Large sand slide at Playa Chica

Massive change to the popular dive site

On Sunday 7th July 2024, a massive sand slide was reported by a local diving group at Playa Chica - probably the most frequented dive site on Lanzarote. The massive slide created a dangerous undertow that posed a potential danger to both swimmers and divers.

Report from Daivoon Diving Centre

The local authorities were alerted immediately and provided rapid assistance. Sections of the beach and entrances were closed and emergency services evacuated swimmers and divers from the danger zone. Reconnaissance divers were dispatched to monitor the situation underwater and provide assistance if necessary. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

 There are currently various (wild) speculations about the origin of the sand slide at Playa Chica. Here are the most popular theories:
- Lanzarote is a volcanic island, so many are thinking of a possible minor earthquake.
- Playa Chica is part of a very long reef and over the years - especially during big storms - a lot of sand has been washed up, making the coast shallower. The sand may have become loose due to its weight.
- Remodelling work on water pipes in the area may have caused slight vibrations.
- A small freshwater spring was discovered nearby, which occasionally occurs in this area. There may be a connection with the landslide.
- A giant ray (aliens, giant octopus) stirred up too much sand and triggered the sand slide :-)

After a closure, diving at Playa Chica is allowed again. Fire brigade divers have ensured that the pier and the large rocks are safe and that no further sand slides are to be expected.

However, the dive site has changed considerably - a new reef has emerged at a depth of 15-20 metres, accompanied by several sand craters.

At the same time, only about 350 metres away...

Our team prepares for a decompression dive. Double equipment, stages and scooters are thoroughly checked and the dive plan is discussed once again.
The original plan was to dive in two teams of two divers each, from our entry point at Black Beach to Playa Chica. The teams dive at different depths and are basically independent. However, if the conditions are good, they can stay within sight of the other team. But right at the start of the dive, we realise that the visibility is considerably worse than on our first dive a few hours earlier.

The two teams split up. Team 2 scoots along the reef edge in the 40 - 45 metre range. When they pause briefly at a depth of around 45 metres to look at the black coral, they notice that the sand beneath them is very churned up. Orientation becomes difficult as many of the rock formations are barely recognisable and the surroundings appear changed. A sewage pipe that is normally almost completely covered by sand is now largely exposed. The sand is not only shifting beneath them, a wall of sand is also opening up in front of them - similar to a low-hanging wall of fog, accompanied by a dull rumbling sound.

In view of the unclear situation, they decide to abort the dive and ascend safely to the first decompression stop. They move to the left, where visibility becomes a little clearer. During the ascent, they encounter unknown slopes - an unfamiliar experience.

On the surface, they realise that the entire pier is cordoned off with flutter tape. A rescue boat is in the water and a drone is in the air. Numerous emergency services and the police are on the pier and on the beach.

After a brief consultation with the emergency services, Team 2 can leave the water and shortly afterwards meets Team 1, which reports similar experiences: Changed underwater landscape, newly exposed, uncovered rocks, sand crater, hardly any visibility, rumbling noises, etc.  The teams talk to the officials and learn first-hand about the events they have witnessed unplanned.

More information:
Daivoon Diving Center
Video “Start of the slide” by Nico Decroix
Video “Playa Chica – Before and after the sandslide” by Daivoon Diving Center