KOUTOUBIA - Canary Islands

We love the Koutoubia for its sheer accessibility and the way it’s become an artificial reef in such a short time. This stern trawler, sunk accidentally in 1990 while being towed in Las Palmas harbour, now rests on its side at a mere six metres. It’s perfect for new wreck divers, or really, anyone who fancies a relaxed dive with plenty to see. You'll find the Koutoubia fairly broken up in places, but the outline of the vessel is still clear. Large shoals of sardine often swirl above the deck, catching the light in a silvery flash. Look closely and you’ll spot octopus tucked into crevices, their eyes watching you, and we’ve often seen large schools of glasseye fish sheltering inside the more intact sections. Our favourite part is swimming slowly along the length of the wreck, noting how different sections have become home to different creatures – damselfish darting amongst the twisted metal, and the occasional cuttlefish gliding by. Visibility here can sometimes be a bit murky, especially after strong winds, but honestly, it just adds to the atmospheric feel of a forgotten wreck. It’s a great site for photographers keen on marine life and the interplay of light and shadow.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.139000, -15.425555
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
6m

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 KOUTOUBIA

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 KOUTOUBIA

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