mystery pipes uncovered playa jardin tenerife

Mystery Pipes Uncovered on Tenerife’s Playa Jardín Beach

Second Mystery Pipe Exposed on Tenerife Beach

The powerful and near-unprecedented Atlantic swell battering the north coast of Tenerife this winter and spring has uncovered a second large-diameter pipe in the main cove of Puerto de la Cruz’s Playa Jardín. Canarias Ahora has photographed the exposed end of this new pipe, which was revealed by the waves in recent days, following a similar discovery in the same area last February.

A Hazard on the Shoreline

The newly exposed section features a threaded connector or mouth of significant size, practically immovable, and appears to continue deep into the sand. Its dimensions match those of the pipe found earlier. Until recently hidden, it posed a potential tripping hazard or risk of injury to the bare feet of bathers and walkers, who frequently stroll along this popular beach’s shoreline.

History Repeating

In February, as shown in widely shared photos and video, the sea uncovered a much longer pipe with several raised branches during a season that has stripped away far more sand than usual. At that time, the local council stated they were unaware of the pipe’s function and had it removed, though they did not clarify its full length or whether any official records of the installation existed in the town hall archives.

The Search for Answers

Investigations by Canarias Ahora with former mayors and councillors responsible for Environmental affairs suggest the pipes—potentially up to four in total—were installed approximately 30 years ago. Initial information from some sources indicates their purpose may have been to discharge brine from the facilities of Loro Parque, which had incorporated or was planning to add orcas to its animal shows at the time. However, this cannot be confirmed with certainty.

Deepening the Mystery

Neither the national Coastal Authority nor the Canary Islands regional government have any record of permits or files relating to these pipes. This lack of documentation deepens the mystery on a beach that was closed for a full year due to sewage discharges, a scandal which sparked major public protests, damaged the tourist and environmental image of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, and the wider Canaries, and was even cited as a partial justification for the vote of no confidence against then-mayor Marco González (PSOE) on 16 August 2024.

With evidence now of two large pipes, the enigma of these installations buried in the sand of a key north Tenerife cove has only grown.

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