Black Beach, Lanzarote: Reefs and Moray Eels in Puerto del Carmen

Diving Black Beach begins a short boat ride from the shore, leading you into a site with its own distinct character just outside Puerto del Carmen. The initial descent takes you down a gradual sandy slope. This soft substrate transitions into a series of special rock formations, a topography that immediately sets it apart from more uniform reef systems. It's in these rocky crevices and overhangs where you'll begin to look for the site's resident moray eels, often found tucked into their hiding spots.

As you continue, the dive transitions along an extensive lava reef. This ancient volcanic landscape forms a rich backdrop for marine life, providing shelter and hunting grounds for various species. The reef system here is dynamic, offering a continuous exploration as you follow its contours. The drift component of this dive profile allows you to cover more ground, letting the gentle movement carry you along the reef structure.

One of the defining features of Black Beach is the variety of small to medium-sized life that establishes itself within this volcanic habitat. Beyond the moray eels, you can find a range of resident species. Keep an eye out for octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) and cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) in the sandy patches and among the rocks, often masters of camouflage. Sea spiders and various reef fish also populate the area, making for engaging observations as you move along the reef.

This site is also known for its ray population. While not massive aggregations, rays of different forms and sizes are frequently encountered here, earning the area the nickname 'Casa Chucho – House of the Rays'. Their presence adds another dimension to the dive, particularly when they glide over the sandy stretches or rest partially buried. The consistent presence of these rays is a reliable aspect of the Black Beach experience, distinguishing it from other local sites.

As the dive progresses, the lava reef gently leads you towards Playa Chica. This continuous drift makes for a relaxed profile, allowing you to focus on the marine life rather than navigation. The journey from the initial sandy slope through the lava formations culminates in this well-known area, providing a natural end point for the dive. This progression from a specific starting point to a more familiar destination shapes the entire underwater experience here.