La Cresta - Isla del Fraile

The Dutch cave is a small hollow situated in the southern wall of the lower part of Cabo de Cope in Calabardina, Spain. It is one of the three dives available on the Isla del Fraile with either no current or very slight current. During this dive, divers will follow along the wall, enjoying a progressive drop in depth from 5 to 25m.

Underwater, divers will be able to spot a variety of marine life, including moray and conger eels, obladas, sargos, octopuses, serranos, kinglets, and red mullet that reside on the sandy bottom. Additionally, there are grouper, sea bream, and dentex to be seen.

The dives start at a depth of 5 meters, gradually reaching a maximum depth of 18-20 meters. The site derives its name from a ridge-shaped rocky outcrop on the Isla del Fraile. The underwater topography of the area consists of a gently sloping wall adorned with large boulders and occasional landslides, leading to a coastal detrital plain. This dive route takes divers along the wall and amidst the boulders, with a meadow of Posidonia oceanica on the west side and sandy areas on the south side. Due to its westerly orientation, the site offers shelter from currents and winds.

With a visibility of 12m and a maximum depth of 18m, the Dutch cave is suitable for divers of beginner level. It is conveniently located near Isla del Fraile and the coastal path, in close proximity to El Hornillo, Águilas, and Alto Guadalentín in the Region of Murcia, Spain.