Las Calderas wreck
Las Calderas is a wreck dive on the west side of Tarifa Island, reachable by boat only. Several sections of one or more wrecks, probably early 20th century and of unknown name, lie from about 10-12 m at the anchor point, over large rocks at 12-18 m, towards the sand at 20-22 m; three large boilers give the dive its name. The wreck rests on its starboard side with the keel on boulders, forming a cave. Orange coral (Astroides calycularis) covers the metal and rocks; nudibranchs, cuttlefish, spider crabs, lobsters, rockfish, conger and moray eels and a marbled electric ray are seen. Position estimated from the island outline, for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Spain – Strait of Gibraltar & Cádiz (Tarifa)
- Area: Tarifa Island (Isla de las Palomas)
- Depth: 10–22 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: wreck, boat
- Coordinates: 36.004, -5.6125 (approximate)
- Highlights: three boilers, orange coral covering the wreck, wreck keel forming a cave
- Tips: Within the Parque Natural del Estrecho; per Ocean Addicts all dives there are guided, so go with a local centre. Check wind and current on the day. Currents are frequent; visit with a local centre and support boat.