

Best for beginner divers, 3-13m, shore & boat entry, mild current.
La Garita in Tarifa is a wall and reef site featuring a rocky formation that ranges from 3 to 13 metres in depth, with an average of 8 metres. Suitable for beginners, the site offers both shore and boat access. Divers can explore the nooks and crannies of the wall to find European Common Cuttlefish, Marbled Electric Ray, Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, and various nudibranchs including Tricolor Doris and Felimare orsinii. Scorpionfish and wrasses are also present. Conditions are generally mild, with visibility ranging from 5 to 15 metres and water temperatures between 16C and 20C. Hazards include boat traffic and sea urchins. Facilities include parking, showers, and equipment rental.
36.00492, -5.60642
La Garita is the standard fallback dive site when the levante wind closes the island's exposed east and south faces.
Always book through a centre as the waters around Isla de Tarifa are off-limits to independent diving. Access is via boat from Tarifa harbour or a shore entry near Playa Chica.
Recorded at this site
Depth
3-13m
Visibility
5-15m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Water Temp
16-20°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
50 min
Best Time
Jun, Sep
Divers can encounter European Common Cuttlefish, Marbled Electric Ray, Mediterranean Moray, Common Octopus, and various nudibranchs such as the Tricolor Doris and Felimare orsinii. Scorpionfish and wrasses are also recorded at the site.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depth range of 3 to 13 metres and mild currents.
The site features a rocky wall ranging from 3 to 13 metres deep, with an average depth of 8 metres.
La Garita offers both shore and boat access for divers.
The best months to dive at this site are June and September.
Diving at La Garita in Tarifa requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near La Garita in Tarifa. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at La Garita in Tarifa. Water temperatures range from 16°C to 20°C.
La Garita in Tarifa typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at La Garita in Tarifa typically ranges from 5 metres to 15 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.