KALAIS - Canary Islands

The Kalais, now that’s a wreck with a story. This isn't just a sunken boat; it’s a time capsule, a huge 108-meter vessel that was on its way to the scrapyard when it decided to settle here instead, back in 1979. We love how the sheer size of it dominates the seafloor at 23 meters. You can spend an entire dive just exploring the bow, feeling the cool water shift as you fin through old corridors where the natural light barely penetrates. What really makes the Kalais for us is the atmosphere. It’s a proper wreck dive, not a reef with a bit of metal on it. The scale is incredible; you feel small next to those massive, barnacle-encrusted hull plates. Schools of barracuda often patrol the deck, and we've seen big groupers lurking in the darker holds, almost camouflaged against the rust. Our favourite part is peeking into the bridge area, imagining the final moments before she went down. It’s an easy dive, depth-wise, but the size means you want decent air consumption to properly get around. Give it a shot on a calm day; the visibility really helps you appreciate the full length of the ship.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.154684, -15.400633
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: Área marina de La Isleta

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 KALAIS

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 KALAIS

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 maximum depth for diving at the Kalais Wreck dive site?
The maximum depth for diving at the Kalais Wreck is 23 meters. This depth makes it an accessible wreck dive for those with intermediate experience.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Kalais Wreck?
The Kalais Wreck is a fascinating feature, a motor vessel measuring 108.8m x 14.9m that sank on December 1, 1979. While specific marine life isn't detailed in the provided information, wreck sites like this often become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of local species. Divers should be aware it is classified as a dangerous wreck.
How difficult is the Kalais Wreck dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Kalais Wreck dive site is rated as "intermediate" difficulty. Given its classification as a dangerous wreck and this intermediate rating, it is not recommended for beginners. Divers should possess the necessary experience and certifications for wreck diving.
What are the best months or time of year to dive the Kalais Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best months or time of year for optimal diving conditions at the Kalais Wreck. For general information on diving seasons in the Canary Islands, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive the Kalais Wreck?
As the Kalais Wreck is classified as an "intermediate" difficulty dive site and a dangerous wreck, divers should possess at least an Advanced Open Water certification. Specialized wreck diving training is highly recommended to safely explore this site.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at the Kalais Wreck dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information on the typical current or visibility conditions at the Kalais Wreck dive site. Divers planning to visit this site should consult local dive centers in the Canary Islands for the most current conditions.