水下世界：在 La Herradura 潜水和浮潜

The best diving and snorkelling on the Costa Tropical is around La Herradura. Here the cliffs of a protected natural park drop steeply into the sea, so a short swim from the beach takes you over rocks, seagrass and sea life. This guide covers where to go, the rules and the best time of year.

A protected stretch of cliffs

The cliffs between Nerja and Almuñécar are a protected natural park called Acantilados de Maro-Cerro Gordo. Most of the park is sea. It is also part of Natura 2000, the EU's network of protected areas. La Herradura is at the eastern end of the park.

Because the park is protected, there are rules for divers. Diving is restricted near Playa Molino de Papel, and signs ask divers not to damage the seabed. Check where you may dive before you start, and go with a dive centre that knows the park.

What lives on the rock

Underwater you will find Posidonia seagrass, a protected Mediterranean plant, growing next to rocky reefs. Take your time and look closely: you often see more by staying in one place than by swimming far.

Divers here report tube anemones, orange coral and sea squirts on the rock walls, and small lobsters, conger eels, shrimps and nudibranchs (colourful sea slugs) in the caves near Playa Cantarriján. Much of this is visible at around 9 metres, so you do not need to dive deep to see a lot.

When the water is warmest

The water is coldest in early March, at about 15 to 16 °C, and warmest in mid-August, at about 22 to 24 °C. A thin wetsuit or rash vest is enough in August. From December to March you need a full wetsuit.

Getting out on the water

La Herradura has several dive centres, offering dives from the shore and from boats. If you have never dived, ask for a "baptism" or try dive. It stays above 10 metres, which is where most of the rock life and fish are anyway.

If you prefer to stay at the surface, guided kayak and snorkel tours leave from La Herradura into the park. They are suitable for families and beginners, and they take you close to the cliffs.

If you are looking for a home, think about how close you want to be to the sea and how easy it is to get in. Our guide to the beaches along the coast helps you choose.