AS THE SUMMER WIND STARTS TO DROP WE ARE STARTING TO LOOK AT EL CABRON, HERE YOU WILL FIND A LITTLE EXPLORATION OF THE SITES AND WHAT THEY HAVE TO OFFER.
If you're an avid diver planning your next underwater adventure, Gran Canaria is hopefully at the top of your list for dives in europe, and one dive site, in particular, stands out from the rest – El Cabron Gran Canarias most fmaous dive site. This beautiful Canary Island offers a plethora of stunning dive sites, but none are as renowned as that of El Cabron. In this article, we aim to provide you with valuable insights for your dive at this spectacular spot, offering essential information to help you plan your dives, explore various dive sites, and grasp the challenges and rewards of El Cabron.
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The ever popular spot, EL CABRON
El Cabron Gran Canarias most famous dive site is a mecca for diving enthusiasts, both local and from outside the islands, its celebrated for its unique blend of marine life, crystal-clear waters, and fascinating underwater topography. It gets its statues as the center of the islands diving world as its the most explored site by diving centers, web article, travel blogs etc, its Situated on the eastern coast of Gran Canaria, near the village of Arinaga, this marine reserve is a protected area dedicated to conserving the island's vibrant marine ecosystem. Divers can anticipate encounters with a diverse array of marine species, explore underwater caves, and admire captivating rock formations.
El Cabron isn't just a single dive spot however; it's a network of interconnected routes and sights, with some more popular or famous than others. Below, we'll explore five of them in more detail and we will discuss the area as a whole.
During recent trips, lucky divers with us have had the chance to witness an array of marine life, including Common rays, electric rays, bull rays, and even two manta rays gliding through the water like ethereal ghosts. It's not uncommon to venture into the caves at El Cabron and come face to face with large rays or angel sharks.
Lets talk about caves and rays
The caves of El Cabron are a hallmark of the area and can be found on most dives in the area.. They often extend deep, posing challenges for recreational divers. Dive planning is crucial to ensure safety, including adhering to no-decompression limits and carrying proper equipment like torches. Most caves are relatively wide, but some offer deeper penetration, occasionally revealing thermoclines and haloclines. Always stay within your skill level and follow your dive plan meticulously. Don’t expect them to be empty as many rays also like to explore the caves!, and its not rare for a diver to JUMP OUT OF THERE SKIN when a ray leaps from the sand and bugs out.
The windy isles
The winds in Gran Canaria are a notable factor to consider, and they tend to blow quite predictably. During the summer months, a strong prevailing wind is common, with speeds ranging from 20-30 km per hour, often occurring daily. This wind pattern can present challenges for dive planning, particularly on the north and east coasts of the island, as that's where the wind predominantly originates. The central mountain range on the island does an excellent job of shielding the south from these winds. However, El Cabron, situated in the east near the airport, is directly exposed to the summer winds. Consequently, these winds can churn up the sea and create unpredictable tides, making diving at El Cabron quite tricky during this season.
To make the most of your exploration at El Cabron, there are a couple of strategies to consider. Firstly, taking your time and carefully selecting your diving days during the summer is advisable. Secondly, an excellent alternative is to plan your visit for the winter months. In many respects, this is the best option. During the winter, the weather in the south remains comfortably warm, with temperatures often exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, and the water is notably warmer than other parts of Europe, averaging around 19 degrees Celsius. The added benefit of the winter season is the reduced occurrence of strong winds, resulting in calmer seas and a more predictable diving experience.
Named sites at EL CABRON
1. The Bath Tub: One of the most challenging yet rewarding sites at El Cabron is "The Bath Tub." Accessing this site can be tricky, often requiring a surface swim against strong currents. However, the effort is well worth it, as you'll be treated to an incredible diversity of marine life. Inexperienced divers should exercise caution and only attempt this dive with a guide.
2. El Cabron Beach: Perfect for those seeking to dive the famous site without too much adventure or for newer divers, El Cabron Beach offers a sandy entry point. It's an excellent spot for non-divers to relax and soak up the sun. The dive site boasts sea grass, a cave at 17 meters, a shallow reef teeming with marine life, and a sheltered bay offering protection from the wind. Divers can also access the site from a rocky entry point.
3. Punta de la Sal: This dive spot is often too rough to enter, even on better weather days. Strong currents and tides are common challenges here. If you're lucky enough to make it in, you'll encounter a lava tube starting at 4m leading to a sandy bottom at 20 meters. Large schools of fish await you, but returning to land can be difficult in surging tides.
4. The Gorgonian Coral at 30m: This wall dive starts at the Bath Tub entry and runs to the left. Follow the wall and drop to 30 meters to discover the island's only coral and the gardens of eels peering from the sand as you pass.
Diving Challenges at El Cabron
While El Cabron offers a wealth of incredible dive sites, it's essential to be aware of potential challenges. Sites like "The Bath Tub" and "Punta de la Sal" can be tricky to access due to strong currents and challenging entry points. These spots are best left to experienced divers with advanced skills in buoyancy control and underwater navigation. Understanding the local weather and how the land affects the water is vital, as conditions change rapidly. It's not unheard of for people to require helicopter rescue from this site when they can't return to shore in strong currents.
Always dive responsibly, adhere to local regulations, and consider diving with a knowledgeable guide who can provide safety and local insights.
El Cabron in Gran Canaria is a treasure trove offering an array of dive sites suitable for divers of all levels. Whether you're captivated by the stunning rock formations, intrigued by the mysterious caves, or fascinated by the rich marine life, El Cabron has something for every underwater explorer.
When planning your dive holiday, consider the dive sites at El Cabron and your own skill level. This underwater paradise promises unforgettable memories, but always prioritize safety and respect for the environment. So, gear up and get ready to dive into the enchanting underwater world of El Cabron, Gran Canaria.
If yopu want to dive with us here at this dive site then just send us a message and we can chat about what you want to dive
SCOTT FINCH
CO OWNER AND INSTRUCTOR GO DIVING CENTER