Thanks to the
excellent underwater visibility, the mild temperature
of the water from January to December, the calmness
of the sea, and over a thousand animal and plant species
on the sea bed, this area is a popular choice for diving
fans. But remember, the park is a protected nature area.
So if you decide to practise scuba diving on your own,
you will need to obtain a permit from the Environment
Department of the Regional Government of Andalusia.
For this, you will be required to submit your official
diving qualification and relevant insurance. And don’t
forget that underwater fishing is prohibited in the
entire park.
Another option is to hire the services of one of the
specialised diving clubs in the area. These companies
offer guided dives as well as courses for all levels,
including technique improvement for expert divers and
beginners courses. Equipment hire, underwater guides
and boat transfers to various points along the coast
are all included with the course. To enrol for one of
these courses, you must be over 14 years of age and
must provide a medical certificate confirming your suitability
for this sport.
A unique experience awaits divers. You will be able
to contemplate hundreds of fish of varying colours,
species and sizes: starfish, octopus, sea urchins, sponges,
algae, the best-preserved Poseidonia meadows along the
Mediterranean coast... Caverns, ravines and caves also
await you: sea beds with incredible geological formations,
creating a sci-fi setting of brightly-lit areas, semidarkness
and constant contrasts of colour.
Besides, the sea at the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Nature
Reserve contains hidden “treasures”. For
example, the Vapor Arna opposite Cabo de Gata itself,
a steamboat almost 100 metres long that sunk in 1928
and is still in reasonably good condition; the Punta
del Castillo at San José, ideal for nocturnal
diving; the Cueva del Frío, a vast crevice with
a cavern 14 metres long; the underwater nooks and crannies
around Escollos, by the fishing village of La Isleta
del Moro; and Cala de San Pedro, a cove where archaeological
remains are frequently found. To do apnea diving (without
tanks – holding your breath) or to snorkel, you
need do no more than don your goggles and snorkel tube
to observe the fascinating underwater animal and plant
world. The best thing is to head for the tourist office
in the park itself, where they will be able to clarify
all your queries. There are also numerous other activities
that you can practise locally, such as hiking, bird
watching, caving, windsurfing, water skiing, climbing,
paragliding, hang gliding, cycle touring, kayaking,
etc.
