Tabaiba

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Tabaiba is a residential coastal town located on the eastern seaboard of Tenerife, just a few kilometers south of Radazul. The primary attraction for scuba divers at this location is the El Peñón, a 35-meter (115-foot) long tugboat that was deliberately scuttled in 2006. The vessel was thoroughly cleaned and prepared by local authorities to serve as an artificial reef, intended to promote marine biodiversity and alleviate diver traffic on the island’s natural coral reefs.

The El Peñón rests perfectly upright on a sandy bottom, surrounded by scattered patches of volcanic rock. The top of the wreck’s structure, including the funnel and wheelhouse, sits at a depth of approximately 18 meters (60 feet). The hull and the massive propeller at the stern rest on the sand at a maximum depth of 32 meters (105 feet). Because of this depth profile, diving the main body of the wreck is strictly reserved for divers holding an advanced certification. It is not an appropriate site for the initial phases of an open water course. However, for experienced divers looking for the best places to learn wreck penetration protocols or complete a Deep Diver specialty, Tabaiba offers a highly controlled and accessible environment.

The Dive Experience

One of the most unique aspects of the El Peñón is that it is conducted entirely as a shore dive. Divers typically park along the coastal road, gear up at their vehicles, and enter the water via concrete steps integrated into the sea wall.

The dive begins with a surface swim or a shallow submerged navigation over a volcanic rocky reef for approximately five to ten minutes, heading straight out to sea. Once the sandy drop-off is reached, the massive shadow of the wreck materializes in the blue water. The descent is usually made directly onto the vessel’s deck. Due to the deep profile and the cooler Atlantic water—which necessitates proper exposure gear as detailed in our travel and packing guide—divers must closely monitor their no-decompression limits and air consumption, as the return journey involves navigating back up the slope to the exit point.

What You’ll See

Since its sinking, the El Peñón has transformed into a thriving artificial reef. The metal structure is heavily encrusted with sponges, anemones, and algae.

The wreck acts as a massive aggregation device for local fish populations. Enormous schools of chevron barracuda and mackerel frequently circle the mast and funnel in a continuous silver vortex. Trumpetfish use the vertical lines of the ship’s superstructure as camouflage to ambush smaller prey.

Inside the accessible areas of the wheelhouse and cargo holds, divers can spot large moray eels, octopuses, and cleaner shrimp. The sandy bottom surrounding the hull is a prime location for encountering large Atlantic stingrays and, during the winter months, the highly sought-after angel shark.

Planning Your Dive

Because Tabaiba is a shore dive offering a substantial wreck without the need for boat charter fees, it is immensely popular among both local divers and visiting tourists. The entry and exit points can experience mild surge depending on the tide and wind direction, so careful footing on the concrete steps is required. As a protected artificial reef, all penetration dives must be conducted within the limits of the divers’ specific training, and artifact removal is strictly prohibited by Spanish maritime law.