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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  • Open Water Diver

    Open Water Diver

    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.Here’s what we’ll cover in your SSI Open Water Diver courseWith this course, you’ll earn your first diving license, allowing you to dive independently. This means you can dive with a buddy who holds the same certification or higher.It also certifies you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters.Theory sectionThe theory part of the SSI Open Water Diver course offers you complete flexibility. You can study from the comfort of your home, or anywhere you prefer, at your own pace, using SSI’s digital learning kit through the MySSI app.This resource includes everything you need to learn: manuals, videos, knowledge reviews, quizzes, and exams.This setup allows you the option to reserve your time at the dive centre only for the practical aspects of the course, without sacrificing holiday time for studying.Across six chapters, you’ll delve into the fundamental principles of diving:You’ll learn proper equipment use and safety protocols.You’ll understand how your body responds in an underwater environmentYou’ll master essential techniques such as pressure equalization and underwater control.You’ll grasp the importance of having a dive buddy, dive planning strategies, and emergency procedures.With this solid groundwork, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the waters of Gran Canaria and beyond with confidence and self-assurance.Confined water sessionsGet ready to dive into the confined water sessions of the SSI Open Water Diver course, directly in the ocean!It will be a safe and controlled experience at the beach, at depths of less than 5 meters, ideal for relaxed and enjoyable learning.Under the expert guidance of your instructor, you’ll focus on mastering essential diving skills:Setting up and adjusting dive equipment: You’ll learn to prepare your gear in a real environment, adapting from the start to sea conditions.Breathing techniques: Discover how to breathe underwater using the regulator, enjoying the marine environment and the feeling of freedom.Mastering buoyancy control: Refining buoyancy control: Master the art of moving gracefully underwater, fine-tuning your buoyancy for complete control.Mastery of problem-solving techniques: You’ll learn to calmly and effectively address challenges, equipping you to handle any unexpected situations that arise.These sessions will not only boost your confidence and skills gradually, but also uniquely connect you with the marine environment.Learning in the sea from the beginning allows better adaptation to real conditions and enjoyment of underwater life in its natural habitat.Have fun learning right from the start.Open water divesGet ready to dive into the open waters and the wonderful ocean of Gran Canaria during the 4 dives of the SSI Open Water course!You’ll apply everything you’ve learned in confined waters and develop essential skills to become a confident and capable diver.Throughout these dives, you’ll refine your buoyancy control and master crucial techniques. You’ll learn to adapt to the marine environment while discovering the breathtaking underwater landscapes of Gran Canaria.Each dive is carefully crafted to enhance your confidence and independence as a diver. From emergency procedures to navigation and guided explorations, each moment underwater prepares you for the next step on your diver life.During these dives, you’ll venture deeper to truly immerse yourself in the sensation of diving and become one with the marine environment. You’ll dive to depths of up to 12 meters in the initial two dives and a maximum of 18 meters in the final two.Each dive session is divided into two segments: one for practicing skills and exercises learned in confined waters, and another for enjoying a relaxing underwater excursion. This combination allows you to consolidate what you’ve learned while enjoying the beauty of the ocean in the company of your instructor.How long does the Open Water Course take?You can complete the theoretical portion of the course online before arriving in Gran Canaria for the practical segment. This allows you to maximize your holiday time without the concern of studying while here.However, we’re always available to assist should you require any help or have questions.To complete the practical water sessions, you’ll need three sessions scheduled on separate mornings:The first session runs from 8:00 to 14:30 hours.The second session runs from 8:00 to 13:30 hours.The third session also runs from 8:00 to 13:30 hours.These sessions do not need to be consecutive. You can select your preferred start date and discuss subsequent days, or book all three days directly. We recommend scheduling early in your vacation to allow for additional dives afterward and ample time before your return flight.

    BROTHERS DIVING, Gran Canaria, Calle las Dalias 12, local 48, 35100, San Agustin, ICP, ESP
    May 15, 2026 +197 More
    $643.08
    €549.00
    Try Scuba in Gran Canaria: your love story with the ocean starts here

    Try Scuba in Gran Canaria: your love story with the ocean starts here

    You don’t need experience, equipment, or a secret past life as a sea creature. Just the urge to try something amazing.When you are thinking about trying scuba… but don’t know where to start?We get it. The ocean has a vibe — mysterious, wild, kind of magical. And yeah, also a little intimidating at first.The doubts creep in:What if I can’t breathe down there?What if I freak out?What if the wetsuit doesn’t fit?Breathe in. You’re good.This is exactly what the Try Scuba experience in Gran Canaria is for: To dip your toes in and get a feel for scuba diving, with zero pressure and a pro right by your side.No military drills. No final exams.Just your first real underwater adventure: marine life, bubbles, and that epic moment when you realize, “Wait… I’m breathing underwater!”Here's what we'll do during your Try Scuba1. You’ll meet us at the diving centre and complete some mandatory paperwork, which includes a medical questionnaire.2. Next, we’ll train you for 30 minutes on scuba diving equipment, breathing techniques, underwater skills and safety measures.3. It’s time to try your wetsuit on and the rest of the scuba diving gear to ensure you have the right size that fits you.4. We are now driving to the dive site. It can take up to 25 minutes depending on the chosen spot. We always decide the dive site on the day as we ensure to choose a place where weather conditions are suitable for a beginner dive. Usually, our top 3 sites are Risco Verde, Playa de Tufia and Playa de Amadores. They provide an easy entry and exit point to ensure you get the best from your experience.5. Finally, let’s get ready and jump in the clear waters of Gran Canaria for your Try Dive, where you’ll enjoy this incredible experience. After some minutes gain some confidence with your new breathing unit and feeling relaxed we will start our descent into the adventure!

    BROTHERS DIVING, Gran Canaria, Calle las Dalias 12, local 48, 35100, San Agustin, ICP, ESP
    May 15, 2026 +197 More
    $115.97
    €99.00

    Dive Activity

    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 approx.: 27

    Barracuda

    Barracuda

    20k Sightings
    J
    1.5k
    F
    1.2k
    M
    1.3k
    A
    1.4k
    M
    1.2k
    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 approx.: 200

    Moray Eel

    Moray Eel

    16k Sightings
    J
    777
    F
    722
    M
    939
    A
    1.2k
    M
    987
    J
    981
    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 approx.: 300

    Octopus

    Octopus

    12k Sightings
    J
    816
    F
    565
    M
    707
    A
    804
    M
    559
    J
    529
    J
    1k
    A
    1.6k
    S
    1.5k
    O
    1.5k
    N
    1.2k
    D
    941

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

    Total number of species approx.: 25

    Eagle Ray

    Eagle Ray

    4.1k Sightings
    J
    171
    F
    166
    M
    216
    A
    294
    M
    293
    J
    290
    J
    627
    A
    691
    S
    398
    O
    371
    N
    219
    D
    387
    Green Turtle

    Green Turtle

    2.6k Sightings
    J
    213
    F
    171
    M
    142
    A
    152
    M
    185
    J
    174
    J
    262
    A
    316
    S
    273
    O
    273
    N
    215
    D
    221

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

    Total number of species approx.: 80

    Stingrays

    Stingrays

    19k Sightings
    J
    1.1k
    F
    912
    M
    1.3k
    A
    1.7k
    M
    1.5k
    J
    1.2k
    J
    2k
    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 approx.: 250

    Grouper/Basslets

    Grouper/Basslets

    18k Sightings
    J
    1.1k
    F
    846
    M
    1.3k
    A
    1.4k
    M
    1.2k
    J
    968
    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 approx.: 3

    Trumpetfish

    Trumpetfish

    18k Sightings
    J
    1.3k
    F
    948
    M
    1.2k
    A
    1.4k
    M
    1.2k
    J
    1k
    J
    1.7k
    A
    2.3k
    S
    1.9k
    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 approx.: 26

    Angel Shark

    Angel Shark

    14k Sightings
    J
    1.4k
    F
    1.2k
    M
    1.3k
    A
    1.4k
    M
    1.3k
    J
    946
    J
    942
    A
    591
    S
    481
    O
    834
    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 approx.: 100

    Parrotfish

    Parrotfish

    11k Sightings
    J
    643
    F
    503
    M
    658
    A
    975
    M
    691
    J
    553
    J
    1.3k
    A
    1.5k
    S
    1.2k
    O
    1.1k
    N
    943
    D
    694

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

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    Cuttlefish

    Cuttlefish

    9.1k Sightings
    J
    676
    F
    490
    M
    601
    A
    766
    M
    549
    J
    544
    J
    945
    A
    1.1k
    S
    896
    O
    910
    N
    826
    D
    730

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

    Total number of species approx.: 120

    Flounder

    Flounder

    7.3k Sightings
    J
    460
    F
    360
    M
    428
    A
    636
    M
    490
    J
    383
    J
    806
    A
    1.1k
    S
    853
    O
    638
    N
    617
    D
    512
    Common Seahorse

    Common Seahorse

    5.2k Sightings
    J
    241
    F
    247
    M
    314
    A
    413
    M
    434
    J
    282
    J
    696
    A
    662
    S
    556
    O
    575
    N
    444
    D
    318

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

    Total number of species approx.: 7000

    Crab

    Crab

    4.5k Sightings
    J
    281
    F
    167
    M
    273
    A
    417
    M
    276
    J
    249
    J
    415
    A
    684
    S
    502
    O
    503
    N
    446
    D
    316

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

    Total number of species approx.: 350

    Damselfish

    Damselfish

    4.4k Sightings
    J
    232
    F
    230
    M
    199
    A
    411
    M
    226
    J
    210
    J
    726
    A
    642
    S
    477
    O
    349
    N
    405
    D
    292

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

    Total number of species approx.: 130

    Pufferfish

    Pufferfish

    4.3k Sightings
    J
    224
    F
    192
    M
    269
    A
    474
    M
    327
    J
    211
    J
    514
    A
    718
    S
    385
    O
    337
    N
    411
    D
    279

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

    Total number of species approx.: 250

    Scorpionfish

    Scorpionfish

    3.2k Sightings
    J
    168
    F
    129
    M
    183
    A
    270
    M
    263
    J
    148
    J
    425
    A
    401
    S
    316
    O
    374
    N
    287
    D
    199

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

    Total number of species approx.: 30

    Sand Eel

    Sand Eel

    2.8k Sightings
    J
    204
    F
    128
    M
    152
    A
    164
    M
    211
    J
    113
    J
    265
    A
    466
    S
    297
    O
    227
    N
    280
    D
    251

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3000

    Nudibranch

    Nudibranch

    2.7k Sightings
    J
    196
    F
    220
    M
    306
    A
    253
    M
    197
    J
    154
    J
    200
    A
    255
    S
    206
    O
    253
    N
    221
    D
    221

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

    Total number of species approx.: 3400

    Shrimp

    Shrimp

    1.8k Sightings
    J
    71
    F
    75
    M
    109
    A
    100
    M
    126
    J
    111
    J
    180
    A
    270
    S
    205
    O
    234
    N
    191
    D
    141

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

    Total number of species approx.: 15

    Tuna

    Tuna

    1.5k Sightings
    J
    113
    F
    76
    M
    65
    A
    105
    M
    121
    J
    67
    J
    173
    A
    192
    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 approx.: 60

    Electric Ray

    Electric Ray

    1.3k Sightings
    J
    71
    F
    183
    M
    137
    A
    139
    M
    108
    J
    101
    J
    93
    A
    106
    S
    78
    O
    91
    N
    71
    D
    110

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Triggerfish

    Triggerfish

    1.2k Sightings
    J
    60
    F
    24
    M
    92
    A
    148
    M
    97
    J
    84
    J
    136
    A
    214
    S
    80
    O
    110
    N
    78
    D
    29

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

    Total number of species approx.: 150

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    Sweetlips and Grunts

    1k Sightings
    J
    74
    F
    63
    M
    69
    A
    94
    M
    80
    J
    33
    J
    97
    A
    156
    S
    88
    O
    130
    N
    100
    D
    51

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

    Total number of species approx.: 40

    Jackfish

    Jackfish

    1k Sightings
    J
    62
    F
    15
    M
    44
    A
    101
    M
    45
    J
    50
    J
    116
    A
    101
    S
    124
    O
    167
    N
    104
    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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