Scuba diving trips to the island of Gran Canaria are becoming increasingly popular. The island is something of an unappreciated gem for divers and is rapidly gaining recognition as one of Europe’s great scuba diving locations.
Why Gran Canaria is a Great Scuba Diving Location
The island rests amid a confluence of different seas and oceans, making it something of a unique scuba diving environment. Marine species from the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Red Sea and Africa can be found in Canarian waters. The island is host to some of the most beautiful marine life on earth.
Manta Rays are regularly seen from October onwards, especially in the North of the island, around the Caleta region. Divers have reported seeing schools of the huge animals during the winter months. Other species include sizeable barracuda, angel sharks, trumpet fish, monumental schools of Roncadores, cuttle fish, moray eels, snapper, octopus and a variety of stingrays.
The El Cabron Marine Reserve in Arinaga
In 2004 UNESCO approved Gran Canaria as a World Biosphere Reserve and nowhere represents the beauty and diversity of the island’s marine environment better than EL Cabron.
One of only three marine reserves in the Canary Islands, El Cabron is a Mecca for divers of all abilities. This protected reserve (into which boats cannot travel) is home to a wide array of sites, allowing divers to explore a plethora of submerged volcanic mounts, walls, canyons and swim throughs.
Stingrays, angel sharks and immense schools of barracuda patrol this underwater paradise; while moray eels, octopus and even sea horses make their homes in the rocks, nook and crevices of the volcanic strata. Visibility in the reserve is generally excellent, rarely falling below 20 metres. No scuba diving holiday to the island would be complete without a trip to Arinaga.
Wreck Diving
While most of the popular diving is to be found along the southern reaches of the island (incidentally where the major holiday resorts are to be found) there are some excellent wrecks worth exploring in the northern part of the island, off the coast of the capital Las Palmas.
Two of the largest wrecks in the Canaries (the Arona and the Kalais) are to be found a short boat ride out of the port of Las Palmas. These dives, ranging as they do from between 27-35 metres are for the more experienced only, as conditions can be somewhat mercurial in the North, with strong currents commonplace.
The Mogan wrecks, just outside the popular tourist village in the South, are an extremely popular diving destination for the slightly less experienced or adventurous diver. They are two small wrecks sunk to provide an attraction for the daily Yellow Submarine trip. Most dive schools time their entries to match the hourly voyage of the submarine and the trip is a bizarre and unique addition to any diving holiday on the island.
Gran Canaria is a Year Round Scuba Diving Location
The island has one of the world’s best climates, with temperatures still approaching the thirties throughout the winter months. In terms of water temperature it is not uncommon to see surface temperatures of 21 or 22 degrees Celsius in December. The water rarely drops below 18 degrees, even in the coldest of the winter months. The average temperature hovers around 23 degrees Celsius.
In addition to being a year round diving destination, holidaymakers are able to dive on every side of the island, rather than simply the over-fished and busy tourist areas, which is the norm throughout the Mediterranean.
An Island of Contrasts
The island itself is easily accessible from all parts of the European mainland and North America, which adds to its attractiveness as a holiday destination. Holiday accommodation exists to suit every taste and budget. The island offers travellers a welter of contrasts, from the bustle and excitement of the thriving southern resorts to the peace and solitude of the mountainous centre of the island.
Non-divers or those taking a rest from the undersea world will find much to do throughout the year. The island is ferociously Spanish in terms of its cultural outlook and festivals and celebrations take place almost every month, adding spice to any diving holiday. In terms of gastronomy the island is a gourmand’s delight, with every conceivable culinary taste catered for. Visitors will most certainly eat well while on their diving holiday.
Visit Gran Canaria for a Great Scuba Diving Holiday
The island offers something for every diver, from protected bays to challenging deep wreck dives. Excellent underwater visibility and warm temperatures ensure relaxing and stress free diving. The island’s is home to numerous PADI Five-Star diving schools and equipment and expert tuition and guidance is readily available. For too long the island has been ignored as a world-class diving destination, all that looks set to change.
Steven Pink - Steven Pink is an experienced teacher and lecturer in English and History. He has worked across the age and ability spectrum in both the ...
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