La Herradura

The most popular dive site is arguably 'La Cueva de la Virgen' (The Virgin's Cave). It is famous for a small statue of the Virgin Mary placed inside a beautiful underwater cavern. The site is relatively shallow, making it accessible to most divers. The play of light entering the cavern, combined with the abundant marine life like conger eels and shrimps hiding in the crevices, creates a truly memorable and unique diving experience in La Herradura, Spain.

Well-known sites include the dramatic pinnacles of 'Tres Picos' and the diverse reefs around 'Punta de la Mona'. For a less crowded but equally rewarding experience, explore 'Cala Iza', a beautiful cove within the Maro-Cerro Gordo reserve known for its clear water and seagrass beds. Another hidden gem is 'Piedra de la Higuera', which offers interesting rock formations and a good chance to spot larger fish. These sites showcase the fantastic variety of diving in La Herradura, Spain.

Water temperatures in La Herradura, Spain vary significantly by season. In winter (December-March), expect cooler temperatures around 14-16°C (57-61°F). The water warms up in spring and summer, reaching a peak of 20-24°C (68-75°F) from July to September. During autumn (October-November), temperatures gradually cool down, typically ranging from 18-22°C (64-72°F). Planning your exposure suit according to these seasonal changes is essential for a comfortable dive.

The best time for diving in La Herradura, Spain is from May to October. During these months, you'll find the warmest water temperatures and generally calm sea conditions. Summer (July-August) is peak season with the warmest water, but can be crowded. For a great balance of pleasant weather, good visibility, and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May, June, September, or October. Winter diving is possible but requires a thicker wetsuit or drysuit due to colder water.

Underwater visibility in La Herradura, Spain is generally good, typically ranging from 10 to 25 meters (33-82 feet). The clearest conditions are often found in late spring and autumn. During the summer, while the water is warmest, a slight decrease in visibility can sometimes occur due to plankton blooms. After periods of rain or strong easterly winds (Levante), visibility may be temporarily reduced, but the sheltered nature of the bay helps it clear up quickly.

While you won't find large migrations like whale sharks, La Herradura, Spain offers unique seasonal sightings. The most notable is the Oceanic Sunfish (Mola mola), which is more commonly seen in the deeper waters from spring to early summer. Dolphins are also occasionally spotted from the boat transiting through the area. During late summer and autumn, you can often see large schools of barracuda and damselfish. These seasonal variations add an exciting element to the local diving.

The waters of La Herradura, Spain are rich with Mediterranean marine life. You can commonly expect to see octopus, moray and conger eels, cuttlefish, and large schools of damselfish, saddled sea bream, and wrasse. The rocky reefs are home to colorful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, groupers, and invertebrates like lobsters and spider crabs. In sandy areas, look for flounders and rays. The biodiversity is a key attraction for divers visiting the region.

Wetsuit choice depends on the season. For the summer months (July-September) when water is 20-24°C, a 5mm wetsuit is usually sufficient for most divers. In the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, with temperatures between 16-22°C, a 7mm wetsuit is recommended. For winter diving, when the water drops to 14-16°C, a 7mm semi-dry suit or a drysuit is essential for comfort and warmth during your dives in La Herradura, Spain.

The most convenient way to reach La Herradura, Spain is by flying into Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), which is about a 50-minute drive away. Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX) is another option, approximately a 60-minute drive. From either airport, you can rent a car, which is recommended for flexibility, or take a bus to the nearby town of Almuñécar and then a short taxi ride to La Herradura. Several dive centers may also offer airport transfer services.

Diving in La Herradura, Spain is exclusively shore-based. There are no liveaboard operations in this region of the Mediterranean. All dive sites are easily accessible via short boat trips from the numerous dive centers located in the town's marina (Marina del Este) or along the beach. Staying in local hotels, apartments, or villas and booking daily dive trips is the standard and most practical way to experience the underwater world here. This setup offers great flexibility and access to local culture.