Runway 10
Day and night diving excellence just three minutes from the marina
Runway 10 earns its name from its position directly offshore of San Salvador airport's Runway 10 approach. This proximity to civilization belies exceptional diving, with the wall dropping from 40 feet to a ledge at 200 feet before becoming vertical again. Just three minutes by boat from Riding Rock Marina, the site delivers remarkable accessibility for both day and night exploration.
The wall edge here hosts numerous large coral heads ranging from 40 to 60 feet before dropping sharply to 100 feet. Elephant ear sponges dominate the 60-100 foot zone, while hammerhead sharks occasionally cruise parallel to the wall above the deep ledge during winter months.
Wall Profile and Structure
Runway 10 offers a wall experience accessible to all certification levels. The boat moors near the wall edge at approximately 40 feet, where the drop-off presents numerous large coral heads varying from 40 to 60 feet before plunging to 100 feet.
A sloping ledge continues from 100 feet down to 200 feet before the wall becomes truly vertical. This stepped profile allows divers to choose their depth exposure while still experiencing dramatic wall scenery. The 60-100 foot range showcases particularly beautiful elephant ear sponges and varied coral encrustation.
Day Diving Highlights
Daytime dives reveal schools of grunts hovering around the reef top, along with friendly groupers and mutton snappers that have become comfortable with regular diver presence. Sand patches between coral heads shelter queen conch, yellow head jawfish, and yellow stingrays.
Hammerhead sharks occasionally appear parallel to the wall above the deep ledge, particularly during winter months. These sightings, while not guaranteed, represent memorable bonuses at this accessible site.
Night Diving Excellence
Runway 10 truly shines after dark, when a different cast of characters emerges. Basket starfish unfurl their intricate arms, octopuses hunt across the reef, and crabs of various species venture from their daytime hiding spots.
Pufferfish, lobsters, and occasional rare nudibranchs reward patient night divers with lights. The site's proximity to the marina makes it ideal for night diving logistics, allowing comfortable surface intervals at the resort before the evening expedition.
Getting there
Runway 10 sits directly offshore of San Salvador airport's approach path, making it the closest wall dive to Riding Rock Marina at just 3 minutes by boat. This accessibility makes it particularly popular for night dives and as a convenient second dive when conditions limit travel to distant sites.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Runway 10 good for new wall divers?
- Yes, the site is excellent for those new to wall diving. The gradual profile from 40 to 60 feet allows acclimatization before encountering steeper drops, and the proximity to the marina provides comfort for less experienced divers.
- How often are hammerheads seen at Runway 10?
- Hammerhead sightings are occasional rather than reliable, occurring primarily during winter months when these sharks move through San Salvador's waters. They typically cruise parallel to the wall above the deep ledge.
- What makes Runway 10 special for night diving?
- The three-minute boat ride eliminates lengthy night navigation, the wall structure provides interesting topography to explore, and the resident nocturnal creatures including basket starfish, octopuses, and rare nudibranchs make every night dive productive.