Volcanic marine reserve / Posidonia meadow / WreckMarine Protected Area

Cabo de Gata-Níjar

Depth: 5–42 mLevel: Open Water; the El Arna wreck requires an advanced level

The first protected marine and land area in Andalusia, declared in 1987, on a volcanic coastline of cliffs, caves and Posidonia meadows. The classic dives include the Arrecife de las Sirenas, the Cueva del Francés, the Piedra de los Meros, El Ancla — a historic anchorage for mining ships where the anchor that gives the site its name lies at 18 m — and the wreck of El Arna, a Czechoslovak steamer some 100 m long that sank in 1928 off the Cabo de Gata lighthouse and lies between 27 and 42 m.

Depth

5–42 m

Recommended level

Open Water; the El Arna wreck requires an advanced level

Access

Shore and boat

Protection status

Cabo de Gata-Níjar Marine Reserve and Natural Park; a permit is compulsory for scuba diving

UNESCO designation

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO Global Geopark (1997)

Did you know?

Because it is a marine reserve, scuba diving requires a permit, applied for at the central government's sub-delegation office in Almería or at the park offices, although the dive centre itself normally handles it. Express permission is also needed to use torches or cameras. Amphorae and Roman and Phoenician remains were recovered in the area in the past.

Sources consulted: fordivers.com · degata.com · cabogataalmeria.com · centrobuceocabodegata.com · TrotandoMundos