Debs Jenkins Scuba Diving (sciving)
Scuba diving (or sciving as we call it) on the Costa Cálida is inexpensive, fun and accessible for all.
Whether you’re a qualified diver or an enthusiastic snorkeller, the Costa Cálida has some great dive sites. Everything from wrecks, rocks and reefs. You can dive all year round on the Costa Cálida, though the water is a bit chilly from December to March!
Below are 5 dive locations spread around the region to give you the most choice.
Águilas
Diving around the Cabo Cope area you’ll find wooden fishing boats sunk to provide an artificial reef, in conditions that are usually calm and clear with good visibility. You’ll see damsel fish, grouper and many moray eels. There is also a cave dive at La Cueva de la Virgin where a shrine has been built with an image of Mary and her child.
The club Escuela de Buceo (www.escueladebuceo.com) can provide you with all you need.
Puerto de Mazarron
There are many dive clubs and sites here. 30 minutes by boat will get you to one of 30 or so dive sites, ranging from an underwater mountain, caves, wooden shipwrecks, calm coves and natural parks.
One of the larger clubs, right in the port is ZOEA (www.zoea.com). They offer all the usual PADI courses and try-dives (bautismos).
La Azohia
La Azohia is a beautiful little town with fortresses around the mountains. There are a number of clubs here and we’ve dived with a few. Of particular note is RiveMar (www.rivemar.com) – they have specialist instructors who cater for people with disabilities, ensuring the sport is open for all.
Secluded beach in Murcia - dive boats come here a lot!
Cala Cerrada is a popular spot for walkers as well as divers. This is a great location for your first try-dive (bautismo) as the water is shallow and usually very calm. Or dive at El Arco, where you return under the arch of the mountain above.
The protected cove at Cabo Tiñoso is a wonderful location for sea-life, you’ll see octopus, moray eels, “fried egg” jelly fish and if you’re lucky barracuda.
Cabo De Palos
Possibly the most challenging diving can be found around here. Dive among the most amazing coral reefs, ship wrecks and underwater formations. Many of the dives are deeper and will appeal to more experienced divers.
Islas Hormigas off the coast of Cabo de Palos is a protected marine reserve with some restricted areas.
At the other end of the scale the club, Adventure Divers Spain (www.adventuredivers-spain.com) offers courses for children as young as 8 – so send your kids off to the deep blue for an hour, whilst you enjoy the view.
San Pedro del Pinatar
A little further north along the coast and you can dive near the islands Isla Grosa, Isla Hormigas and Farallon. Here there’s the full range of dives for every ability.
The club Turkana (www.turkana.org) also offers many other watersports including fishing and sailing.
Recommendations
Diving is safe and fun if you take your brain with you (as my dive instructor told me repeatedly whilst tapping me on the skull!) So, follow my simple recommendations for fun and safe diving.
- If you’re inexperienced use a club that is recommended to you by more experienced divers.
- Select a club that is PADI certified. This will usually ensure a higher level of staff experience, qualification and knowledge.
- Check out facilities first, if you’re not happy then don’t dive.
- Ask if there are English-speaking dive masters – most good clubs will have staff who can speak a wide variety of languages.
- It is better to be on the boat wishing you’d dived than under the water wishing you hadn’t – if in doubt of your own confidence, the conditions of the sea or the staff then don’t dive.
See you next time, places to go fishes to meet!
Debs Jenkins
