Veril de Playa Chica, Lanzarote: Exploring an Underwater Cliff & Wreck

From the shore of Playa Chica, the journey to Veril de Playa Chica begins with a traverse across a sandy expanse, quickly leading you to the head of a significant underwater cliff. Here, the seabed drops away dramatically, forming immense submerged walls that descend to depths exceeding 40 metres. You're immediately presented with a dynamic environment where the rock is not bare, but rather carpeted in a vivid tapestry of colourful sponges and striking orange corals, demanding your attention from the moment you begin your descent.

As you follow the contour of this imposing drop-off, particularly as you explore towards the east, you’ll encounter some unique human elements seamlessly integrated into the natural seascape. A poignant commemorative plaque, subtly placed, marks a moment of reflection. Further along, an urn funerary adds another layer of quiet contemplation, reminding you of the ocean’s gentle embrace and its role in memory.

Continuing your downward exploration along the wall, the blue opens up to reveal a distinct silhouette: a small wreck. This provides a natural focal point against the deep blue, drawing you closer. It’s here, amidst the structure of the wreck, that you’re most likely to meet Félix, the enormous grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) who has made this sunken vessel his permanent residence and is renowned among divers for his consistent presence.

The presence of Félix makes the wreck a memorable landmark, not just for observation but also as a practical reference point. For those planning their ascent back towards Playa Chica, the wreck serves as an excellent natural buoy for orientation and gradual depth reduction. It's a reliable marker in a dive that can otherwise extend quite a distance along the expansive wall.

Beyond the specific features, the Veril de Playa Chica is a prime location for observing a variety of marine life. Keep your eyes peeled on the intricate details of the wall itself; here you'll find the delicate nudibranchs, often surprisingly colourful, moving deliberately across the sponges and corals. Look closer still, and you might spot the elusive shrimp, perfectly camouflaged against the textured rock, waiting for a passing current.