Caballito Salao

Caballito Salao is situated in La Azohía, a coastal town in the Bay of Mazarrón within the Costa Cálida region of Murcia, Spain. The centre is positioned perfectly to access the Cabo Tiñoso Marine Reserve, an area renowned for its high biodiversity and unique Mediterranean ecosystems.

Founded in 2018 by Tali and Quico, the centre was built on a philosophy of marine conservation and environmental education. Rather than catering to large crowds, the focus here is on high-quality, small-scale diving that respects the local habitat through sustainable tourism practices.

As a PADI 5 Star centre, Caballito Salao offers a professional environment for both recreational and advanced training. The team is driven by a lifelong passion for the sea, integrating environmental awareness into every guided dive and certification course.

To maintain a personalised atmosphere, the centre limits dive groups to a maximum of 10 divers per guide. This ensures that whether you are completing your first Open Water Diver course or exploring a wreck, you receive focused attention and guidance.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of PADI certifications. You can begin with the Open Water Diver course and progress through Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster levels. Essential safety training, such as Emergency First Response (EFR), is also provided.

For those looking to specialise, the centre offers several PADI specialties, including Nitrox, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Peak Performance Buoyancy. They also provide specific training for dry suit diving and offer specialised courses for diving in colder waters or advanced winter diving.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for those who do not wish to carry their own equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, snorkels, and hoods. For those looking to upgrade their personal setup, the team offers personalised advice and the opportunity to test equipment before purchasing.

Nitrox is available on-site for divers looking to extend their bottom time. The centre also manages the necessary environmental taxes required for every diver and immersion within the Cabo Tiñoso Marine Reserve.

The marine life in this region is abundant, particularly within the protected reserves. You will regularly encounter large groupers, barracuda, and moray eels patrolling the reefs and rocky outcrops. In the seagrass meadows, the ecosystem supports a vast array of fish species.

In the deeper or more open areas, divers have the chance to spot ocean sunfish. The rocky walls and crevices are also home to various species of fish that thrive in the sheltered Mediterranean waters.

For macro enthusiasts, the area offers significant rewards. Nudibranchs are a highlight, particularly during the winter months. You may also find anglerfish and various species of sea slugs during the winter season.

The local conditions are generally favourable, though divers should be aware of the Lebeche wind. This south wind can bring moderate swell, increased currents, and more turbid water, which may reduce visibility.

When the Lebeche is active, the sea conditions can change rapidly, so it is always wise to check the local forecast before heading out for a dive.