# El Balito Dive Site, Tenerife | Barbarian Diving Source: https://barbariandiving.com/el-balito-dive-site-tenerife/ [← All dive sites](https://barbariandiving.com/dive-sites/) SHORE DIVE · WEST TENERIFE # El Balito, West Tenerife El Balito is a dramatic shore dive at an old abandoned harbour between Callao Salvaje and Playa Paraíso, known for volcanic caverns and a spacious swim-through tunnel carved through the rock at around 26 metres. DIVE SITE OVERVIEW REGION West Tenerife (Costa Adeje) ACCESS Shore dive · El Balito RECOMMENDED LEVEL Open Water to Advanced TYPICAL DEPTH 8-20 m MAXIMUM DEPTH 30 m WATER TEMPERATURE 18-24°C ## 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. UNDERWATER LANDSCAPE 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 ## Marine life you might see Barracuda YEAR-ROUND Seen in schools moving through the open sections of the site. Eagle Rays YEAR-ROUND Occasionally seen cruising past in open water. Trumpetfish & Pipefish YEAR-ROUND Common among the rocky formations, along with blue-fin damselfish. Octopus, Cuttlefish & Crabs YEAR-ROUND Tucked into crevices throughout the site, including spider crabs on the rocky terrain. CONDITIONS & SUITABILITY Visibility Generally good, up to 20 metres on clear days. Current Usually mild. Temperature Approx. 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer. Best season Year-round. Exposure protection 5 mm is comfortable for most divers; some prefer 7 mm in winter. PERFECT FOR Open Water divers on the shallower sections, and Advanced divers keen to explore the swim-through tunnel at 26 metres. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR Divers uncomfortable with a rocky, ladder shore entry; the approach requires reasonable mobility. 💡 BARBARIAN INSTRUCTOR TIP Take the tunnel slowly on your first pass: it's spacious and safe, but the best part is the moment it opens back out into blue water, and rushing through means missing it. ## Frequently asked questions How deep is El Balito? Depths range from 8 to 30 metres, with the main swim-through tunnel at around 26 metres. Is El Balito a shore dive or boat dive? It's a shore dive, entered from a rocky point via a ladder at the old harbour in Marazul. Is El Balito suitable for newly certified divers? The shallower sections suit Open Water divers; the 26-metre tunnel is better suited to Advanced Open Water divers. What will I see at El Balito? Barracuda, eagle rays, trumpetfish, pipefish, octopus, cuttlefish and crabs among dramatic volcanic rock formations. ## Ready to dive El Balito? Message us on WhatsApp to check conditions and book your dive. English, German or Spanish. 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