BAILEN - Canary Islands

The Bailen wreck is a funny old thing, sitting shallow off Las Palmas. We love it because it’s a proper piece of history, a tanker that came to grief back in '56. It’s a dangerous wreck, officially, but that’s mostly because it’s so broken up, spread out in about five metres of water. You're not going deep here, obviously. What you get is a field of metal, twisted plates, and huge sections of hull. It feels like an archaeological dig, tracing the outline of something massive that’s been consumed by the ocean. Shoals of barracuda often hang around the bigger pieces, glinting in the shafts of sunlight that cut through the water. We’ve seen massive Atlantic groupers hiding out in the deeper crevices, almost blending in with the rusted steel. Look closely at the smaller fragments; the nudibranchs here are surprisingly vibrant, little splashes of colour against the dull metal. It’s an easy, relaxed dive, perfect for photographers who want to spend time finding those intricate details, or for anyone who just enjoys the quiet reverence of a historical site. Our favourite time to go is late morning, before the sun gets too high, when the light plays just right on the scattered remains.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
29.200000, -14.966667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - BAILEN

Year Sunk
1956
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
unknown

The tanker Bailen met its fate off the Canary Islands on October 11, 1956. The specific cause of its sinking is lost to time, but its remains now lie in an extremely shallow grave at just 5 meters deep. This makes the Bailen one of the most accessible wrecks in the region, perfect for novice divers, snorkelers, and even glass-bottom boat tours on a clear day.

Having been subject to the surge and power of the ocean for decades, the wreck is significantly broken up, with its steel plates and framework scattered across the sandy seabed. Despite its 'dangerous wreck' classification, which likely refers to sharp metal edges, a careful exploration reveals a lively ecosystem. Small fish dart between the wreckage, and colorful invertebrates have colonized nearly every surface, turning this mid-century industrial vessel into a shallow underwater garden.

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 BAILEN

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 BAILEN

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