Radazul

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Radazul is a coastal town located on the northeastern shore of Tenerife, just south of the capital city, Santa Cruz. The dive site here is widely recognized as one of the most reliable and versatile shore diving locations on the island. Geographically, the site benefits from the immense shelter provided by the large concrete walls of the Radazul Marina. This man-made barrier protects the entry point and the immediate diving area from the prevailing trade winds and northern swells, guaranteeing calm surface conditions on almost any day of the year.

The underwater topography at Radazul is defined by a shallow rocky shelf that rapidly transitions into a steep, sandy drop-off. The slope plummets quickly to depths exceeding 40 meters (130 feet). Because it offers immediate access to deep water in highly sheltered, current-free conditions, Radazul is a premier location for technical dive training, deep diver specialties, and freediving courses. While the shallow rocky shelf in 5 to 10 meters of water is frequently used for completing the basic skills of an open water course, the sheer drop-off makes it one of the best places to learn deep diving protocols safely.

The Dive Experience

Accessing the site is exceptionally convenient. Divers typically park immediately adjacent to the marina wall, gear up at their vehicles, and enter the water via purpose-built concrete steps that lead directly into the sheltered bay.

A standard dive profile involves swimming a short distance over the shallow rock shelf before descending along the sandy slope. Divers can tailor their depth to their certification level, whether staying above 18 meters or descending to the 40-meter limit for advanced recreational training. Because the site frequently involves deeper profiles, monitoring nitrogen loading and air consumption is critical. Furthermore, as noted in Canary Island travel and packing resources, the deeper you go, the colder the Atlantic water becomes. A high-quality 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is essential, particularly during the winter months when the water temperature can drop to 18°C (64°F).

What You’ll See

At first glance, the steep sandy slope of Radazul may appear barren compared to the volcanic reefs elsewhere on the island. However, this specific habitat is a hotspot for benthic (bottom-dwelling) marine life.

Radazul is highly celebrated as one of the most reliable sites in Tenerife to encounter the critically endangered angel shark (Squatina squatina). During the winter months (November to March), these flat sharks migrate into the shallower coastal waters and bury themselves in the sand to ambush prey. Divers slowly scanning the slope can often spot their outlines hidden in the substrate.

The site is also home to massive common stingrays and butterfly rays that glide along the drop-off. In the mid-water, large schools of barracuda frequently patrol the area just beyond the marina wall. The shallow rocky shelf near the exit point provides excellent opportunities to observe octopuses, cuttlefish, and various moray eels during the safety stop.

Planning Your Dive

Because of its unparalleled accessibility and reliable conditions, Radazul is heavily frequented by dive schools from all over the island. While the massive sandy slope provides ample room for groups to spread out underwater, the entry and exit steps can become congested during peak training hours. Divers should be mindful of other groups, particularly technical divers carrying multiple stage cylinders, and maintain clear access to the exit points.