English

Lanzarote · Canary Islands · Atlantic

Max. depth · 40 m

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

Descend along the 'Veril de Playa Chica' wall in Lanzarote, where a vibrant drop-off reveals an intriguing small wreck and the resident grouper, Félix.

What makes this site special

  • Wall diving along submerged cliffs to 40m+
  • Vibrant orange corals and colourful sponges
  • Memorial plaque and urn funerary on the wall
  • Small wreck with resident grouper, Félix
  • Opportunities for observing pelagic species
  • Nudibranchs and shrimp on the rock face
  • Accessed via a sandy zone from Playa Chica

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Veril de Playa Chica about the site

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.

Diving Veril de Playa Chica: the marine life you’ll meet

Diving conditions

This dive site is accessible to divers of all levels, making it a versatile option for both new and experienced explorers. It offers a maximum depth of 40 metres, with sections extending beyond for those qualified. While specific current details for this site are not provided, it's always prudent to be aware of potential shifts along a deep wall. The regional visibility can reach up to 40m, offering excellent conditions year-round, making it a diveable location regardless of the season.

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Frequently asked questions about Veril de Playa Chica

When can you dive Veril de Playa Chica?

You can dive Veril de Playa Chica year-round, as the location is described as diveable regardless of the season. Regional visibility can reach up to 40 metres, supporting views along the submerged cliffs, colourful sponges, orange corals, small wreck, and deeper sections of the wall.

What experience level is suitable for Veril de Playa Chica?

Veril de Playa Chica is accessible to divers of all levels, so you can explore it as a newer or experienced diver. The site begins with a sandy-zone traverse from Playa Chica and leads to submerged cliffs, while sections extending beyond the stated maximum depth are intended for divers with suitable qualifications.

How deep is Veril de Playa Chica?

Veril de Playa Chica reaches a maximum depth of 40 metres, with submerged walls and sections extending beyond that depth for qualified divers. From the sandy area at Playa Chica, you reach the head of the underwater cliff before following the dramatic drop-off and reducing depth toward the small wreck.

What currents and marine life might you encounter at Veril de Playa Chica?

At Veril de Playa Chica, stay aware of potential shifts along the deep wall. You may see vibrant orange corals, colourful sponges, nudibranchs, shrimp, pelagic species, and the small wreck with Félix, a resident grouper. A commemorative plaque and funerary urn also form part of the wall’s underwater features.