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.

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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.

Top Wildlife Sightings in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a vibrant hotspot for marine biodiversity, characterized by their rich and diverse underwater ecosystems. Common reef fish include parrotfish, wrasses, and damselfish, which are frequently sighted in the colorful coral reefs surrounding the islands. These species are a staple of the local marine environment and can be seen year-round, offering a reliable spectacle for divers.

Seasonal highlights in the Canary Islands include encounters with larger species such as angel sharks, loggerhead turtles, and stingrays. Angel sharks are often seen between December and April, particularly around sandy bottoms. Loggerhead turtles grace the waters in warmer months, making summer an ideal time for turtle enthusiasts. Stingrays, including butterfly rays, are more commonly observed in the southern parts of the islands, where they glide majestically over the seabed. Whether visiting in summer or winter, divers are likely to experience an array of fascinating marine life.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

Barracuda

20k Sightings
J
1.5k
F
988
M
1.1k
A
1.3k
M
1.1k
J
1.1k
J
2k
A
2.5k
S
2k
O
2.2k
N
2.1k
D
1.7k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Moray Eel

15k Sightings
J
775
F
561
M
714
A
902
M
911
J
978
J
1.6k
A
2.3k
S
1.8k
O
1.8k
N
1.3k
D
1.2k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Octopus

11k Sightings
J
818
F
467
M
567
A
637
M
497
J
528
J
1k
A
1.6k
S
1.5k
O
1.5k
N
1.2k
D
934

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

Eagle Ray

4k Sightings
J
174
F
125
M
196
A
230
M
263
J
284
J
617
A
691
S
397
O
374
N
218
D
385

Green Turtle

2.5k Sightings
J
213
F
161
M
127
A
130
M
175
J
174
J
262
A
316
S
273
O
273
N
212
D
220

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

Stingrays

18k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
735
M
1k
A
1.3k
M
1.4k
J
1.2k
J
1.9k
A
2.3k
S
2k
O
1.8k
N
1.3k
D
1.4k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Grouper/Basslets

18k Sightings
J
1.1k
F
661
M
1k
A
1.1k
M
1.1k
J
964
J
1.9k
A
2.5k
S
2k
O
2k
N
1.7k
D
1.5k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Trumpetfish

17k Sightings
J
1.2k
F
737
M
970
A
1.2k
M
1.1k
J
1k
J
1.7k
A
2.3k
S
1.9k
O
2k
N
1.7k
D
1.4k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 26

Angel Shark

13k Sightings
J
1.4k
F
887
M
1.1k
A
1.2k
M
1.2k
J
940
J
940
A
588
S
481
O
830
N
1.4k
D
1.9k

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

Parrotfish

10k Sightings
J
640
F
415
M
541
A
785
M
610
J
551
J
1.3k
A
1.5k
S
1.2k
O
1.1k
N
949
D
689

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

Cuttlefish

8.8k Sightings
J
676
F
435
M
522
A
675
M
517
J
540
J
932
A
1.1k
S
901
O
908
N
826
D
727

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

Flounder

6.9k Sightings
J
458
F
269
M
300
A
523
M
435
J
382
J
806
A
1.1k
S
853
O
640
N
617
D
511

Common Seahorse

4.8k Sightings
J
238
F
137
M
236
A
321
M
381
J
280
J
696
A
662
S
556
O
573
N
443
D
318

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

Crab

4.4k Sightings
J
280
F
136
M
239
A
358
M
247
J
249
J
415
A
683
S
502
O
502
N
444
D
319

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Damselfish

4.3k Sightings
J
231
F
190
M
179
A
364
M
206
J
209
J
726
A
641
S
477
O
348
N
406
D
291

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Pufferfish

4.1k Sightings
J
231
F
130
M
215
A
402
M
286
J
211
J
514
A
716
S
385
O
337
N
412
D
281

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Scorpionfish

3k Sightings
J
168
F
90
M
162
A
225
M
194
J
141
J
424
A
400
S
316
O
374
N
286
D
198

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Sand Eel

2.7k Sightings
J
204
F
88
M
131
A
159
M
205
J
111
J
265
A
465
S
297
O
227
N
279
D
249

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

Nudibranch

2.3k Sightings
J
196
F
115
M
179
A
165
M
148
J
154
J
200
A
254
S
206
O
253
N
221
D
220

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shrimp

1.7k Sightings
J
61
F
56
M
74
A
85
M
114
J
111
J
180
A
269
S
205
O
234
N
191
D
140

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Tuna

1.4k Sightings
J
113
F
64
M
65
A
116
M
118
J
67
J
173
A
184
S
171
O
173
N
99
D
96

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

Electric Ray

1.2k Sightings
J
71
F
131
M
121
A
136
M
106
J
99
J
93
A
106
S
78
O
91
N
71
D
109

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

Triggerfish

1.1k Sightings
J
59
F
16
M
75
A
131
M
79
J
84
J
136
A
212
S
80
O
110
N
79
D
29

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

Jackfish

1k Sightings
J
62
F
24
M
32
A
97
M
43
J
50
J
116
A
100
S
124
O
167
N
105
D
97

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.

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