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