La Caleta, Tenerife: Reef and Wall Diving

La Caleta presents a dive profile that begins on a volcanic plateau, characterised by hardened lava flows that have sculpted arches, craters, and unique mushroom-shaped formations. This northern section, starting from around 6 metres, offers a complex topography perfect for exploration, with plenty of cover for bottom dwellers. As you navigate these structures, keep an eye out within the crevices and under ledges, where the quieter inhabitants often seek shelter from any prevailing current.

Moving towards the northwest, the volcanic reef transitions into a distinct rock tongue that gradually slopes down to 9 metres. From there, the terrain drops off more sharply, forming a wall that descends to a sandy bottom at 18 metres. This section of the dive, often experienced as a drift, exposes you to areas where the current is more pronounced, guiding you along the contours of the drop-off.

The site's bathymetry creates varied micro-habitats. The shallower plateau, with its intricate volcanic architecture, is a natural home for sea slugs and cuttlefish, which blend effortlessly into the rocky environment. This is where you might also encounter rays, often resting in the sandy patches interspersed among the lava formations, sometimes half-buried and easily overlooked without a careful scan.

As the reef gives way to the wall and sandy bottom, the marine life changes. Here, you'll frequently encounter large schools of roncadores (pomadas) and chinchards (horse mackerels), which aggregate in impressive numbers, forming swirling clouds of fish in the mid-water column. These formations are characteristic of the site's deeper sections, particularly where the current has a more consistent influence, bringing nutrients.

Near the base of the wall, and tucked under natural cornices, the sandy areas and sheltered overhangs provide ideal habitat for specific species. This is where you have a good chance of finding more rays, along with the distinct angelsharks (Squatina squatina). Other residents include trumpetfish (Aulostomus strigatus), red mullets (Mullus surmuletus), and a diverse population of nudibranchs, often found grazing on the sponges and hydroids that cling to the volcanic rock.

The intricate structure of La Caleta also supports a variety of cryptic creatures. Look for moray eels: both the darker Muraena augusti and the distinctive duck-bill moray (Enchelycore anatina) are present in the cracks and holes. Canary lobsters (Scyllarides latus, also known as Canary slipper lobsters) and cleaner shrimps (Stenopus hispidus) are often found in these same sheltered spots, alongside octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) and shoals of fulas.

The currents at La Caleta are typically moderate but can intensify, particularly as you move along the deeper wall section. This variability means that while much of the dive can be a relaxed exploration, divers should be prepared for potential drift conditions. Visibility generally remains good, allowing for clear views of the extensive lava formations and the marine life they host, even when the current picks up.