This dive site, Bantxa del Oeste, is located parallel to Mount Ulia, close to the mouth of the Pasajes harbor in Spain. It features a distinctive underwater topography, beginning with a ridge at 5 meters deep and dramatically dropping to 25 meters along its north wall. A historical element adds to its intrigue: an old tower, once marking the ground floor, now lies submerged, offering an interesting point of exploration for divers.
The site is teeming with marine life, making it a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter an abundance of nudibranchs and planarians, adding rich color and detail to the reef. Larger crustaceans like spider crabs, lobsters, and regular crabs are common. Fish species include conger eels, snappers, mosaic rays, cuttlefish, octopuses, triggerfish, bream, and lively schools of damselfish.
The best time to visit Bantxa del Oeste would typically be during the warmer months when water temperatures are more comfortable and marine activity is generally high. This site offers excellent opportunities for macro photography due to the numerous nudibranchs. Its varied depths, from shallow ridges to deeper walls, make it suitable for both snorkeling and freediving, though scuba diving allows for full exploration of the wall and the old tower structure.
