Tarifa is a lively small town on the southernmost tip of the European continent in the province of Cadiz (Spain). It is surrounded by The Parque Natural del Estrecho (Natural Park of the Strait) which protects the coastal areas from Gabo de Grazia on the west, all the way to the Ensenada de Getares near Algeciras.
Most of the diving in Tarifa is done around the Isla de las Palomas, a small island connected to the town by an artificial breakwater walkway. Even tough Tarifa is famous for its winds and therefore loved by the kite-surfers, the island normally gives protection for the divers on both dominant winds - Poniente and Levante. The currents in Tarifa can really surprise you. The Atlantic tides of 150cm compared to the Mediterranean tides of 20cm result into cycle of heavy currents on every six hours. Naturally the local dive centers use their expertise to choose dive times and sites to avoid the heaviest currents, but often some heavy finning is required.
It is most likely the combination of special location between the two seas, the constant nutrient rich currents and natural reserve protection, which all make Tarifa one of the best diving locations in Spain. The diversity of marine life is amazing and there is plenty of usual Mediterranean fish with a possibility for spotting pedagogic creatures such as turtle, ocean sun fish and tuna. Nudibranches come in all colours and on some dives you often find Langostas and Lobsters. On most of the dives you will find octopus, morena and spider crabs.
Earlier it was fairly easy to dive in Tarifa from the shore but now the accessibility to the Isla is restricted. There is a choice of dive centers on the port of Tarifa with most of the dive sites just five minute boat trip away.
