The incredible 'underwater theme park' set to open at Spanish hotspot loved by Brits

Brits heading to could soon be able to enjoy a unique diving experience after ambitious plans took a step closer to becoming a reality.

Plans for an "Underwater Gardens" were given the green light on September 27 and will now be subject to rigorous environmental assessments before any construction work starts.

It is billed as a tourism "game changer" as an "eco-friendly" and "innovative" coastal experience, that will attract marine life to be viewed by tourists.

Described as an eco theme park, it is split across two areas - above sea - the Garden Gate and below, the regenerative underwater Sea Garden. If approved, the project will be developed in Guía de Isora, on the mid-west Tenerife coast.

Out of the water visitors will be able to learn about the ocean through fun games.

There will also be a bio lab, where visitors can learn all about local sea life, plus an underwater aquarium and indoor diving centre.

But, beneath the waves, is promised "authentic diving experiences in an underwater landscape, which has been tailor-made for the surroundings: a unique environment inspired by nature."

A seascape of artificial old archaeological relics and corals will regenerate and attract marine life, while creating an interesting backdrop for divers.

The firm behind the project said on its website: "Sea Gardens are 'Underwater Gardens' that respond in an intelligent and integrated way to the specific regeneration needs of a damaged ecosystem through Smart Enhanced Reefs (SER), a new generation of intelligent reefs that allow marine life to regenerate and increase local biodiversity.

"The SER implemented in the Sea s respond to an 'integrated marine regeneration plan', which combines the technologies developed by Underwater Gardens International and the expertise of our Scientific Consortium and technical team."

Alicia Leiracha, island director of Strategic Projects, said: "Initiatives like these help us to promote a tourism model that revolves around the concept of sustainability from its different perspectives: social, environmental and economic."

Once completed, the complex would be located in Playa Punta Blanca. The development site was previously agricultural land, primarily used for banana farming, but is now abandoned and contains several derelict buildings.

Environmental assessments, involving the Tenerife Cabildo and the Coastal Authority, are underway due to its location within the public maritime-terrestrial domain.