Playa San Juan, Tenerife: Ray Haven Shore Dive

Playa San Juan is a straightforward shore dive, beginning with an easy entry directly from the beach. The dive profile initially follows a gradual sandy slope, leading towards the breakwaters of the marina. This accessibility and the relatively shallow depths make it a welcoming site for divers across experience levels, allowing for extended bottom times to observe the resident marine life.

The topography here is primarily a sandy expanse, which might seem unassuming at first glance, but it serves as an ideal habitat for bottom-dwelling species. While the visibility can fluctuate, particularly after surge, clear days reveal a wide area to explore. As you progress, the sandy bottom eventually gives way to the deeper sections, though the main attractions remain in the shallower, well-lit zones.

What truly defines Playa San Juan is the sheer number and variety of rays that frequent its sandy plains. You can expect to encounter large aggregations of stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca), often settled on the bottom, blending with the sand. It's not uncommon to spot giant stingrays, eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari), bull rays (Myliobatis aquila), and butterfly rays (Gymnura altavela) moving across the area, offering ample opportunities for observation.

Beyond the common stingrays, the site is also a reliable spot for marbled electric rays (Torpedo marmorata), identifiable by their distinct markings and often found partially buried. For those with a keen eye and patience, seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus) are also present, well-camouflaged against the sandy substrate and debris. Locating these smaller, more elusive creatures requires a slower pace and careful scanning of the bottom.