Cala Abierta, La Azohía: Posidonia meadows and rocky formations

Cala Abierta is situated near the Cabo Tiñoso area, accessible primarily through boat excursions departing from La Azohía. The site's geography is defined by a rocky coastline that transitions into a series of large underwater boulders and blocks. These formations descend from the shallower fringes toward a maximum depth of approximately 24 metres. The layout offers a mix of open sandy patches and structured rocky terrain, making it a versatile site for different dive profiles.

The seabed is heavily characterized by extensive fields of Posidonia seagrass, which define much of the site's ecology. These meadows create a textured landscape that shifts between soft sandy floor and dense vegetation. For a diver, navigating through these areas requires awareness of buoyancy to avoid contact with the delicate leaves. The presence of these meadows provides a stable habitat and influences the visibility and light levels as you move across the site.

As you descend toward the 20-metre mark, the topography becomes more complex with the appearance of large rocky blocks. These boulders create natural overhangs and crevices that serve as essential shelter for local marine life. The transition from the shallow seagrass beds to these deeper rocky structures offers a change in both visual interest and biological activity. Exploring the spaces between these rocks allows you to observe how species utilize the hard substrate for protection.

The dive profile is relatively gentle, making it suitable for those looking to practice buoyancy control in a controlled environment. You can start your descent in the shallower sections to observe the seagrass before moving toward the deeper rocky areas. The maximum depth of 24 metres is reached at the base of the largest formations. This depth limit ensures that the site remains accessible while still offering a sense of verticality through the rocky drop-offs.

Light penetration at Cala Abierta is generally good due to the relatively shallow maximum depth. This allows for clear visibility of the seabed structures and the details of the rocky topography. The interplay of light through the water column enhances the colors of the rocks and the textures of the Posidonia meadows. Observing how the light shifts as you move from the open seagrass areas into the shadows of the boulders is part of the site experience.

The site is frequently included as a stop during boat trips heading toward Cala Cerrada, making it a common part of local dive itineraries. Its proximity to Cabo Tiñoso means it benefits from the regional marine environment while maintaining its own distinct character through its shallow, rocky structure. Because it lacks the heavy surge of more exposed sites, it provides a stable environment for observing the bottom-dwelling life associated with the seagrass and rocky substrates.