This dive site is the Tabaiba Natural Pool, located within the Jardin del Mar complex in Tabaiba, Tenerife. It is a man-made, kidney-shaped salt water pool, naturally fed by the ocean tides, making it a unique training ground for various water activities, particularly static apnea (STA) for freedivers. The pool itself features a shallow end of approximately 0.8 meters and a deeper end reaching about 1.6 meters, providing a controlled and safe environment. Despite these specific pool depths, the dive site is classified with a maximum depth of 20 meters and an average depth of 10 meters, indicating potential for deeper exploration in the adjacent ocean, though the primary attraction remains the pristine pool.
While primarily a pool, its ocean-fed nature means that occasionally a shrimp or small fish might find its way in, offering a glimpse of local marine life in an otherwise pristine setting. However, it is not a site rich in biodiversity or complex coral formations; its appeal lies in its clean, calm waters suitable for specific aquatic pursuits rather than extensive marine observation.
The Tabaiba Natural Pool is an excellent location for beginners in freediving or for divers looking to practice skills in a controlled environment. Its consistent conditions make it suitable year-round, though it is important to note that the complex is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For freedivers, the pool's depths are perfect for breath-hold training and mastering techniques. For scuba divers, it can serve as an ideal confined water training area, but it offers limited traditional recreational diving interest due to its artificial landscape and scarcity of varied marine life.
