El Balito - Canary Islands

Jocker Reef, a quick boat ride from Beau Vallon, is one of those sites that delivers exactly what it promises – a proper Indian Ocean coral reef. We love dropping onto the sandy patch next to the reef. The depth is nice and shallow, topping out around 15 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to really look for things. It’s a site that feels alive with fish. Expect to see big schools of scad and fusiliers hanging over the bommies, and we’ve often found orbicular batfish just cruising past, almost ignoring us. Look closer and the sand patches often host flathead sleepers and those tiny Indo-pacific tropical sand gobies. Keep an eye out for Ernie’s sueviota, a little blenny we always enjoy spotting. Current can be a bit of a mixed bag; sometimes it’s a gentle push, other times it’s a good workout, but it generally keeps the big schools of fish active. This is a great spot for photographers keen on macro subjects and wide-angle reef shots without going too deep. It’s a solid choice for an easy afternoon dive, letting you slow down and really observe the reef life.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.138600, -16.792000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Acantilados de Isorana

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 El Balito

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 El Balito

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical diving depth at El Balito?
The maximum diving depth at El Balito is 20m, making it suitable for a range of divers. This depth allows for exploration of its spectacular rocky formations, tunnels, and caves.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can I expect to see when diving at El Balito?
When diving at El Balito, you can expect to see spectacular rocky formations, tunnels, and caves within its reef environment. The site is rich in marine life, including giant anemones, lobsters, rays, moray eels, octopuses, and barracudas, offering an "endless marine life" experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Is El Balito considered a difficult dive site, and what level of diver is it suitable for?
El Balito is classified as an intermediate dive site, making it suitable for divers with some prior experience. It is recommended to dive from a boat due to difficult emergency access, suggesting a need for comfortable diving skills.
When is the best time of year to dive at El Balito, and are there any seasonal highlights?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at El Balito or any specific seasonal highlights. For general information on diving seasons in the Canary Islands, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What diving certifications are required to dive at El Balito, especially for its caverns and swim-throughs?
The provided data does not specify particular diving certifications required for El Balito, nor does it detail specific requirements for its tunnels and caves. As it is an intermediate site, a minimum Open Water certification is generally expected, with advanced training recommended for exploring more challenging features.
What are the typical currents and visibility conditions like at the El Balito dive site?
Divers at El Balito can typically expect good visibility, averaging around 18m. The provided information does not specify typical current conditions for this dive site.