This dive site, Arrecifes Artificiales Tabarca, is located within the inner waters of the Tabarca Marine Reserve, south of the island. It features four impressive artificial structures, each 6 meters high, resting on a seabed of 24 meters and rising to 18 meters. These structures were strategically placed to create a rich and diverse underwater habitat, acting as a crucial component of the marine reserve's conservation efforts and offering a unique navigational experience around their imposing forms.
The artificial reefs are teeming with marine life, making them a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can expect to encounter schools of meagres patrolling the structures, alongside resident groupers, elusive scorpionfish, and majestic dentex. The surfaces of these structures are beautifully adorned with an array of smaller creatures, including colourful nudibranchs, intricate flatworms, and vibrant gorgonians, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the Mediterranean.
The best time to visit Tabarca for diving is typically during the warmer months, from May to October, when water temperatures are comfortable and visibility is at its best. This site is a highlight for both scuba divers and freedivers, offering moderate depths and an abundance of marine life. For photographers, both macro and wide-angle opportunities abound, capturing the small invertebrates on the structures or the full scale of the artificial reefs with their schooling fish. Divers should be mindful of other marine life and practice responsible diving within this protected reserve.
