Cueva del Francés (Chalet del Francés)
Cueva del Francés (El Chalet del Francés) is a small sandy-bottom cave at about 16 m near La Isleta del Moro, with lava corridors and cavities and a large grouper. Sources say it is hard to find without a dive guide, and one guide calls it suitable for beginners. Boat dive in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar park. Position estimated from the nearest coast or landmark, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Andalusian Mediterranean coast (Almería, Granada, Málaga)
- Area: Cabo de Gata-Níjar (permit)
- Depth: 0–16 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: moderate
- Type: cave, reef
- Coordinates: 36.812, -2.0485 (approximate)
- Highlights: small sandy-bottom cave, large grouper, lava corridors
- Permit: Cabo de Gata-Níjar is a Natural Park with a marine reserve. According to the Spanish fisheries ministry (MAPA), scuba diving in the reserve's outer waters needs prior authorisation from the Agriculture and Fisheries Functional Area of the Government Subdelegation in Almería; inside the waters of the Natural Park the authorisation depends on the Andalusian regional environment authority (Junta de Andalucía). Local dive centres registered for active tourism in the park arrange this for guided dives - go with one and confirm the current rules. (Source: MAPA marine reserve page)
- Issuer / contact: Subdelegación del Gobierno en Almería – Área Funcional de Agricultura y Pesca (outer waters); Junta de Andalucía, environment authority (Natural Park waters)
- Tips: Go with a local guide; bring a torch. Its exact base location differs between sources (La Isleta vs Los Escullos).