Diving in Canary Islands

Explore 200 dive sites in Canary Islands, Spain. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Canary Islands

The warmest water temperatures in Canary Islands occur in September, averaging 23.7°C. The coolest conditions are in March at 19.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 20.1°C
  • February: 19.5°C
  • March: 19.3°C
  • April: 19.8°C
  • May: 20.6°C
  • June: 21.8°C
  • July: 22.6°C
  • August: 23.1°C
  • September: 23.7°C
  • October: 23.5°C
  • November: 22.4°C
  • December: 21.3°C

Marine Life in Canary Islands

Home to 80 recorded species including 50 reef fish, 9 whales & dolphins, 8 sharks & rays, 2 octopus & squid, 2 crabs & lobsters, 2 worms.

Dive Site Difficulty in Canary Islands

Canary Islands has 84 beginner, 33 intermediate, 1 advanced, 3 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Canary Islands

Based on average water temperature of 21.5°C, currents 7 cm/s.

  • Wetsuit (3-5mm) - comfortable for 21°C water
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Canary Islands

  • Roque de Gando - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Juncalillo del Sur - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Montaña Amarilla - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Charco del Conde - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Acantilados de Isorana - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Acantilados de Alajeró - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Charco de Cieno - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Roques de Anaga - Nature Reserve (Integral) (IUCN Category Ia)
  • La Caleta - Site of scientific interest (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cueva de Lobos - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Área marina de La Isleta - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Franja marina de Mogán - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales de Guasimeta - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales de Corralejo - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Playa de Sotavento de Jandía - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bahía del Confital - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Bahía de Gando - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Playa del Cabrón - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales de Playa del Inglés - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa de Sardina del Norte - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cagafrecho - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales de Güigüí - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Franja marina Teno-Rasca - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Charco del Conde - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Charco de Cieno - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Los Roques de Anaga - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales del sur de Tenerife - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cueva marina de San Juan - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadal de San Andrés - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Franja marina Santiago-Valle Gran Rey - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa de los Órganos - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa de San Juan de la Rambla - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sebadales de Antequera - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Acantilados de Alajeró, La Dama y Valle Gran Rey - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Roque de la Playa - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Juncalillo del Sur - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Roque de Garachico - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino de La Gomera-Teno - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino de los Acantilados de Santo Domingo y Roque de Garachico - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino del Roque de la Playa - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino de Anaga - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino de Mogán-La Aldea - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino de La Bocayna - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Espacio marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote-Fuerteventura - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Juncalillo del Sur - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Roque de Garachico - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Fuerteventura - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Canary Islands - Nearest Airports

  • Gran Canaria Airport (LPA), Gran Canaria Island - 33 km away, approx 51 min travel time
  • Tenerife Norte-Ciudad de La Laguna Airport (TFN), Tenerife - 99 km away, approx 123 min travel time
  • Tenerife Sur Airport (TFS), Tenerife - 119 km away, approx 145 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water temperatures and visibility for diving in the Canary Islands throughout the year?
The warmest water temperatures for diving in the Canary Islands are typically found in September (23.68°C), October (23.51°C), and August (23.06°C). While these months offer the most comfortable conditions, specific year-round temperature ranges and typical visibility data are not provided in the current information.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Canary Islands, and are there any seasonal highlights like angel sharks or rays?
Divers exploring the Canary Islands can anticipate encountering a diverse array of marine life, including fascinating angel sharks, majestic manta rays, and various tropical visitors. These specific species are indeed considered seasonal highlights, offering exciting encounters for divers. For more information on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best dive sites in the Canary Islands, and what unique features do they offer?
The Canary Islands boast 202 dive sites, offering a variety of experiences within their volcanic underwater landscapes, featuring lava tubes, arches, and caves. Popular sites include the beginner-friendly reef dives like El Caseron and La Morena, as well as wreck dives such as the beginner Meteor, Arguineguin, Gran Canaria and the intermediate Piper Airplane, wreck. The region also offers wall dives like the intermediate Hafenmauer.
Are the dive sites in the Canary Islands suitable for beginner divers, or are they mostly for experienced divers?
Absolutely, many dive sites in the Canary Islands are well-suited for beginner divers, with numerous reef and wreck dives categorized as such. Examples include El Caseron, La Morena, and the Meteor, Arguineguin, Gran Canaria wreck. While there are plenty of options for beginners, the region also offers intermediate and expert sites, such as Pechiguera, ensuring diverse experiences for all skill levels.
What is the best time of year to go diving in the Canary Islands for optimal conditions and marine encounters?
For optimal water temperatures when diving in the Canary Islands, the best time of year is typically during September (23.68°C), October (23.51°C), and August (23.06°C). These months offer the warmest and most comfortable diving conditions. While specific seasonal marine encounter peaks are not detailed, the region is known for angel sharks, manta rays, and tropical visitors year-round. For more detailed seasonal information, visit our When to Dive guide.
How do divers typically get to the Canary Islands, and what are the transportation options between the islands for diving trips?
Information regarding typical transportation methods for divers to reach the Canary Islands, as well as inter-island transportation options for diving trips, is not available in the current data context. We recommend checking local travel resources for the most up-to-date logistics.
What are the underwater geological features like in the Canary Islands, given their volcanic origin?
Given their volcanic origin, the Canary Islands offer spectacular underwater geological features. Divers can explore dramatic volcanic underwater landscapes, characterized by intricate lava tubes, natural arches, and fascinating caves. These unique formations create a truly distinctive and memorable diving environment.
Do I need a drysuit for diving in the Canary Islands, or is a wetsuit sufficient year-round?
While the warmest months in the Canary Islands see comfortable water temperatures around 23-24°C (e.g., September at 23.68°C), specific year-round temperature ranges are not provided to definitively recommend a wetsuit or drysuit for all seasons. During the warmer months, a wetsuit would certainly be sufficient. For personalized gear advice, consider consulting local dive centers or our equipment guide.