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La Herradura is known for diving due to the dozens of coves that are brimming with life in the area.Two large rocky points (Punta de la Mona & Cerro Gordo) mark the beginning and end of the two kilometre long bay of La Herradura. Both Punta de la Mona and Cerro Gordo consistently rank at the top of the best dive sites in Spain! 

Diving area La Herradura, Costa Tropical Diving area Cerro Gordo, La Herradura, Spain

Cerro Gordo

The novice-friendly dive site Cerro Gordo has large stone blocks that rest at the foot of the surrounding underwater cliffs. Here you’ll find a cave at 16 meters where conger eels flourish. Wrasse, bream and mullets frequently come here to hunt and get away from the strong currents. Theentrance, nestled deep within the wall of the Cerro Gordo cliff, is hard to miss and easy to access. As you enter, you’ll need to swim for about five meters then ascend normally into the cave. Flitters of light trickle in from the hole at the top of the cave and illuminate the surroundings. The intricate labyrinth like cave system is for experienced (cave-) divers only. It is fed by freshwater and the visibility is fantastic. After about a distance of 80 metres, you can surface in an enclosed cavern of fresh water.

Dives sites of La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Granada, SpainDiving at the Costa Tropical, La Herradura, Andalucía, Spain

Punta de la Mona

Punta de la Mona reaches depths up to 50 meters and the lack of light gives the surroundings a greenish hue and a unique appearance which might affect visibility. Moonfish use the area as a cleaning station and encounters with pollock, dentex and seabass are common sights in this area at around 35 meters. Between the green algae covered rocks exist yellow coral fields where octopus breed and nudibranch reside. This dive site is fairly deep and is known for fast currents; dress warm (hood and gloves) and make sure you can handle swift waters.

Diving at La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Andalucía, SpainThe flora and fauna of the underwater world of The Costa Tropical, Andalucía, Spain

Las Piedras Altas

The high stones are two rocky formations which emerge from 30, 18 and 14 metres. An extensive and extremely uneven relief zone offers the opportunity to encounter large fish such as sea bass, dentex, and amberjack. At 31 metres there is a small cave inside which, with the aid of artificial light, you can see small lobsters. Normal cave diving procedures apply here, so please check your qualifications.

Diving at the Costa Tropical, La Herradura, SpainDive site at La herradura, Las piedras Altas, Costa Tropical

Marina Bay

Marina Bay is a wide area with different dive options for all levels of experience. One route involves following the cliff wall, which forms the eastern part of Punta de la Mona - huge rocks protrude from the cliff face, providing a maze of large crevices. Towards the far end of the point both the depth and current increase, and care must be taken as at times the current will surge out to sea. Of particular interest are the benthic fauna on the vertical walls, where sponges, ‘hands of death’ amongst others, show off their colours. However, not all marine life is invertebrate, there are also octopus, castanet clouds and often moon fish (sun fish)

Dive site at La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Spain Dive site at La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Spain

La Calita o Los Gigantes

From around 10 metres a steep bank drops down to a depth of between 25 and 30 metres. The route is then retraced, large blocks of stone and high vertical walls which are covered with orange astroids. Octopus and moonfish are also frequently seen and for macro photographers there is a wide variety of Nudibranch

Nudibranch, Diving sites at la Herradura, Costa Tropical, Spain Punta de la Mona, Diving site at La Herradura, Costa Tropical

Tres Picos

Large stones emerge from the seabed, enabling comfortable and interesting dives. The rocky surfaces are full of fauna, providing a colourful panorama. In the less exposed areas astroides and alcyonium abound. Small species of typical Mediterranean origin are abundant, castanets, three tails, wrasse, bream, mullets and 'fredis' for example. You should make this dive in the late afternoon, when the contrasts in light are quite breathtaking!

Beauiful flora and fauna of the underwater world at The Costa Tropical La Costa Tropical, Andalucía, Spain has a great variety of dive sites

Fraggle Rock

A rocky formation providing an interesting dive, with the depth increasing as you move around the rock. A good site to observe Scorpion fish and Nudibranch, there is also a large conger eel in residence. For the more experienced diver, a short distance away from Fraggle Rock you'll find a small fishing boat at a depth of 27 metres and as well two cars, under which there is a breeding site for Octopus

Diving at La Herradura, Costa Tropical, Andalucía, Spain Dive sites at the Costa Tropical, Spain

Costa Tropical Events

Paseo Andrés Segovia 58
18697 La Herradura
Granada
Spain

(+34) 958 640 528
(+34) 651 090 324

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Costa Tropical Events

Through our carefully selected programs, created with utmost respect for the culture and customs of the local people, the environment and its natural resources, we invite you to experience this unique part of Spain in a sustainable manner.

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