CALA RAS - Canary Islands

Cala Ras, near Las Palmas, is a cracking little wreck for divers who appreciate a good story and a relaxed dive. We’re talking about the remains of a 54-meter motor vessel, sunk after a collision back in ’74. It’s sitting upright in about 13 metres, so you’ve got plenty of bottom time to really nose around. What we love about this one is how nature has completely taken over. The prop is still there, draped in sponges, and the hull plates are fuzzy with tunicates. Shoals of barracuda often cruise overhead, their silver scales catching the light, and we’ve often found octopus tucked into crevices in the deeper sections. It’s a gentle exploration, perfect for photographers or anyone wanting to spend a solid hour just observing the details. There’s a quiet beauty to it, the way the light filters through the water and illuminates the rusted metal, hinting at its past life. Our tip: go mid-morning; the sun angle really brings out the colours.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.134832, -15.418333
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
13m

Wreck History - CALA RAS

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
collision

The M.V. Cala Ras was a 54-meter motor vessel whose career ended abruptly in the busy port of Las Palmas. On January 9, 1974, while maneuvering within the harbour, the Cala Ras was involved in a fatal collision with the Spanish trawler 'Roque del Este'. The damage was too severe to be contained, and the ship sank within the harbour's confines.

Resting at a shallow depth of just 13 meters, the Cala Ras is an accessible and fascinating dive. Its location within a working harbour can mean variable visibility, but it also provides a unique backdrop. The wreck itself, though relatively modern, has become an established artificial reef, attracting a variety of local marine life. It is classified as a 'Dangerous Wreck', which for divers means there are potential hazards like sharp metal and snagging points, demanding careful buoyancy and awareness. This adds a layer of challenge and excitement for those exploring its structure.

Marine Protected Area: Bahía del Confital

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 CALA RAS

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 CALA RAS

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