El Balito, West Tenerife

Why We Love El Balito

Volcanic terrain like this is what makes diving in Tenerife distinctive, and El Balito shows it off at its best: dramatic rock formations, genuine caverns, and that swim-through tunnel opening out into open blue water on the far side.

The site also rewards a slow, careful look: sea urchins, spider crabs and cuttlefish share the rocky terrain with more conspicuous residents like eagle rays and barracuda, so there's always something new on a repeat visit.

El Balito takes its name from an old abandoned harbour at Marazul, on Tenerife's west coast between Callao Salvaje and Playa Paraíso. Entry is down an unpaved road to a rocky point, with a ladder easing divers into the water.

From the entrance, two distinct routes open up, one to the right and one to the left, giving divers a choice of terrain on the same visit. The site's standout feature is a large swim-through tunnel at around 26 metres, carved naturally into volcanic rock and spacious enough to feel like a real passage rather than a squeeze.

The terrain around El Balito is classic Tenerife volcanic rock: caverns, overhangs and broken formations that reward divers who take their time exploring rather than swimming straight through.

The highlight is the tunnel at around 26 metres: spacious, naturally carved, and safe for qualified divers, it offers a genuinely exhilarating passage that opens back out into open water.

Marine life you might see

Frequently asked questions