KOS ISLAND - Canary Islands

We love a good shallow wreck, and the Kos Island off Lanzarote certainly delivers. This isn't one of those wrecks where you need to rush your bottom time; at just 11 metres, you can take it all in. We've spent many an hour here, just drifting over the vast cargo holds, imagining its journey from Conakry to Antwerp. The bow points seaward, and the sheer scale of the 140-metre carrier is impressive, even after all these years underwater. The Kos Island went down in 1989 and has become a true artificial reef. You'll see schools of barracuda circling the mast and snapper hiding in the shadows of the bridge. Our favourite part is exploring the swim-throughs in the superstructure, where moray eels often peer out. Entry can be a bit choppy depending on the day, but once you're down, the current is usually mild. It’s an excellent site for newer wreck divers or photographers wanting to spend time framing shots without depth constraints. Just remember to check the tides, as visibility can drop when there's a strong push.

Location
Canary Islands, Spain, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
28.173166, -15.401667
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
11m

Marine Protected Area: Área marina de La Isleta

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

Nearby Dive Sites in Canary Islands

Nearest Dive Centres to KOS ISLAND

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for KOS ISLAND

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical diving depths for different certification levels around Kos Island?
The specific dive site known as Kos Island is a wreck dive with a depth of 11m. This depth is generally accessible to Open Water certified divers. While this particular site is at 11m, other dive sites in the Canary Islands may offer varying depths suitable for different certification levels.
What kind of marine life and underwater attractions can divers expect to see when diving in Kos?
When diving at the Kos Island site, divers can explore a significant wreck attraction. This carrier vessel, sunk in 1991, measures an impressive 139.9m by 21m and is classified as a dangerous wreck. While specific marine life details are not provided for this site, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging is scuba diving around Kos Island, and is it suitable for beginners?
Scuba diving at the Kos Island wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginners without proper supervision or additional training. Divers should have experience suitable for intermediate conditions to safely explore this site.
What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Kos for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year for optimal diving conditions, such as specific water temperatures or seasonal visibility, is not available in the current data for Kos Island. For general guidance on seasonal diving, you might consult broader resources on when to dive in the Canary Islands.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive in Kos, and are there options for uncertified divers?
Given that the Kos Island wreck dive is classified as intermediate difficulty and reaches a depth of 11m, divers would typically need at least an Open Water certification. Options for uncertified divers are not specified in the provided data for this particular site. It's always recommended to check with local dive operators for specific certification requirements and guided experiences.
What are the typical underwater visibility, currents, and general sea conditions like for diving near Kos Island?
Details regarding typical underwater visibility, currents, or general sea conditions for diving near Kos Island are not provided in the available data. Divers should always consult local dive centers for up-to-date information on daily conditions before planning their dives in the Canary Islands.