Artificial - Block3 - Canary Islands

Artificial - Block3 is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Canaries. It's not some ancient Galleon, but a purpose-sunk concrete block, and we love it for its unusual structure. Dropping down, you're immediately struck by the sheer scale of the thing. It’s a huge, angular structure, broken into several large pieces, almost like a submerged brutalist sculpture. The best part is navigating through the gaps and crevices that have formed. We always find schools of barracuda circling the larger sections, and the swim-throughs are usually packed with grumpy groupers peering out from the shadows. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too; we've spotted moray eels tucked into the concrete blocks and plenty of nudibranchs if you slow down and really look. It’s a cracking dive for intermediate divers who enjoy exploring structures and don’t mind a bit of a current sometimes.

Location: Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates: 27.724000, -15.643700
Type: wreck
Maximum Depth: 21m
Difficulty: Intermediate

Wreck History - Artificial - Block3

Vessel Type: unknown
Cause: scuttled

Situated slightly deeper than its neighbours at 21 metres, "Block3" adds another dimension to the artificial reef park it belongs to. This purpose-sunk structure offers a prime opportunity for divers to witness the incredible biodiversity of the Canary Islands. Its surfaces are now carpeted with life, and its nooks and crannies provide shelter for shy species like moray eels and groupers. The surrounding sandy bottom is also worth exploring, as it's a common place to spot wide-eyed flounders, lizardfish, and occasionally the majestic angel shark gliding by. The excellent visibility typical of the Canaries makes this an easy and rewarding dive, showcasing the success of well-managed artificial reef projects.

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Artificial - Block3

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

Ornate Wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) - Reef Fish
Parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense) - Reef Fish
monkfish (Squatina squatina) - Sharks & Rays
Damsel fish (Chromis limbata) - Reef Fish
Bogue (Boops boops) - Reef Fish
Bastard Grunt (Pomadasys incisus) - Reef Fish
White Seabream (Diplodus sargus) - Reef Fish
Sharpnose Puffer (Canthigaster capistrata) - Reef Fish
Yellow Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) - Reef Fish
Comb grouper (Mycteroperca fusca) - Reef Fish
Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) - Whales & Dolphins
Salema (Sarpa salpa) - Reef Fish
red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) - Reef Fish
Diamond Lizardfish (Synodus synodus) - Reef Fish
Blacktail Bream (Diplodus vulgaris) - Reef Fish
Oman Porgy (Diplodus cervinus) - Reef Fish
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) - Reef Fish
Wide-eyed Flounder (Bothus podas) - Reef Fish
axillary sea-bream (Pagellus acarne) - Reef Fish
common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) - Octopus & Squid

Recommended Packing List for Artificial - Block3

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