Camino De Altura, Fuerteventura: deep wall and reef cave diving

Camino De Altura is a prominent feature of the Salinas Reef, characterized by a vertical rock wall that provides a significant change in depth. The topography begins at a relatively shallow 6 metres, where the reef structure starts to slope downwards. As you descend, the wall drops steeply until it reaches 35 metres, where the vertical face eventually meets a sloping sandy seabed. This transition from reef to sand creates different ecological zones within a single dive profile.

The approach to the site involves navigating through large volcanic blocks that sit just in front of the main wall. These boulders are heavily encrusted with various sponges, providing a complex habitat for smaller organisms. The irregular surface of these rocks creates numerous overhangs and crevices, which are ideal for spotting resident species. Moving along the wall, you will find that the relief is constantly changing, offering both open swimming space and tight, sheltered areas.

One of the defining technical features of Camino De Altura is the presence of a deep cave located at the base of the reef. This cave passes underneath the reef structure, offering a different perspective of the underwater landscape. Exploring this section requires careful buoyancy control and an awareness of your surroundings, especially as the light changes within the overhangs. The cave provides a sheltered environment, though it is situated at the deeper end of the site's profile.

The marine life at this site is largely centered around the rocky structures and the vertical wall. You will frequently encounter moray eels tucked into the crevices of the sponge-covered rocks. Grouper are also common residents, often found hovering near the ledges or watching from the shadows of the overhangs. For those interested in smaller macro life, the various sponges and rock surfaces host a variety of nudibranchs that require closer inspection.

In the open water surrounding the reef, larger pelagic species often pass through the area. It is common to see schools of mackerel and tuna moving through the water column, driven by the nutrient-rich currents. Barracuda are also frequent visitors, often patrolling the edges of the wall or hovering in the mid-water levels. These larger predators add a dynamic element to the dive, especially when they appear in the clearer, deeper sections of the site.

Visibility at Camino De Altura is generally high, often reaching 25 metres, which allows for long-range observation of the wall and the pelagic species. This clarity is essential for navigating the deeper sections and for spotting movement in the distance. The light penetration through the water column helps define the different depth zones, from the sunlit upper reef to the darker, more enclosed sections of the cave and the lower wall.

The site presents a moderate current that can influence how you navigate the topography. While the current is not constant, it is a factor to account for when planning your descent and your swim along the wall. Staying close to the reef structure or positioning yourself behind the larger boulders can provide relief when the water movement increases. Managing your gas consumption and buoyancy becomes more important when navigating these moving water conditions.