The best beaches for snorkeling and scuba diving baptism in Gran Canaria

If you are a sea lover and are looking for where to do a diving baptism in Gran Canaria Or perhaps you simply want to experience a great dive; in this post, we'll try to guide you. As true Canarians, we know that our islands hide treasures not only on land but also underwater.

Being volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic, you can imagine the richness and biodiversity of our seabedsFurthermore, we are fortunate to have a subtropical climate which allows scuba diving year-round (the water temperature is usually between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius). Below, we tell you what the... best areas for diving in Gran CanariaWhere to have your baptism and the best spots For snorkeling. Let's go in the water!

Introductory scuba diving experience in Gran Canaria: your first experience

If you've never used a tank and regulator, Gran Canaria is the perfect place to try it for the first time. The crystal-clear waters and the safety of our coasts make it an unforgettable experience. Although we prefer hiking and eating on land, we know the best options for you to enjoy the island. Scuba diving in Gran Canaria with complete confidence.

🤿 Where to book your introductory scuba diving experience

For your first time, we recommend playing it safe. You can book your appointment below. Discover scuba diving in Gran Canaria hereThis activity is usually carried out in two of the most peaceful and wildlife-rich areas:

• El Cabrón Marine Reserve (Arinaga): Considered one of the best diving areas in Europe.
• Amadores Beach: Ideal for beginners due to its calm waters if conditions in the east are not good.

El pack we recommend It is very complete: it includes Certified instructor, insurance, and rental of all equipmentIn addition, a great bonus is that they usually include hotel pickup if you're staying in tourist areas in the south (San Agustín, Playa del Inglés, Meloneras or Maspalomas).

⏱ Duration and requirements: Actual underwater immersion lasts between 30 and 50 minutes (It will depend on how quickly you consume oxygen due to excitement, so relax and breathe!). In total, the activity will take you about 4 hours. Eye: You don't need prior experience, but the minimum age is usually 10 years old.

Best diving spots in Gran Canaria

If you are already a certified diver (Open Water or higher) or simply want to know what's going on in the depths, you should know that the island has samples from all the world's oceans along its 230 kilometers of coastline. Here are the spots Must-haves you can't miss:

📍 Top 10 Dives and Snorkeling Areas

Whether you are looking Diving in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria As in the south, here's the definitive list of venues:

• El Cabrón Nature Reserve (Arinaga): The jewel in the crown. Volcanic formations, caves, and incredible biodiversity.
• Northern Sardine (Gáldar): Famous for its night dives and for being home to angel sharks and manta rays. A port with plenty of local charm.
• The Cathedral (Las Palmas de GC): Stunning underwater volcanic architecture filled with arches and vaults. For experts only.
• Tufia Beach (Telde): A magical place. A beautiful coastal town with easily accessible volcanic landscapes.
• Risco Verde (Arinaga): Perfect for beginners and for relaxed dives full of life.
• Shipwrecks of Mogán: Intentionally sunk ships that have become artificial reefs (Cermona II and Alagranza).
• The Barra de Las Canteras: The best area to do snorkeling in Gran Canaria capital. A natural fishbowl protected from the waves.
• artificial reef Arguineguin: A structure filled with schools of grunt fish.
• Pasito Blanco descent: A shallow rocky platform teeming with life.
• Taliarte (Telde): Another great area on the east coast for easy dives.

Marine fauna of the Canary Islands: What will you see?

Diving here is like stepping into a documentary. Being volcanic islands, they are full of caves and drop-offs where unique species find refuge. Get your camera (or your retina) ready because you're very likely to encounter:

• The Angel Shark: The king of the sandy bottoms of Gran Canaria.
• Chuchos and Mantellinas: Majestic rays that often "fly" near the bottom.
• The Old Woman: The Canary parrotfish, colorful and emblematic (and very tasty on the plate too, it must be said!).
• Morenas and Pejeperros.
• Green-peckers: Small, nervous, and with beautiful fluorescent colors.

Snorkeling in Gran Canaria: a great plan for everyone

If the whole bottle thing makes you nervous or you're with kids, the snorkeling in Gran Canaria It's a fantastic alternative. You can grab your mask and snorkel and go on your own to beaches like Las Canteras (Peña la Vieja or Playa Chica area) or in safe pools like the one in Black Souk in ArinagaBut if you want a more complete experience and access to coves that are inaccessible on foot, we recommend a boat trip from the Puerto de Mogán (It has very good reviews). They take you sailing along the Mogán coast to the virgin cove of El PerchelThey anchor there and you can jump in and enjoy watching the fish.

👉 You can reserve your place here: Boat trip with snorkeling from Mogán.

The activity lasts for about 3h and includes open bar of food and drinks (sangria, beer, soft drinks…). A great plan to spend the morning or afternoon in the south of the island.

Diving centers in Gran Canaria

Although we don't dive regularly, we know several dive sites by reputation and reputation. diving schools in Gran Canaria that are PADI certified. If you want to research more advanced courses (Open Water, Advanced, etc.), you can check names like: Zeus Dive Center, Calypso, Scuba Sur Diving, Buceo Norte, El Azul, 7 Mares or La ViejaThere are options both in Las Palmas and in the south.

Video: Beaches for snorkeling and diving

Finally, we leave you with a short video with 5 top places to snorkel in Gran Canariawhere you can see some of the species we've mentioned in action. If you want to discover more authentic things to do on the island, subscribe to our YouTube channel here.

Discover the most authentic side of Gran Canaria

We hope this post has inspired you to dive into our waters. And if after your swim you'd like to continue exploring the island at your own pace, we invite you to take a look at our Gran Canaria Digital GuidesDay-by-day itineraries, authentic restaurants (the kind of dives we love) and local tips so you don't miss a thing.