Under the sea! Natural wealth and diving locations

FMHOY - Fuerteventura

The waters of the Canary Islands are a paradise waiting to be discovered. Their crystal clear waters, marine fauna, pleasant average temperature of around 20 degrees, and idyllic locations make this a perfect environment for diving and snorkelling.

It is estimated that we have only explored 5% of the oceans and this mass of water represents 70% of the earth’s surface, which means three-quarters of the planet. What is below the water is definitely still a mystery to be explored, and the Canaries are one of the best locations to enjoy its underwater treasures.

In the Canaries, there are about 4 500 known marine species, such as fish, molluscs, arthropodous and cnidaria, such as corals, anemones or jellyfish. Which are the best diving locations? In truth, all the islands’ marine floorsare of great natural value, but if we have to highlight some of them, those are divers’ favourite locations.

8 sites to go underwater

Veril Grande, Fuerteventura. In the south of the island and opposite Jandía’s lighthouse, at a depth of about 20 metres, there is an exceptional diving site. A refuge for angelsharks, moray eels, white seabream and eels that share those waters with whale sharks and manta rays. You access the site by boat as it is 200 metres away from the beach.

Las Cruces de Malpique, La Palma. A submarine cemetery with over 40 stone crosses that can be contemplated at a depth of 20 metres. This underwater landscape is of great value and was declared Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

Waikiki, Lanzarote. With such as name, we would expect to be in Honolulu, in Hawaii, but we are not, this is an underwater area of black coral, sponges, gold coral and caves. One doesn’t need to be an expert to dive in this location, but the depth is 20 metres.

Las Canteras, Gran Canaria. There is a diving site on the beach itself, in a sheltered bay of white sands and turquoise waters. You will find shoals of cow breams, barracudas, greater amberjacks and turtles.

Marine Reserve Punta de La Restinga, El Hierro. This reserve is located almost 30 metres below water, and is a dive that divers must absolutely try. It is characterised by its underwater lava flow with cliffs, caves and sandy platforms. The marine fauna includes cow breams, Fulas, alfonsinos, manta rays and porcupinefish.

La Cuevita, La Gomera. This diving site is suitable for all levels, where we can observe rays, barracudas or eels and occasionally, giant ocean sunfish and turtles. It is 22 metres deep and famous for nocturnal dives.

San Miguel, Tenerife. Its variety of caves, sandy areas, barrancos and marine fauna and flora make this location a definite site to add to the diving route in the Canaries. The depth is considerable, between 40 and 50 metres, therefore, it isn’t a suitable dive for beginners, unlike the previous locations. Its marine fauna includes angel sharks, groupers, rays and barracudas.

Las Gerardias, La Graciosa. For you coral lovers, this is a site for your bucket list. The level required is medium to high and the depth goes from 25 to 40 metres. This type of orange greenish coral is almost one century old and can measure up to 2 metres in height. This site has the largest concentration of gold coral worldwide.

Eight islands, eight underwater wonders that lovers of marine depth, whether they are beginners or experts, must add to their bucket list of dives in the Canary Islands. A marine paradise waiting to be discovered.