Located southeast of Tenerife, Gran Canaria is the third-largest island in the Canary Islands belonging to Spain. Surrounded by 236 kilometres of coastline and a multitude of impressive dive sites, Gran Canaria is known as one of the best places to dive in Europe. The island’s volcanic origins have led to the formation of incredible topography below the water’s surface, from cave-systems to series of arches and tunnels. Wrecks can be explored as well as several impressive natural reef ecosystems, thriving with island grouper - endemic to the Canaries - and angel shark. Gran Canaria and the associated Canary Islands have been recognised as a special place for marine biodiversity, with marine species from the Mediterranean, the Carribean, the Atlantic as well as from Africa.
Located around Gran Canaria are several dive centres and dive resorts ready to help you explore the surrounding blue. Many of the dive centres will use their own vessels to visit dive sites nearby to them while also offering transport to all of the other impressive sites of Gran Canaria. Many of the dive centres are certified to run dive courses, where Discover Scuba to Divemaster certification is possible. To the north, the capital Las Palmas is an important stop for the liveaboards visiting the Canary Islands.
In the waters surrounding the resort towns of Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico, there are numerous coves and bays ideal for novice dive courses and a few off-shore dive sites such as Pasito Blanco, are relatively easy dives at depths between 15-25 metres. There are also several small wreck sites such as the Mogan Wrecks. The best diving area of the island is unquestionably the Arinaga Marine Reserve on the east coast, better known as El Cabron. Here, caves, tunnels, and arches are found cut into the volcanic rock.
The north-west coast is largely inaccessible as it is subjected to strong swells so the only site frequented is Sardina del Norte, a shallow shore dive between reefs and rocks. At La Palmas in the northeast, the best wreck diving can be found, with La Catedral - a cavern dive - being the other most significant site.
Many of the local people - Canarios - will say that Gran Canaria offers an eternal spring, with mild temperatures and sunshine throughout the year. July and August are the hottest months of the year, with water temperature oscillating between 20°C and 24°C. In January to February, the accommodation rates are the highest due to the high number of tourists. The best time for scuba diving in Gran Canaria is between April and October when the water temperature is the most comfortable and there are fewer tourists, however, most of the dive centres are open year-round.
Beneath the surface, visibility often stretches beyond 30-metres with a whole host of marine life to witness. In Gran Canaria’s winter and spring, there is a greater chance of encountering angel sharks, filefish and rays while seahorse and triggerfish are more common in the summer. Throughout the year, whales and dolphins can be spotted riding the waves off the coast.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
