Abades, Tenerife: Shore diving for green turtles and angelsharks

Abades is a shore dive nestled on the eastern side of Tenerife, setting it apart as a convenient entry point for divers. The site begins in a calm, shallow bay, making it accessible for those new to diving or looking to refine their buoyancy. The bottom slopes gently from the beach, transitioning from sand to striking volcanic rock formations. This gradual contour allows divers to progressively explore different depth zones, rather than dropping directly onto a wall or reef system. The proximity to shore defines the dive profile, minimizing surface time and maximizing underwater exploration.

As you move further from the shore, the volcanic formations become more pronounced, creating a varied landscape with crevices and overhangs that offer shelter to a range of marine life. Beyond these rocky areas, extensive meadows of seagrass stretch across the seabed. These seagrass beds are a primary attraction, acting as feeding grounds for green turtles (Chelonia mydas), which you can often observe grazing calmly. The interplay between the rock and seagrass provides distinct habitats within a relatively small area, encouraging a higher density of species.

The site caters to a wide range of diver experience, with shallow areas ideal for initial training or buoyancy practice, reaching depths of around 10 to 12 meters in the main bay. For those with Advanced Open Water certification, areas like the Ancla de Abades can be explored down to approximately 15 meters, revealing different elements of the volcanic topography. While the majority of the site is within recreational limits, certain routes extend to a maximum reported depth of 35 meters, offering opportunities for deeper exploration if conditions allow and within appropriate training limits.

Beyond the main bay, Abades extends into distinct dive zones. There are at least two named reefs, providing more complex structures than the initial shallow slopes. One notable feature is the Cueva de los peces trompeta, a cave where you can encounter schools of trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus). This specific cave offers a unique architectural element to the dive, a distinct habitat that attracts different species and adds another layer of exploration beyond the open reef and seagrass beds.

The marine fauna at Abades is diverse and observable across different depths and habitats. In the shallower regions, you'll find breams (Sparidae), wrasse (Labridae), razorfish (Centriscidae), cuttlefish (Sepiida), and starfish (Asteroidea). Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) are also common in these areas. The seagrass meadows, in addition to turtles, often conceal garden eels (Heterocongrinae), which retract into the sand at your approach, and various species of rays (Batoidea) and octopuses (Octopoda).

On the rocky reefs and slightly deeper sections, angelsharks (Squatina squatina) are regularly sighted, often blending seamlessly with the sandy bottom, particularly during certain periods of the year. Parrotfish (Scaridae) are active grazers on the reef, and moray eels (Muraenidae) can be seen peeking from crevices. Schools of trumpetfish (Aulostomus maculatus) are also present, especially around the Cueva de los peces trompeta, adding to the site's biodiversity.

Visibility at Abades is generally excellent, often reaching 20 meters, particularly in the calm, protected waters of the bay. This clear water, combined with the gentle conditions, makes it an ideal environment for underwater photography and extended observation of marine life. The site's reputation for calm waters and good visibility stands, making it a reliable choice when seeking predictable and pleasant diving conditions in Tenerife.