Explore Canary Islands

Located off the northwest coast of Africa, the Canary Islands offer a unique diving experience characterized by their volcanic origins and stunning underwater landscapes. Often referred to as 'The Fortunate Islands,' this Spanish archipelago is blessed with a sub-tropical climate, ensuring year-round diving opportunities. The islands' volcanic terrains have forged a captivating underwater world with prismatic rock formations, arches, tunnels, and canyons, creating natural playgrounds for divers. Dive environments range from vibrant reefs to dramatic walls and intriguing wrecks, each teeming with life and adventure. The marine reserves in the Canary Islands are a highlight for divers seeking encounters with diverse marine life. In the Arinaga Marine Reserve on Gran Canaria, divers can explore a labyrinth of tunnels and caverns, home to the elusive angel shark, cuttlefish, and graceful eagle rays. Meanwhile, El Hierro's Mar de las Calmas offers sightings of sea turtles, tuna, dolphins, and occasionally the majestic whale shark. The islands' open ocean exposure has also led to numerous shipwrecks evolving into artificial reefs, such as the six wrecks off Lanzarote's Puerto Del Carmen. Diving in the Canary Islands is predominantly conducted through day trips from local dive centers, with only a few dedicated dive resorts on the larger islands. The varied dive sites cater to all levels, from calm bays perfect for beginners to thrilling current-swept locations for advanced divers. With each island offering its distinct charm, the Canary Islands promise an unforgettable diving adventure in a region celebrated for its eternal spring and spectacular underwater vistas.

Places to Explore

Lanzarote

41 Divesites 22 Centers

Scuba diving in Lanzarote offers adventurous divers to soar amongst fantastic underwater landscapes sculpted by volcanoes, with unending caverns.

La Gomera

La Gomera diving is known as one of the best places in the world where humans can interact with cetaceans in their natural habitat.

La Palma

29 Divesites 3 Centers

Known as La Isla Bonita, la Palma offers some of the world’s most spectacular submerged volcanic landscapes and true heaven of biodiversity.

Fuerteventura

43 Divesites 6 Centers

Scuba diving in Fuerteventura is an underwater paradise of abstract landscapes with walls, cracks, caves, shoals, and canyons.

Gran Canaria

49 Divesites 10 Centers

Scuba diving Gran Canaria Island offers the widest variety of dive types in the Canary Islands.

Tenerife

53 Divesites 22 Centers

In Tenerife underwater, you will find a great diversity of flora and fauna, breath-taking rock structures, lava caves, and fantastic shipwrecks.

El Hierro

18 Divesites 4 Centers

The island of Hierro is home to an official sanctuary for a number of marine species and is for divers a heaven underwater.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

DAWN DIVES ACADEMY

Deep Diving

17 Dec 2025 + 1 more

The SSI Deep Diving Specialty will teach you all you need to dive to depths between 18 and 40 meters, through a mixture of academic sessions and open water dives. You will learn to plan and safely complete your deep diving adventures and use computers and gas consumption calculations to get the most from your deep dives. Upon completion, you will earn your SSI Deep Diving Specialty certification and be able to explore beautiful deep dive sites wherever you choose. This SSI Specialty is also a prerequisite for some advanced training, making it the next logical step to take in your dive education.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

TENERIFE DIVING ACADEMY

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

Contact the Center for more information.

React Right is SSI’s emergency first response course and provides you with the training and knowledge you need to act as a first responder in a medical emergency. In this flexible dive program, you can choose which subjects you want to learn about, including primary assessment, first aid, CPR and primary stabilization techniques. You can also learn about oxygen administration in diving emergencies and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) basics. Using a combination of academic sessions and practical training scenarios, this program will give you the tools and confidence you need for emergency response. By the time you are certified, you will be able to act as an emergency first responder, provide first aid and CPR, administer oxygen and provide AED support in a medical emergency. Earn your SSI React Right specialty certification. Get started today!

Diver Level Programs / Courses

DELPHINUS LANZAROTE S.L.

Open Water Diver

04 Dec 2025 + 1 more

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

DELPHINUS LANZAROTE S.L.

Deep Diving

Contact the Center for more information.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Scuba School Lanzarote

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

18 Nov 2025

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Buceo Norte

Diver Stress & Rescue

20 Nov 2025

The SSI Diver Stress and Rescue specialty program teaches you the skills you need to protect yourself and other divers. You will learn how to identify stress, how to prevent accidents and be taught practical techniques to conduct rescues and provide emergency care. With a combination of pool and open water practice sessions, you will become well prepared and confident at handling emergency and rescue situations. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Diver Stress and Rescue Specialty certification.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Buceo Norte

React Right - Course Combination (FA, CPR, AED, O2)

20 Nov 2025

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Blue Magma Diving, La Palma

Scooter / DPV

22 Nov 2025

If you want to make the most of your bottom time and have more fun on your dives, try underwater scooter or diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) diving. In this underwater scooter and DPV course, you will learn the skills and concepts you need to safely plan and conduct dives using scooters or DPVs. You will learn the special precautions needed for using DPVs, how to maintain buddy contact and how to control your equipment, so you can safely enjoy the new dive experiences DPVs provide. Upon completion of this program, you will earn the SSI Scooter/DPV Diving specialty certification and be able to dive up to 30 meters deep with a scooter or DPV.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Scuba School Lanzarote

Night Diving and Limited Visibility

22 Nov 2025 + 1 more

Night diving requires different skills from diving during the day. The SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty is the best way to learn about night diving and practice the techniques you will need to become a safe and confident night diver. In this program, you will be provided with all the knowledge and skills you need to safely and comfortably dive at night or in limited visibility conditions. With a combination of online learning and open water training dives, you will learn how to enter and exit the water, use specialized equipment, and how to communicate with your buddy easily at night or in limited visibility. Upon completion, you will earn the SSI Night Diving and Limited Visibility specialty certification and be ready to go night diving with confidence.

Instructor Evaluation

Aquasport Diving Lanzarote

Tauchlehrer-Bewertung - IE

22 Nov 2025

Professional Level Programs / Courses

Aquasport Diving Lanzarote

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

22 Nov 2025

Start today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to join SSI´s 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with joining the Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course combination accompanied with Digital Learning. After successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC) you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10 day training program entitles you to teach various key SSI programs independently like Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue and Dive Guide. For those who want to take more time to learn and to gain valuable teaching experience between the training programs the 3 parts can also be taken as single steps - Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE) one after the other at own pace and with a flexible schedule.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Scuba School Lanzarote

Wreck Diving

22 Nov 2025

Many of the ocean’s best dive sites are wrecks. These impressive structures attract unusually high densities of marine life and give you the chance to immerse in living history as you dive. There is nothing quite like wreck diving and the SSI Wreck Diving specialty will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become a safe and confident wreck diver. With a combination of academic and confined water sessions, you will be taught how to safely conduct non-penetration dives around wrecks and artificial reefs, up to a depth of 30 meters. You will also get to practice your wreck diving skills during open water training dives. All of which will ensure you can enjoy wreck diving with confidence and get the most out of every dive. Upon completion of this program, you will earn your SSI Wreck Diving specialty certification. Continue your adventures and become a wreck diver. Get started online today!

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★★ Montaña Amarilla

Montaña Amarilla Bay is a magical place surrounded by the walls of a volcano. Breathtaking view on the surface and spectacular underwater scenery make this location a Marine Nature Reserve. It is particularly popular for diving tourism.

★★★★☆ El Peñon (Wreck)

El Peñon is one of the best wreck dives in Tenerife. This wreck is perfect for the wreck diver specialty, but also for fun dives. Sea conditions are great for most of the year.

★★★★☆ La Lagunita

To the northeast side of Isla de Lobos, you encounter a huge volcanic platform; from 18-20m it descends towards the sand reaching 26-28 m and creates a wall in the S/N direction. Near the middle of the ridge, there is a canyon through which you can enter the platform and climb up through a hole above it.

★★★★☆ Calamareo

In this wonderful wall dive, we anchor at a depth of about 12m on top of a volcanic platform. Towards the Northeast, the reef falls vertically up to 22m and it is possible to dive in both directions, amongst overhangs where beautiful red gorgonians can be observed, small caves, cracks, passages and tunnels

★★★★☆ Marina San Miguel

Private marina just 8 kilometers south of Reina Sofia airport. Only a few centers have legal access since the entrance is from a jetty reserved for divers where the passage of boats is prohibited. There are bathrooms with showers and a bar/restaurant.

★★★★☆ Las Eras

On the East coast, this dive site it is suitable 365 days a year thanks to the breakwater wall that protects the entrance. Tidal changes can cause the formation of currents and undertow along the wall, This site is not to be underestimated.

★★★★★ Bajón del Río

Three huge mushroom-shaped volcanic rocks, formed after thousands of years of waves and currents, rise from the sandy bottom at about 15m deep creating a unique landscape. The games of light between the sand and the overhangs, cracks and lava rocks, as well as the abundance of life, create a magical atmosphere

★★★★☆ Tufia

Tufia (Playa de Tufia) located just north of the Airport. A small beach/bay is accessed via a well maintained pedestrian road from the upper car park down to waters edge, this is quite a steep hill on the way back up, it will test your aerobic abilities for sure ;-) Depth ranges from 15-21m, recommend Open water +.

★★★★☆ Palm-Mar Wall / Bufadero

Dive site only by boat, it is very popular for all levels because it is easy to find turtles. Ideal for snorkeling and training. High season may divers around.

★★★★☆ Abades Bay

Just about 15 kilometers south of the airport sits this marine protected area where you can dive all year round because it is protected by the Trade Winds.

★★★★★ Malpique - Cruces

The crosses in Malpique is probably one of the most famous dive spots in this area. You will find 39 crosses set as a monument for the martyrs of Tazacorte. Besides exploring the amazing crosses, the area surrounding the monument is a beautiful dive site as well.

★★★★☆ La Garra

The most characteristic dive at Los Cancajos beach leads you to The Claw, a popular rock surrounded by tons of fish. To get there, head along the amazing lava formations and beautiful canyons.

★★★★☆ Baja de Luis

This plateau is a huge volcanic oval-shaped rock that emerges from a bottom of sand and rocks that reaches a depth of 14m, while on top of the rock we have about 8-9 m. This little gap creates a small wall that we can follow to make a complete turn around, looking for marine life between the cracks and cuts

★★★★★ Anchors Canary

In this classic wall dive, we descend to 18m to reach the drop, from where the wall continues to fall to 25-27m: we can follow the wall on both sides towards a W/E direction. This site is called “Anchors“, because of the huge and ancient anchors that we will find on our way towards the west

★★★★★ El Cabron

Located near Arinaga, about 20 minutes journey from the centre is the Arinaga Marine Reserve, this location has 4/5 different dive routes, ranging from 10m to 31m, lots of Marine life, small caverns, swim throughs and schoals of fish in abundant supply.

Diving in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, a diver's paradise, offer a range of remarkable dive sites. Notable wreck dives include "El Condesito" near Tenerife, a shipwreck teeming with marine life, and "The Wreck of the PBY-5A Catalina" in Gran Canaria, attracting divers to its fascinating underwater history. Shore dives such as "El Cabrón" in Gran Canaria boast vibrant marine ecosystems, making them popular among divers for their accessibility and beauty.

Unique underwater experiences abound, with night dives revealing the enchanting nocturnal behaviors of marine species. Observing stingrays and octopuses under the moonlit waters is a thrilling spectacle. The balance between shore and liveaboard options caters to various dive preferences, ensuring that all adventurers can explore the underwater wonders of the Canary Islands at their leisure or with guided excursions.

The best Months to Dive in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands offer excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 18°C–24°C/64°F–75°F. Visibility typically extends to 30 meters/98 feet, providing divers with clear views of vibrant marine life and volcanic underwater landscapes. The archipelago's location in the Atlantic Ocean results in stable conditions, making it a popular diving destination.

Diving is possible throughout the year, though conditions can vary with the seasons. Winter months, particularly December to February, may bring stronger winds and currents, which can affect diving experiences. However, these factors are generally mild, ensuring that divers can enjoy their trips with proper planning and guidance. Overall, the Canary Islands provide a reliable and diverse diving experience no matter the season.