Natural swimming pools
Tenerife, one of the volcanic islands of the Canary Islands, is essentially known for its majestic Teide volcano which, despite the fact that no activity has been recorded in the last century, is still active. However, don't stress, it is currently dormant and the island has a developed volcanic earthquake monitoring system to alert us to any movement, so there is no risk in visiting the island.
One of the most interesting parts of volcanic eruptions is that after the lava slides down to the ocean's skirts and dries, it forms peculiar rock structures, such as waterholes similar to natural swimming pools. These rocks protect their visitors from the most aggressive and dangerous waves, creating a lake effect with calm waves and crystal-clear waters. These blessings of Mother Nature provide the perfect conditions for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and, above all, for snorkeling in Tenerife.
I love snorkeling, anyone who has never tried it has no idea what they're missing! The equipment isn't even a big investment, for 15€ you can already buy the goggles and the little tube to breathe - the snorkel. In my opinion, fins are optional, I don't use them, I never have, and I prefer to keep my little feet free and agile. What is advisable is to know how to swim well. If you don't have much confidence in your swim skills, you can always try using a buoy or a waterproof bag that also works as a buoy. Not only can you use it as a floating backpack while you watch the fish and make sure you don't sink, but it's also very useful for taking your most valuable belongings with you. Take a look at the picture to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.
If you decide to venture into this sport, please bear in mind that you are the invasive specie in the habitat of these little animals, so don't try to catch them or scare them, respect the sea and its inhabitants above all! ;)
Snorkeling in Charco del Viento in Tenerife
To the west of Puerto de la Cruz, in the coastal area to the north of the island, you'll find the Charco del Viento, and its baby pools, yes, because in addition to the huge "pool", there are a range of small, very shallow pools. In these, as there is no sand and not much wave movement, as they are completely protected by volcanic rocks, you can see perfectly through the water.
Some of the sea creatures I saw were the Ornate wrasse - one of the most common but still on my list of favorites, the Salema porgy with yellow stripes, the Red scorpionfish - this one gets very well camouflaged within the rocks, and the European spider crab or Maja Squinado - I got a huge fright when I overbalanced on the mossy rocks and grabbed onto a rock, then suddenly about 10 little creatures with legs came out and ran over my hand...aaaaaaah spiders!!! (…panic!...) Nope. They were just mini baby crabs ^^
And speaking of scares, aren't the lizards in Tenerife just like the doves in Piazza San Marco in Venice! They are everywhere, with the small difference that if they see you, they run away! I was snoozing very uncomfortably on a rock when I heard Alex's lazy voice: "Ana, you've got a lizard licking your foot..." I opened one eye and, as expected, faster than the Flash, the licker was gone. Later another little guy tried to bite my big toe, but what matters is that they don't have teeth, so it was just like a baby turtle bite. They are friendly and cute, but if you have some kind of aversion to reptiles, then you should take in account that this spot is crowded by lizards!
How to get to Charco del Viento
Don't follow Google Maps only and be sure to check TITSA timetables for a more accurate and actualised bus schedule.
If you're coming from Santa Cruz de Tenerife or La Laguna: take bus - guagua - number 106 (only work days) towards Estación Icod, or number 108 towards Empalme Los Realejos, and get off at the Santa Catalina stop.
From Puerto de la Cruz: bus number 363 direction Buenavista and take off at Santa Catalina.
Once you've reached the stop, follow the sign with the little arrow indicating Charco del Viento, and from there it's downhill along a small country lane for about 1.8km. The route is very easily done through banana trees and with the sound of countless lizards moving around like the people in the city during rush hour. If you're attentive, you'll be able to spot different species, sizes and colours.
Once again, be careful using only Google Maps, as the timetables when consulted on Sundays don't correspond to reality. Don't be like me, who several times wasted my Sunday at a bus stop waiting forever for a non-existent bus. You can check the up-to-date timetables on the website of TITSA - Tenerife's public transport company.
Have fun snorkeling in Charco del Viento in Tenerife!
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