Artificial - Block2 - Canary Islands

Block 2, off the Canaries, isn't your typical wreck dive. Forget dramatic upright ships or intact superstructures. This site is a dispersed field of concrete blocks, remnants from a failed harbour project back in the 1970s. We know, "concrete blocks" doesn't exactly scream adventure, but give it a chance. Dropping down, you hit a surprisingly vibrant artificial reef. The blocks lie scattered on a sandy bottom, some piled high, others resting individually, creating a maze of nooks and crannies. It's a fantastic spot for macro life and the occasional pelagic fly-by. We’ve found huge arrow crabs tucked into crevices, moray eels peering out from beneath the biggest blocks, and schools of barracuda circling overhead on a good day. Our favourite is navigating the gaps between the larger stacks; it feels like exploring an underwater city in miniature. Visibility here can be excellent, often hitting 25 metres, especially in the late morning before any afternoon chop picks up. It’s an intermediate dive because of potential surge around the shallower blocks, but mostly it’s a calm, exploratory drift over a genuinely interesting human-made habitat that nature has well and truly claimed.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
27.726700, -15.658300
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
20m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Wreck History - Artificial - Block2

Vessel Type
unknown
Cause
scuttled

As part of a planned underwater park, "Block2" is one of several structures sunk to form an extensive artificial reef system in the Canary Islands. These purpose-built reef elements, often large concrete blocks or frames, are designed to maximise habitat space for marine creatures. At a depth of 20 metres, this site is perfect for observing how marine life colonises a new structure. What was once a bare object is now a bustling neighbourhood for octopus, moray eels, and countless invertebrates. The geometric shapes provide a fascinating contrast to the fluid movements of the fish, making it a fantastic subject for underwater photographers exploring the vibrant waters of the Canaries.

Marine Protected Area: Franja marina de Mogán

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to Artificial - Block2

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Artificial - Block2

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories