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Águilas snorkel guide: Shallow pools and seaweed-loving wrens at La Carolina
An exciting route through four coves, with a stone arch and damselfish along the way
Tucked away within a coastal setting of four coves, La Carolina in Águilas is a lovely spot for snorkelling, with a route along the right-hand side that's well worth following.
After entering the water, you'll come across a rocky platform that stays knee-deep for a while, before a stone barrier running parallel to the coast leads onto a sandy stretch where mullet are commonly spotted.
Following the wall further along, large stones start to appear, some of them breaking the surface here and there, before giving way to an area carpeted in Posidonia seagrass. Another wall follows, where a small arch almost reaches the surface and makes for one of the route's more memorable sights.
Rounding the rocky outcrop beyond it brings you to a shallow pool where you can stand, with clouds of damselfish darting about and wrens busily gathering strands of seaweed to build their nests during the breeding season.
The wall here is thickly covered in red algae, including Asparagopsis, an invasive species originally from Australia. Other creatures cling to the rock too, among them the sea anemone, also known as the sea tomato for its deep reddish colour. It's a striking sight, though best admired rather than touched, as it does sting.
Carrying on, the stones underfoot get progressively larger and the wall grows steeper and more vertical, dropping below 4 metres in places. This stretch, leading up to the reefs at the point, is best suited to those with freediving experience.Just before reaching the point, large boulders appear, and this is usually a sensible spot to turn back towards the start. As always, it's worth keeping an eye on conditions, as the easterly Levante wind is common in the area and can make things tricky for anyone in the water.
GPS: 37°22'30.8"N 1°37'40.9"W
Getting there: Via the RM-333. Plenty of parking and restaurants nearby.
Level: Easy / Advanced
Orientation: North-facing, sheltered from the Lebeche wind.
More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY
Address
Tourist Information Office, Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, s/n. 30880-AguilasTel: 968 493 285
Oficina de Turismo de Águilas
Águilas boasts 28 kilometres of coastline, with many fine, sandy beaches, sheltered coves and unspoilt natural beaches. It is a great summer favourite with Spanish holidaymakers, so always has a superb programme of concerts and activities throughout the summer, as well as the biggest carnival in the Region of Murcia, 40 days before Semana Santa (Easter.)
Throughout the year it also has a number of museums and historical attractions, a castle with fabulous views overlooking the bay and several other points of interest, all of which make it an good place to visit for days out. Throughout the year the tourist office runs monthly guided tours and the route of the railways, which explores the railway history of the town.
The tourist information office is located in the Plaza de Antonio Cortijos, just a short walk from the sea front and Plaza de España, a cool, shaded space in which to enjoy a coffee.
More information about Águilas including beaches, what to see, what's on and tourist information can be found on ÁGUILAS TODAY
Tourist Information Office opening times (as of 16th September 2025)
- Monday to Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.00
- Sundays & bank holidays: 10.00 to 14.00
Águilas tourist information office contact details:
- Telephone: +34 968 493285 / +34 968 493173
- WhatsApp: +34 660 474477
- Email: turismo@aguilas.es
