“This park serves as a gateway to understanding and appreciating nature. “We aim to establish a positive interdependent relationship between the environment and tourism.” With this vision, Underwater Gardens Tenerife emerges as a venture that will merge science, tourism, and education in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
This regenerative park, spanning 10.6 hectares, is slated for development in the municipality of Guía de Isora, specifically in the zone known as Punta Blanca, nestled between Alcalá and Varadero. It will provide a recreational experience aimed at educating visitors on the regeneration of marine ecosystems, both in terrestrial and aquatic settings.
The project has been in progress since 2022 as an Island Interest Project (PII) with the Tenerife Cabildo, representing a significant milestone in the approval process, though it still requires technical and political backing from other authorities for completion. Additionally, last August, the Cabildo issued a decree to initiate the environmental assessment procedure, and this “sustainable tourism” initiative is currently progressing through the necessary processes.
The park is anticipated to be completed by 2028, with 2026 earmarked as the year construction is scheduled to commence. Its promoters have informed this publication that the project scope document will be released in the coming weeks.
Marc García-Durán Huet, founder and CEO of Underwater Gardens, has devoted 18 years to planning and developing this initiative. Over this period, he has meticulously sought the ideal location to bring his vision to fruition, ultimately discovering the perfect site in Tenerife. Locations from Dubai to various European destinations and the Caribbean fell short of meeting the essential criteria for this pioneering regenerative park.
The coast of Isora provided the optimal conditions for realising his concept. The founder explains his choice of the island’s southwest coastline: “It is a stretch of land in a state of degradation, comprising a substantial area of common rustic land and rustic environmental protection zones that are neglected. Furthermore, it encompasses a marine area with a high vulnerability to biodiversity loss in a specially protected conservation zone. All of this is set against a backdrop of exceptional scenic value, showcasing views of La Gomera, the Cliffs of Los Gigantes, and the magnificent Teide.”
García-Durán describes his vision as a “novel approach to redefining the relationship between humanity and the environment.” It currently still functions within the theme park classification and has not yet been officially acknowledged as a regenerative park, due to the significance of this designation. “Tenerife will become a global benchmark for this model,” he asserts.
A New Pact with Nature
The Underwater Gardens Tenerife project emerges fundamentally as a response to the pressing need to combat biodiversity loss and the impacts of climate change, as highlighted by its advocates. In pursuit of this ambitious objective, the park is centred on the water cycle, aiming to connect individuals with the sea and the natural world through immersive and emotive experiences. “I do not advocate imposing ideas but rather inviting contemplation,” states the project representative.
The sea is no longer regarded merely as a “blue surface” but is redefined as the source of all life. Through interactive experiences, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about their vital role in both mitigating and adapting to climate change.
This project will therefore incorporate the principles of circular and blue economies, establishing a sustainable model. It will synergise the regeneration of marine ecosystems with the mindful use of their resources, drawing inspiration from natural processes to foster biodiversity and ecological resilience. Simultaneously, it will implement circular economy practices, including recycling materials, harnessing renewable energy, and adopting sustainable designs to minimise its environmental footprint.
Underwater Gardens Tenerife will comprise two key zones: Garden Gate and Sea Garden. The former entails “recreational and educational facilities and activities that encourage visitors to explore and learn about the ocean through enjoyment and interaction,” as detailed on the company’s website. The latter, serving as the essence of the leisure infrastructure, “provides genuine diving experiences within a custom-designed underwater landscape: a unique environment inspired by nature.”
The facilities will boast a diverse array of immersive offerings within these areas, including training pools for divers, explorative spaces featuring native species, scientific laboratories, and an educational museum alongside other attractions, although García-Durán notes that “we are unable to disclose all the details.”
This initiative has been crafted to provide visitors with an engaging and participatory method of learning about nature, promoting connection and reverence for the marine ecosystem.
For instance, on the terrestrial strip of the site, efforts will focus on regenerating native species such as the tabaibal cardonal. Additionally, the museum will offer insights into the local fauna, flora, and ecosystem.
Integration into the Environment
A primary objective in the development of Underwater Gardens is ensuring seamless integration of the park with its natural surroundings. The pavilions, thoughtfully positioned to the right, are designed to not only provide comfort but also to blend harmoniously with the landscape. “Upon close inspection, the park is enveloped by banana trees, and from any angle, its colour and texture meld with the environment. Our efforts have focused on achieving integration while respecting the orogenesis and natural character of the Island’s southwest slope,” explains its founder.
The most significant…
A New Economic Model
The approach that Underwater Gardens is proposing aims to create a novel economic paradigm for this type of infrastructure. As explained by its founder, it entails a system where “tourism underpins scientific research.”
So far, €7 million has been invested in such studies, forming part of a total projected initial investment of €70 million for the overall construction. The park has collaborated with 23 teams from scientific institutions and is currently undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the marine ecosystem in the region, gathering data for over a year and a half to comprehend the existing state of the environment where this centre will be situated.
Within this framework, one of the core goals of the facility revolves around its environmental and social legacy. Consequently, Underwater Gardens Tenerife aspires to serve as a model that can be replicated globally, showcasing the potential to harmonise tourism with ecological restoration.
As Jordi Van Oostenryck, the operations and communications director, notes, “this model will be an international benchmark.”
Supporting Local Commerce
Underwater Gardens Tenerife is designed as a recreational option that complements other tourist attractions on the Island. Van Oostenryck emphasises this point, asserting that the park is dedicated to providing an “innovative and sustainable” experience.
Another vital aspect lies in its engagement with Canarian society, focusing on bolstering the local economy and celebrating the traditions of the Archipelago. To achieve this, educational initiatives will be introduced in schools and universities, alongside the creation of markets, shops, and cultural events designed to promote and preserve the Canarian identity among visitors to the park. “We want people to take pride in this park, not only for their support of local traditions but also for their dedication to the environment,” stresses García-Durán.
The initiative also seeks to rejuvenate local customs and mitigate the impacts of globalisation, positioning Tenerife as a sustainable and distinctive destination. “Folklore and local enterprises are in decline,” the management warns, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard indigenous culture.
As summarised by its ideologue: “This marks the onset of a cultural shift that will redefine our responsibility towards the environment.”
A Consortium Revitalising Europe’s Seas
Founded in 2016, Underwater Gardens is now a member of the Ocean Citizen consortium, which oversees projects like the Sea Garden regenerative park in Macaronesia and pioneering underwater gardens across Europe. Presently, it operates in Barcelona, Tenerife, Norway, and Denmark, with aspirations for global expansion. The consortium comprises 23 partners from 9 nations, including universities, research institutions, and NGOs.
