Diving and Other Water Sports in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are an archipelago made up of seven volcanic islands located in the Atlantic Ocean. The primary spoken language is Spanish with English as the secondary. Millions of tourists flock to the Canary Islands each year in search of the perfect island vacation. Inland tours to the Mt. Teide volcano, bike tours of individual islands and boating tours are just a few of the exciting adventures that await in the Canaries.

Due to the location of the Canaries, a winter vacation is just as desirable as one taken in the summer. Water temperatures reach about 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months and 63 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. Diving during the summer months is often more comfortable in a 7mm semidry suit; however a 5mm wetsuit will suffice any time of year. Some divers prefer a dry suit with hood and gloves during the winter months. The water is warmest from June through October.

Diving in Tenerife

Tenerife's impressive coastline doesn't stop at the water. Like the other islands, underwater visibility is 65 to 100 feet and very impressive. The eruptions that formed the islands a hundred years ago are still evident in the sub-marine landscape. Marine life surrounding Tenerife is much the same as the other islands, and includes scorpionfish, trumpetfish and parrotfish.

Diving in La Palma

Prime diving areas in La Palma include landscapes similar to those in Lanzarote or Tenerife, but La Palma's waters also include an aircraft wreck. Some of the more prominent marine life in La Palma includes the scarlet sea fan, yellow sea fan, triggerfish and black coral.

Diving in Lanzarote

Lanzarote is a favourite dive destination for many divers worldwide. Underwater visibility in the waters around Lanzarote is 65 to 100 feet. Marine life includes angel sharks, moray eels, damselfish, groupers and many others. The occasional hammerhead shark is also known to inhabit the waters of Lanzarote.

Shipwrecks, natural caves and tunnels add to the thrill of diving in Lanzarote. Underwater landmarks have been named by various people over the years. During a visit to Lanzarote you may hear diving locations such as the 'cathedral' which is an underwater cave to the left of the Playa de la Barrilla Bay near Puerto del Carmen.

Diving in the Canaries

The mild climate of the islands makes them the perfect location for water sports. Sailing, fishing, diving, yachting and jet skiing are some of the most popular activities enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. In fact, many locally owned rental shops offer everything water sport enthusiasts need for a great island vacation. Any of several dive centers or schools can also help plan your excursion. Dive schools are found on almost all of the Canary Islands. Schools offer classes for every level of diver, from beginner to expert, as well as tour information for each island.

Scuba diving in the shallows is also very popular among tourists who wish to remain closer to dry land, but still want to experience the marine life surrounding the islands. Scuba diving allows beginners or even expert divers the ability to interact with marine life. Several diving companies allow divers to hand feed the fish and stingrays, offering a very up-close and personal view of some amazing marine creatures.