Las Calles is a large dive area on the Atlantic side of the Tarifa island. It is best suited for diving in Levante when the island provides cover from the wind. The optimum diving depth at this site varies from 5 to 25 meters, increasing as you move further away from the island. The scale of the area allows planning for various dives suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
The site gets its name Las Calles or "the streets" from the passageways and swimthroughs between the large rock formations resembling high walls arising from the sand. While following the streets one can observe the clear contrast between the plain sandy bottom and the rocks covered with all kinds of sea weed, algae and corals.
Overhanging rocks form sheltered caverns over the sea bed that many species take advantage of, among them schools of cardinal fish, occasional electric rays, meros, sargos and wrasses. Attentive diver peaking even into the smallest caverns will eventually be rewarded by meeting a lobster. Taking a closer look at the wall will reveal well camouflaged scorpion fish and spider craps, and smaller creatures such as nudibranches and sea slugs.
Red mullets are abundant in the area, either sleeping on the sand or actively digging the seabed with the pair of white whiskers in search of anything edible, such as worms, crustaceans, mollusks and other small invertebrates.
The multitude of options when navigating the streets makes this site unique at every visit. Make sure to bring and use your compass as this place is a real labyrinth!
