Gran Canaria, with it’s well-developed Tourist Infrastructure and numerous Dive Schools, is a great place to learn to dive. Water Temperatures vary from about 18°C in the winter to 26°C in the late Summer, making it a comfortable dive location throughout the year. More experienced Divers will enjoy the numerous Wrecks that are located around Las Palmas Port as well as the stunning underwater Volcanic Scenery. Divers of every ability will appreciate the visibility of between 15 and 30 metres.
Marine Life
While the coastal parts of Gran Canaria are very arid (you have to drive into the interior to see some greenery), the world under the water is a different story. Close to the shore, colourful fish such as Turkish Wrasse, Damselfish, Cardinalfish and Parrotfish are common and can be seen while snorkelling.
A little further from the shore and the attractions include Angelshark, Schools of Barracuda, Brown, Dotted and Tiger Moray Eels as well several types of Sting Ray. If you are lucky, you may even get to see Loggerhead Turtles, Sea Cucumbers, Fireworms (do not touch!) and Seahorses.
More localised highlights for the scuba diver include huge Gorgonias, Garden Eel Colonies and Hexacorals (found only in the Canaries).
Dive Sites
El Cabrón Marine Reserve
With over 400 species found in this area, El Cabrón Marine Reserve gained Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) Status in 2001 and is probably the most famous Dive Site on the Island. The Volcanic Scenery is also stunning with numerous caves,arches and overhangs.
Apparently the Reserve is named after a Spanish Conquistador rather than the derogatory word (Cabrón is quite a rude word in Spanish).
El Pajar Shipwreck
This is a 30m Russian Hydrofoil Ferry that sank in 2003. It lies upright at a depth of 18m and can be entered in a number of places including the large panoramic windows. The interior is still largely intact and Stingrays can be found under the hull of the ship.
Mogan Wrecks
Two boats (one is now broken up) have been especially sunk for the Tourist Submarine in this resort. Lots of fish use the wrecks for shelter and it possible to dive at the same time as the Submarine.
Wrecks of Las Palmas
Las Palmas has been an important port for centuries and has many shipwrecks.
One of the highlights is the Kalais, a 100m Cargo Vessel which sank in the 1980s. Suitably qualified divers can enter the Engine Rooms and Cargo Hold, where the cargo of cement bags is still intact.
Outside the wreck is patrolled by a large school of Barracuda.
La Catedral
This is a dive for the experienced diver only – and only if the weather conditions are right.
La Catedral is a huge underwater Cavern accessible through some large holes in it’s ceiling. The 30m high cavern looks spectacular with the light pouring in from the holes above.
Pasito Blanco
This reef lies 2km from the southern coast of the island. There are plenty of Barracuda, Moray Eels and Reef Fish here as well as Stingrays in the surrounding Sand.
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