Apart from the beaches and sightseeing, Spain Costa Tropical is also famed for its diving opportunities. The main area being the bay of La Herradura and along the coast towards Penon del Santo in Almunecar. As humans we often forget that water is our natural environment; after all it is where our first months of life developed. For divers, this memory seem to remain, with many experiencing comfort and serenity below the water as they explore the wonders of the underwater world. In homage to this sport, Almunecar town has recently opened a purpose built sea aquarium, located near the municipal market, the aquarium explores the rich variety of underwater life that is found in the waters of the this part of the Mediterranean. Seas that enjoy a rich supply of marine life and fauna thanks to the influence of strong Atlantic streams. For those who are unfamiliar with the sport it is an ideal introduction to the undersea world; with more than 2 million cubic litres of sea water distributed across 18 different tanks and home to over 200 different species – this new attraction is due to open its doors to the public by summer 2008.

"It is not necessary to go to the Caribbean to see walls totally covered with coral or to see dolphins, since in the morning and later in the afternoon, it is possible to see them crossing La Herradura bay. On the bottoms of these waters there are secrets of treasures forgotten by Turkish pirates, the shipwreck of 28 galleys of the Spanish Navy in 1562, a wide palette of colours and marine species impossible to see in other places." says Juan Jose of La Herradura. He has been diving here since he was a child and knows that there is still much to discover in these waters around Spain’s Costa Tropical.

One of the most important underwater areas in fact lies just to the south, between the Maro and Cerro Gordo cliffs and the Punta de la Mona point. This significant bio-geographical environment lies at the heart of the Alboran sea, which being influenced by the strong Atlantic streams, encourages an abundance of species not usually found in Mediterranean waters. Consequently then it is not unusual for divers here to find a range of species, corrals, fauna and crustaceans and experience a dive worthy of merit.

It is for this reason, together with the shelter from westerly winds, and that the sea cliffs, various wrecks, abundant caves and reefs offer favourable habitats; that the area has been proposed to be designated a natural underwater park. Soon the area will be a protected spot affecting the rights and responsibilities of the local fishing communities from Motril to La Herradura. Once the park is established it is suggested that various bouys will be placed along the coastal waters not only to highlight the zones of special interest for divers; but also to warn fishing and leisure boats of the sensitivity of these particular underwater environments.

Throughout the area there are many various diving experiences available to meet the needs of experienced divers, their students or the novice. Dives include the area known as Piedra del Hombre, which is perhaps one of the most exploited, because its easy access and proximity to La Herradura beach. The dive can be reached on foot from the cliffs below Las Terrazas near Punta de la Mona. Another popular dive, often used for training purposes is the waters just off the beach at Marina del Este. Near the beach, at a depth of 2 to 7 metres you will find amongst the large stone blocks, urchins, anemones, sponges, next to red mullets and sea spiders. Near the cliffs and going deeper you will see coral walls too. In these particular waters there is a species of sea urchin (centrostephanus longispinus), unique to this area and as such has been awarded special protection. There are as well groupers, codfish, bream, snapper, sea bass or gilthead breams.

To make the most of the diving experience in the waters off the Costa Tropical then please contact the following for more information: