Almería

Almería offers a unique Mediterranean diving experience, centered around the pristine waters of the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, Spain's largest protected coastal area. This volcanic region boasts dramatic underwater landscapes with impressive rock formations, arches, caves, and vibrant seagrass meadows. The protected status of the marine reserve ensures an abundance of life and a healthy ecosystem, making it a standout destination on the Spanish mainland for its unspoiled natural beauty. It’s a photographer's paradise with striking contrasts between dark volcanic rock and colorful marine fauna.

Diving conditions in Almería are generally excellent, with clear waters and mild currents, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. With over a dozen distinct dive sites, there is plenty of variety, from shallow, sheltered coves perfect for training to deeper sites for the more advanced. The combination of easy accessibility, rich biodiversity, fascinating underwater topography, and the sunny, arid climate of Andalusia makes Almería a compelling choice for any diver looking to explore the best of what the Mediterranean has to offer, away from more crowded tourist hubs.

Top Sites

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most popular dive site in Almería, Spain?
The most popular dive site is often considered 'Piedra de los Meros' within the Cabo de Gata Marine Reserve. This submerged pinnacle is famous for its large resident population of dusky and golden groupers, which are very accustomed to divers. Its rich biodiversity, including barracudas, moray eels, and octopus, combined with excellent visibility, makes it a must-do dive. The site's protected status has allowed marine life to flourish, creating a spectacular underwater encounter for all certified divers.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Almería, Spain?
Well-known sites like 'Piedra de los Meros' and the cavern 'La Cueva del Francés' are fantastic. For a less-crowded experience, explore 'Punta de la Polacra' for its stunning volcanic walls and potential for spotting larger pelagic species. Another hidden gem is 'Cala Higuera', a shallow and easy dive site perfect for macro photography, where you can find nudibranchs and seahorses. These sites offer a great alternative to the more frequented spots in Almería, Spain.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Almería, Spain?
Water temperatures in Almería, Spain, vary seasonally. In winter (December-February), expect cool temperatures around 14-15°C. The water warms up through spring to 16-19°C. Summer (June-August) is the warmest period, with temperatures peaking at 22-25°C. In autumn (September-November), the water remains pleasant, gradually dropping from 23°C to around 18°C. This range allows for year-round diving, though conditions are most comfortable from late spring to early autumn.
When is the best time to visit Almería, Spain?
The best time to dive in Almería, Spain, is from May to October. During these months, you'll experience the warmest water temperatures (up to 25°C), excellent visibility, and calm sea conditions. The summer months of July and August are peak season, while the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October offer a fantastic balance of great diving conditions and fewer tourists. Winter diving is possible but requires a thicker wetsuit due to colder water.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Almería, Spain?
Underwater visibility in Almería, Spain, is generally very good, especially within the Cabo de Gata Marine Reserve. During the main diving season from spring to autumn, you can typically expect visibility ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet). Winter months or periods after heavy rain can see reduced visibility, but clear conditions are common for most of the year, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography and enjoying the vibrant marine landscapes.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Almería, Spain?
While Almería, Spain, isn't known for large migrations like whale sharks, there are seasonal marine life events. In late spring and summer, you may have a higher chance of spotting oceanic sunfish (Mola mola) in deeper waters. This period is also a time of increased activity for many species, including spawning events for fish like groupers. The warm summer waters bring an abundance of life closer to shore, making it a vibrant and active time to dive.
What marine life can I expect to see in Almería, Spain?
Diving in Almería, Spain, you can expect a rich variety of Mediterranean marine life. Common sightings include large groupers, schools of barracuda, moray eels, conger eels, and octopus. The rocky reefs are home to damselfish, various species of wrasse, and bream. In the Posidonia seagrass meadows and on rocks, you can find smaller critters like nudibranchs, shrimp, and cuttlefish. Lucky divers might also spot eagle rays or sunfish in the blue.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Almería, Spain?
For summer diving (June-September) in Almería, Spain, when water is 22-25°C, a 5mm wetsuit is generally comfortable. During the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, with water temperatures from 16-21°C, a 7mm wetsuit is recommended. For the colder winter months (14-15°C), a 7mm wetsuit or a semi-dry suit is essential for a comfortable dive experience.
How do I get to Almería, Spain?
The most direct way to get to Almería, Spain, is by flying into Almería Airport (LEI), which has connections to several Spanish and European cities. Alternatively, fly into larger international airports like Málaga (AGP) or Alicante (ALC), both about a 2-3 hour drive away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach the coastal towns and dive centers, particularly around the Cabo de Gata area.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Almería, Spain?
Almería, Spain, is an ideal destination for shore-based diving. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating here, as all dive sites are easily accessible via short daily boat trips from dive centers in towns like Carboneras or San José. Staying on shore allows you to enjoy the local culture, cuisine, and beautiful landscapes of the Cabo de Gata park in addition to your daily dives. This setup offers flexibility and a more comprehensive travel experience.
All Dive Sites in Almería (26)
Acuario IArrecife ArtificialArrecife Barrera De Posidonia Playa De AguadulceBajos Gaudel ChiribitoBarcoquemaoBello RincnCabeza Del Caballito Catedral La CateEl Ala De La AvionetaEl Arco De San AndrsEl DiesEl Jardn De San AndrsEl MotorEl PinculoEl TuboEl Vapor ChocholitaLa Cama De Los NoviosLa Convergencia Roca MadreLa Losa Del PayoLa OlaLa Piedra De BlasLajas De CerrillosLos TnelesPlaya El CerroPlaya El Morro Las AnclasPlaya MellizasPlaya Piedra Delta Loza Del Payo