El Balito - A building with a solar panel on the roof
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El Balito

4.2
·236 reviews·Adeje, Spain

A rugged Tenerife bay offering incredible diving and snorkeling with vibrant marine life, accessible via a challenging but rewarding road.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Calm waters for diving

CrowdLow
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El Balito - A building with a solar panel on the roof

El Balito

Best Time

Morning

Calm waters for diving

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A rugged Tenerife bay offering incredible diving and snorkeling with vibrant marine life, accessible via a challenging but rewarding road.

4.2
(236 reviews)

"Great place for snorkeling with deep waters, ladders down into the sea, rocky shelves full of fish!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to El Balito is rough; experienced drivers or vans are recommended. :car:

🐠 Snorkel & Dive Gear

Bring your own gear to explore the rich underwater world. :scuba_mask:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Marine Life

Vibrant Marine Life

Underwater

Discover trumpet fish, giant moray eels, and eagle rays in the clear, deep waters.

TikTokInstagramReddit
Ladder Access to the Sea

Ladder Access to the Sea

Rocky shelves

Easily enter the water via sturdy step ladders built into the rocky shelves.

Reddit
Scenic Drone Views

Scenic Drone Views

Aerial

Capture breathtaking aerial perspectives of the bay and coastline.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Rocky Road

The access road to El Balito is notoriously bumpy and best suited for experienced drivers or vans. Consider this before you go, especially if you're not comfortable with off-road conditions. Reddit

Embrace the Underwater World

El Balito is a prime spot for diving and snorkeling, boasting deep waters and rocky shelves teeming with marine life like trumpet fish and even giant moray eels. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Calm waters for diving
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good visibility for snorkeling
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Feliz domingo ☀️🇮🇨🌊 ¿Conoces este lugar en el sur de la isla? 😍 Pues desde ya les digo que será su nuevo lugar favorito para disfrutar de un día como hoy 💙 El Balito, Adeje 📍 🔐Guarda este vídeo y visítalo 🎊 #tenerife #islascanarias🇮🇨 #tenerifesouth #islasafortunadas #canaryislands #tenerifeisland #spain
tenerife_paraiso_canario
3.6K likes • 174.1K views

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to El Balito is rough; experienced drivers or vans are recommended. Reddit :car:

🐠 Snorkel & Dive Gear

Bring your own gear to explore the rich underwater world. Reddit :scuba_mask:

Usually this fish is not lively in a day, but not this one. GIANT MORAY . We could see it during the diving in El Balito. This is the largest eel reaching up to 3m length. SCUBA DIVING IN TENERIFE SSI DIVE CENTER IN TENERIFE COSTA DEL SILENCIO TENERIFE SOUTH POLSKIE CENTRUM NURKOWE TENERYFA NURKOWANIE NA TENERYFIE #morayeel #giantmoray #giantmorayeel #wildlife #Fishes #marine #atlantic #atlant...
dive_lovers_tenerife
14 likes • 597 views
Some insane dives with @oceandreamstenerife at El Balito. Looking forward to a few more before we leave 🤿
ollie1331
9 likes • 292 views

🧺 Picnic Spot

It's a wonderful place for a picnic with stunning sea views. Reddit :sandwich:

♻️ Pack Out Trash

Help keep this beautiful spot clean by taking your rubbish with you. Reddit :recycle:

Cada momento se vuelve algo inolvidable. El Balito.
tenerifeando_oficial
275 likes • 11.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to El Balito is rough; experienced drivers or vans are recommended. Reddit :car:

🐠 Snorkel & Dive Gear

Bring your own gear to explore the rich underwater world. Reddit :scuba_mask:

🧺 Picnic Spot

It's a wonderful place for a picnic with stunning sea views. Reddit :sandwich:

♻️ Pack Out Trash

Help keep this beautiful spot clean by taking your rubbish with you. Reddit :recycle:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(236 reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Balito is highly praised as an exceptional spot for snorkeling and diving, with deep, clear waters and abundant marine life accessible via ladders. However, the rough access road and occasional litter are noted drawbacks. Reddit+1

"Great place for snorkeling with deep waters, ladders down into the sea, rocky shelves full of fish and lots of opportunities to swim!
The road down is very bumpy and only for experienced drivers. The only let down of the place is that there is some rubbish and mess around the parking areas."

Darren MacRae

"Good diving site. The road there is a little rough, but a van can drive it.
The oacen is beautiful with lots of trompet fish and others. Down to 22m"

Morten Schrøder

"Fantastic for diving and snorkeling, I'd imagine, with crystal clear ocean water, but for passing through on a trek, it was very dirty with litter and squater shelters everywhere."

Legendary

What People Like

Fantastic diving and snorkeling
Abundant marine life
Ladder sea access

What People Dislike

Bumpy access road
Litter in parking areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The primary access to El Balito involves a very bumpy and rough road, best navigated by experienced drivers or those with a van. Reddit While some mention it's passable for vans, caution is advised. Reddit It's located in Adeje, south of Tenerife. Instagram

Yes, the road is described as very bumpy and rough, requiring careful driving. Reddit It's not recommended for standard rental cars unless you are very confident in your off-road driving skills. Reddit

Information on direct public transport to El Balito is scarce. Given the challenging road access, it's likely that a combination of bus and then a taxi or a significant walk would be required, making it less practical. Reddit

Parking is available, but the areas can sometimes be affected by litter and mess, according to some visitors. Reddit Ensure you park considerately and do not obstruct any access points. Reddit

Yes, El Balito is a popular destination for a day trip, especially for those interested in water activities. Instagram However, factor in the challenging drive time and conditions when planning your trip. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

El Balito is a natural bay and does not have an entrance fee. Access to the area and the sea is free for all visitors. Reddit

As a natural bay, El Balito does not have set opening or closing hours. It is accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

No booking is required to visit El Balito. It's a public access area, so you can simply drive or walk there. Instagram

There are no official facilities such as restrooms or changing rooms at El Balito. Visitors should come prepared and use facilities elsewhere if needed. Reddit

Yes, El Balito is excellent for swimming due to its deep waters and ladder access into the sea. Reddit The rocky shelves provide a unique entry point. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

El Balito is renowned as a fantastic spot for diving and snorkeling, with clear waters, deep sections, and abundant marine life like trumpet fish and moray eels. TikTokReddit It's also appreciated for its scenic beauty and picnic potential. InstagramReddit

You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including trumpet fish, various other fish species, and even giant moray eels. Reddit Eagle rays have also been spotted here. Instagram

Absolutely! El Balito is considered great for snorkeling, with deep waters and rocky shelves that are home to many fish. Reddit The visibility is often excellent. Reddit

Diving conditions are excellent, with depths reaching up to 22 meters. Reddit The underwater landscape is stunning and teeming with life, making it a popular site for dive training and exploration. Instagram+1

Yes, you can jump and swim in the water at El Balito. The deep waters and ladder access make it easy and enjoyable to get in and out of the sea. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

El Balito offers fantastic photo opportunities both above and below the water. Aerial shots capture the rugged coastline, while underwater photography reveals the vibrant marine life. Instagram+1

Yes, El Balito is a popular spot for drone photography, offering stunning aerial views of the bay and surrounding landscape. Instagram

You can capture incredible underwater photos of various fish species, including trumpet fish and moray eels, as well as the rocky seabed. Instagram+1

The rocky shelves themselves offer unique perspectives for photography, especially when capturing the waves or people entering the water. The aerial views from a drone are also spectacular. Instagram

Mornings often offer calmer seas and softer light, which can be ideal for both underwater and landscape photography. Instagram However, the dramatic coastline can be photogenic at various times. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Balito offers a unique experience for families, particularly those who enjoy the water. The ladder access into the sea makes it easier for children to enter the water safely, provided they are supervised. Reddit The shallow areas near the rocks can be fun for younger ones to explore, and the clear waters offer a glimpse into marine life. Reddit However, parents should be aware of the bumpy access road, which might be challenging with young children or a standard car. Reddit It's also advisable to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Reddit

🐠 Adventure Seekers & Divers

For the thrill-seekers and diving enthusiasts, El Balito is a must-visit. The deep waters and rich marine biodiversity make it a prime location for scuba diving and advanced snorkeling. TikTokReddit You can explore underwater caves and encounter impressive sea creatures like giant moray eels. Instagram Many dive centers use El Balito for training and guided dives, offering opportunities for certified divers to explore its depths. Instagram+1 The challenging access road adds to the sense of adventure, ensuring a rewarding experience for those willing to make the effort. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

El Balito provides a stunning backdrop for photographers and content creators. The dramatic coastline and rugged terrain offer unique landscape shots, especially when captured from above with a drone. Instagram Underwater photographers will find a treasure trove of subjects, from colorful fish to the intricate rock formations. Instagram The clear waters ensure excellent visibility for capturing vibrant underwater scenes. Reddit Visiting in the morning can offer softer light, ideal for both aerial and aquatic photography. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Diving and Snorkeling Paradise

El Balito is a gem for underwater enthusiasts. Divers and snorkelers alike rave about the crystal clear ocean water and the abundance of marine life. You can expect to encounter schools of fish, including the striking trumpet fish, and if you're lucky, even a giant moray eel, which can reach up to 3 meters in length. TikTokReddit The depth of the water, reaching down to about 22 meters, makes it an excellent site for both recreational diving and training. Reddit Access is made easy with ladders built into the rocky shelves, allowing for a smooth entry into this aquatic wonderland. Reddit

Several dive centers operate in the area, offering guided dives and courses, making it accessible even for beginners. Instagram+1 The underwater landscape is described as stunning, with rocky formations providing habitats for various species. Instagram Whether you're a seasoned diver or trying snorkeling for the first time, El Balito promises an unforgettable experience exploring the vibrant underwater world of Tenerife. Instagram+1

Navigating the Terrain and Environment

Getting to El Balito requires a bit of an adventure. The road leading down to the bay is notoriously bumpy and rough, often described as only suitable for experienced drivers or vans. Reddit This can be a deterrent for some, but for those who brave the journey, the reward is a less crowded and more natural experience. Instagram Despite its natural beauty, some visitors have noted that there can be rubbish and mess around the parking areas and some squatter shelters, which detracts from the pristine environment. Reddit This highlights the importance of responsible tourism and the need for visitors to pack out everything they pack in to help preserve the area's natural charm. Reddit

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