Scuba diving in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Scuba diving in Gran Canaria is year-round Atlantic diving on a volcanic island: lava reefs, arches, and rocky walls, with angel sharks, rays, and large schools of fish in cooler, clearer water than you might expect so close to Africa. From Las Palmas, you can shore dive right in the city at Las Canteras beach or head to the island's east and south coasts for the marine reserve at El Cabrón and a handful of wrecks.

The signature dives

El Cabrón, near Arinaga on the east coast, is Gran Canaria's best-known dive site and a protected marine area: a shore dive over volcanic arches, caves, and reefs where angel sharks, stingrays, octopus, barracuda, and trumpetfish are regular sights. Sardina del Norte, near Gáldar on the northwest coast, is a sheltered shore dive from a small harbor, known for its fish life and a good chance of angel sharks and rays, especially in the cooler months. In Las Palmas itself, the natural reef called La Barra shelters Las Canteras beach, making it a shallow, easy shore dive and snorkel spot inside the city. In the south, the resort towns around Mogán and Arguineguín offer boat dives to artificial reefs and small wrecks.

Conditions and season

The Canary Current keeps the water cooler than the Mediterranean in summer and warmer in winter: roughly 64–66 °F (18–19 °C) from late winter to spring, rising to about 73–75 °F (23–24 °C) in late summer and early autumn. Most divers wear a 5 mm or 7 mm suit, with a hood in winter. Visibility is often 50–100 ft. The northeast trade winds can make the north coast rough, especially in summer, while the east and south coasts are more sheltered. There is no real off-season, and the island rarely gets hurricanes.

Good to know

• Most of the island's classic dives are shore dives; operators handle entry and exit, which can involve rocky beaches and surge.
• El Cabrón is a marine reserve with rules against fishing and taking anything — dive with a local operator who knows the entry points and current conditions.
• Angel sharks are protected in the Canaries; keep your distance and never touch them.
• Las Palmas is a real city, so combining diving with food, culture, and nightlife is easy; many divers split their stay between Las Palmas and the sunnier south.

Who it suits: divers who want easy year-round access to Atlantic diving, from beginners on sheltered shore sites to photographers chasing angel sharks, arches, and volcanic scenery.