Montaña Amarilla

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Montaña Amarilla (Yellow Mountain) is located on the southern coast of Tenerife, near the town of Costa del Silencio. The site is named for the prominent, ash-yellow volcanic cone that borders the ocean. Over millennia, coastal erosion and wave action have carved the submerged portions of this volcanic structure into one of the most geologically striking dive sites in the Canary Islands.

The underwater topography is the primary draw of Montaña Amarilla. The site features a complex terrace of basalt rock, deep overhangs, and a series of dramatic arches and swim-throughs formed by ancient lava flows cooling rapidly upon contact with the Atlantic Ocean. The maximum depth of the main reef structure is approximately 20 meters (65 feet), though much of the dive is conducted in the 10 to 15-meter range. Because of the relatively shallow profile and generally mild currents, this site is highly accessible for novice divers. It is frequently utilized by instructors to transition students from the confined water skills of the open water course to a more dynamic open ocean environment. For those researching the best places to learn to navigate swim-throughs and overhead environments safely, Montaña Amarilla provides an excellent training ground.

The Dive Experience

Montaña Amarilla can be accessed by boat from the nearby marinas of Las Galletas or Amarilla Golf, but it is most commonly conducted as a shore dive. Divers enter the water via ladders or rocky steps installed along the coastal path.

Upon descending, the stark contrast between the pale, yellow-tinged volcanic rock and the deep blue of the Atlantic water is immediately apparent. The dive profile involves navigating a maze-like route through the basalt columns and exploring the various arches. Because the site is located in the Atlantic, water temperatures dictate the need for proper thermal protection. As noted in standard Canary Island travel and packing guides, a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is required depending on the season, as temperatures peak at roughly 24°C (75°F) in late summer but can drop to 19°C (66°F) in the winter months.

What You’ll See

While the architecture is the main attraction, the site supports a healthy variety of marine life adapted to the rocky environment. The sandy patches located between the major rock formations are prime resting areas for large Atlantic stingrays and the occasional butterfly ray.

The deep overhangs and swim-throughs provide shelter for large schools of roncadors (grunts) and bream, which often part to allow divers to swim through their ranks. Upon closer inspection of the rock walls, divers can locate well-camouflaged cuttlefish, octopuses, and various species of moray eels hiding in the crevices. During the winter, the site occasionally hosts angel sharks, though they are more commonly found on the deeper, flatter sandy sites elsewhere on the island.

Planning Your Dive

Montaña Amarilla is a highly popular site for both divers and snorkelers. Because entry is via the rocky shoreline, divers must assess the surface conditions carefully before attempting a shore entry; if there is a heavy southern swell, entering and exiting the water over the rocks can be hazardous, and boat access should be utilized instead. All diving activities in the area are subject to Spanish maritime regulations, and divers must practice excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate sponges and marine growth that encrust the volcanic arches.