Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria, often called a 'miniature continent,' offers an underwater world as diverse as its terrestrial landscape. The island's volcanic origins have sculpted a dramatic subaquatic scenery of reefs, caves, swim-throughs, and impressive drop-offs. With over 16 distinct dive sites concentrated primarily along the eastern and southern coasts, divers can explore everything from protected marine reserves teeming with life to intriguing shipwrecks. This variety provides unique experiences for every dive, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Canary Islands.
Diving is possible year-round thanks to the subtropical climate, with water temperatures ranging from 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer and visibility often exceeding 20 meters. The combination of accessible shore dives and short boat trips makes logistics simple and enjoyable. Gran Canaria is an exceptional destination for divers of all levels, offering calm, clear training grounds for beginners and challenging deep wrecks and caves for the more experienced. Its reliable conditions and abundant marine life make it a premier European diving hotspot.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Gran Canaria, Spain?
The most popular dive area in Gran Canaria, Spain is the Arinaga Marine Reserve, also known as 'El Cabrón'. As a protected zone, it boasts an incredible density and diversity of marine life, including angel sharks, rays, and huge schools of fish. Its easy shore access and multiple dive routes catering to different levels make it a must-visit for any diver on the island. The vibrant ecosystem and dramatic volcanic topography are what make it so special.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Gran Canaria, Spain?
Well-known sites include the wrecks near Mogán and the rich Arinaga Marine Reserve. For something less crowded but equally rewarding, explore Sardina del Norte on the northwest coast. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography, famed for its seahorses, nudibranchs, and octopus hiding in the volcanic reef. Pasito Blanco is another excellent, calmer option featuring a beautiful reef with abundant moray eels and trumpetfish, often overlooked by the masses.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Gran Canaria, Spain?
Water temperatures in Gran Canaria, Spain are pleasant year-round. In winter (Dec-Apr), expect temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F). During the summer months (Jul-Oct), the water warms up to a comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F). The shoulder months of May, June, and November offer a pleasant transition between these ranges. This mild temperature range makes diving a constant possibility on the island.
When is the best time to visit Gran Canaria, Spain?
You can dive in Gran Canaria, Spain all year, but the best time is often from August to November. During this period, the water is at its warmest, and underwater visibility is typically at its peak, often reaching 30 meters. However, winter (November to March) is the prime season for spotting the iconic and critically endangered Angelshark, which comes into shallower waters to breed. The weather is consistently mild, making any season a good time to visit.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Gran Canaria, Spain?
Underwater visibility when diving in Gran Canaria, Spain is generally excellent, typically ranging from 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet). The clearest conditions are usually found from late summer through autumn (August to November). Visibility can occasionally be reduced by plankton blooms, especially after spring, or by surface choppiness and swell from Atlantic storms, particularly during the winter months. However, poor visibility is rare and usually short-lived.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Gran Canaria, Spain?
The most significant seasonal event for divers in Gran Canaria, Spain is the winter aggregation of Angelsharks. From November to March, these critically endangered sharks move into shallower coastal waters to breed, making sightings very common on sandy bottoms. While you might see pelagic species like tuna and barracuda year-round, there are no large-scale migrations of manta rays or whale sharks. The reliable presence of Angelsharks in winter is the main seasonal draw.
What marine life can I expect to see in Gran Canaria, Spain?
Gran Canaria, Spain hosts a rich mix of Atlantic and subtropical marine life. Divers can commonly encounter Angelsharks (especially in winter), various rays (stingrays, eagle, butterfly), moray eels, large groupers, and schools of barracuda and bream. The reefs are vibrant with octopus, cuttlefish, parrotfish, damselfish, and trumpetfish. Macro life is also abundant, with nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimp frequently spotted. Larger encounters can include dolphins or turtles on occasion.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Gran Canaria, Spain?
For diving in Gran Canaria, Spain, a 5mm wetsuit is generally suitable for the warmer months from June to October. During the cooler winter and spring seasons (November to May), when water temperatures drop to 18-20°C, a 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended for comfort, especially for multiple dives a day. Some divers may also add a hood or a hooded vest for extra warmth during the coldest period.
How do I get to Gran Canaria, Spain?
To get to Gran Canaria, Spain, you'll fly into Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), which has numerous direct flights from major cities across Europe. It's one of Spain's busiest airports. From the airport, the main dive hubs in areas like Arinaga, Playa del Inglés, or Puerto de Mogán are easily reached via rental car, taxi, or public bus services. The island's excellent road network makes getting around straightforward.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Gran Canaria, Spain?
Diving in Gran Canaria, Spain is almost exclusively shore-based or from day boats; there are no dedicated liveaboards operating around the island. The dive sites are conveniently clustered and easily accessible from land, with most boat trips being very short. Staying in a hotel or apartment near a dive center in areas like Arinaga or Mogán is the standard and most practical option, offering flexibility and access to the island's topside attractions.