitability: Perfect for all skill levels—especially PADI Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water courses, Night Diving specialties, and snorkelers.

🐠 KEY HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT YOU WILL SEE

• The Angel Shark Nursery: Abades is famous for its dense micro-habitats. Because the interior bay is shallow, calm, and rich in food, it serves as a crucial sanctuary for the critically endangered canarian angel shark. It is one of the absolute best sites in Tenerife to spot juvenile and adult angel sharks resting quietly in the shallow sand patches.
• The Parallel Volcanic Reefs: Swimming outward from the beach, you will encounter distinct fingers of volcanic rock covered in green algae and sea sponges. These rock structures are teeming with life, including colorful canarian parrotfish, schools of golden-striped salemas, and curious octopus tucked into the small stone holes.
• The Sunken Anchor Relics: As you navigate along the outer edges of the second reef line, keep an eye out for historical artifacts. Resting flat against the rocky seabed are several old, encrusted iron anchors that have been reclaimed by local marine growth over the decades.
• Fields of Garden Eels: Where the volcanic rock fingers terminate into the open sand plains at 15–18 meters, you will meet a sprawling colony of spotted garden eels. Hundreds of these cautious, slender creatures extend from their holes, swaying gracefully in unison to feed on passing plankton.

📸 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR ABADES

• Bright, True-to-Life Colors: Because the entire dive takes place in shallow water (mostly under 12 meters), your camera sensor will capture gorgeous, warm color tones naturally. The sunlight reflecting off the light-colored sand provides perfect, uniform ambient light, reducing the need for strong external strobes.
• Approach Angel Sharks with Precision: If you spot an angel shark camouflaged under a dusting of sand, approach it slowly and horizontally from the side. Avoid hovering directly over its face, as this triggers their natural defense instincts and will cause them to swim away before you can lock down your focus.

💡 WHY DIVE ABADES WITH DIVING ATLANTIS

Abades offers a completely relaxed, comfortable environment where you can truly connect with the local marine ecosystem. Without the rush of a boat deck or the stress of deep drop-offs, you can take your time walking smoothly into the water from the beach, find your perfect buoyancy balance, and enjoy a long, sunlit dive surrounded by some of the rarest marine life in the Atlantic.

🪶 Ready to step off the sandy beach and swim with the angel sharks of Abades? Experience the tranquility of Tenerife’s favorite marine reserve. Book your guided shore dive online with Diving Atlantis today and automatically lock in your 10% online booking discount!