Puerto Naos - Playa Chica - Canary Islands

Sofias sits just a quick boat trip from Nabucco Spice Island, a handy spot when you don't want to travel far. We drop in on a sloping reef, mostly hard coral formations, then it gently plateaus into sand around 21 metres. It’s a good place for a relaxed dive; the currents are usually pretty mild here. You'll often spot Humphead Parrotfish cruising by, and if you look closely into the staghorn coral, those tiny Blackbelly Pygmygobies might peek out. It's a comfortable dive for those looking to chill out and enjoy the coral blocks without too much exertion.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.586600, -17.912000
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
5-15m

Marine Protected Area: Reserva Marina de la Isla de la Palma

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 Puerto Naos - Playa Chica

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 Puerto Naos - Playa Chica

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 are the typical depths for diving at Playa Chica and its various dive spots?
Playa Chica offers a versatile diving experience, with typical depths ranging from 5-15m, making it accessible for various skill levels. Thanks to the unique verticality of the island, divers can explore both shallow and very deep areas from the same entry point. The maximum depth reachable at this site is 24m, allowing for diverse dive profiles at Puerto Naos - Playa Chica.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Playa Chica?
Divers at Playa Chica can expect to explore a vibrant reef environment, renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity. The crevices of the area are home to different types of moray eels and conger eels, providing fascinating encounters. Additionally, it's very common to spot tuna in the blue waters, adding to the excitement of your dive and making it a great spot for marine life observation.
How difficult is diving at Playa Chica, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving at Playa Chica is generally rated as intermediate in difficulty, yet it offers easy dives suitable for all levels. This is due to the site's unique verticality, allowing access to both shallow and very deep areas from a single entry point. Beginners can enjoy the shallower sections, while more experienced divers can explore deeper routes.
What is the best time of year to dive at Playa Chica in terms of water temperature and overall conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Playa Chica in terms of water temperature or seasonal conditions. However, the site boasts an average visibility of 19m, suggesting generally clear waters. For more detailed seasonal information, you might consult DivePlnr's When to Dive section.
What diving certifications are required to dive at Playa Chica, especially for deeper or more advanced sites?
The provided information does not specify particular diving certifications required for Playa Chica. However, given its maximum depth of 24m and intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification would typically be sufficient for shallower areas, while an Advanced Open Water Diver certification would be beneficial for exploring deeper sections. Always check with local dive operators for specific requirements.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at Playa Chica?
Playa Chica offers excellent underwater visibility, with an average of 19m, allowing divers to clearly observe its rich marine life and reef structures. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions at this dive site. Divers should always consult local dive guides for up-to-date information on currents before entering the water.