Ahoy, fellow adventurers! We are going to show you our favourite diving sites. If you’ve got a taste for underwater escapades, you’re in for a treat. Welcome to Gran Canaria, the jewel of the Atlantic, where we, at Brothers Diving, invite you to explore the depths of the ocean with a dash of humor and a whole lot of wonder. Seasoned and novice divers alike will be treated to an unparalleled experience when discovering the treasures of the waters of Gran Canaria.
The entire west coast of the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2005. It represents 35% of the island and is home to several protected species and a remarkable biodiversity.
Gran Canaria offers more than 230 km of coastline for divers to explore – not surprising it is a top diving destination. Another advantage Gran Canaria offers is the ideal water temperature, ranging between a warm 18 to 22°C all year round.
Gran Canaria is also a great destination for anyone looking to do their first open water dive for its calm, idyllic waters.
Underwater volcanic landscapes
Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands and is located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. Along with the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde, the Canary Islands are a part of Macaronesia. Thanks to the island’s volcanic heritage there are a lot of arches, caves, and pillars that form an astonishing underwater landscape.
While scuba diving in Gran Canaria you can see species from the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, and the Caribbean. And there are even a few species that are endemic to the Canary Islands. Gran Canarias’ underwater world is the home of endangered and even critically endangered species like angel sharks.
The visibility is usually good and often over 25 meters. Another thing to know is that the dominant wind direction is from north to south. Therefore, the north of the island tends to have higher waves which impact boat diving in the area. Additionally, the water in the south is slightly warmer. The volcanic origin of the island is most noticeable underwater. The unique relief of the seabed and ecosystems that thrive in Gran Canaria offer a true paradise for divers. Experts agree that Gran Canaria offers a little taste of all the seas of the world in this privileged underwater setting.
Top Diving Sites in Gran Canaria
Here is a list of the top diving sites in Gran Canaria. Read on to see which ones best suit your level and preferences.
Playa de Tufia: The Black Rocky Beach
Our journey kicks off at Playa de Tufia, a beach with more secrets than a pirate’s map. Playa de Tufia can be considered the most charming location of all the diving sites in Gran Canaria. Tufia was a small fishermen village.
The density of marine species that we can find is just fantastic. It’s not just a dive; it’s a plunge into a surreal realm where nature takes center stage, and laughter echoes through the waves. Playa is also the perfect place for to plan a night dive!
Be warned, there is quite a slope between the parking and the beach. If it’s easy to go down before diving, after a one-hour dive, take your time, breath deeply and just think one foot after each to climb up (yes, fully equipped with your tank on your back). But it’s totally worth it!
El Cabron Marine Reserve: Nature's Masterpiece
Next on our underwater tour is the El Cabron Marine Reserve, a haven for marine enthusiasts. The marine reserve of Gran Canaria is often named as the number one dive site on the island.
We unlock the secrets of this aquatic masterpiece, guiding you through underwater caves and showcasing the diverse marine ecosystem that calls El Cabron home.
It starts with a plateau at 12-14 m and then drops to a sandy bottom around 20 m. The different routes are accessible to most levels of divers. However, watch the entry! El Cabrón is a one-of-a-kind shore dive site. Because of the slippery rocks and the waves, there is really a better and safer way to get to the water fully equipped.
The crevices and caves give shelter to moray eels, while mullets and grunts rest on the sandy ocean floor, and barracudas swim mid-depth.
Risco Verde: A Beginner's Haven
For those taking their first finned steps into the underwater world, Risco Verde is the ideal starting point. We believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the magic beneath the surface, and Risco Verde provides the perfect setting for beginners.
It’s the perfect diving site for people learning to scuba dive or shortly after their Open Water certification. This shore dive site is pretty much a vast plateau descending very, very progressively.
Risco Verde is well known among divers for its wide variety of colourful fish, It is commonly referred to as the aquarium for this reason! Bright Blue and Orange Damsel fish, Parrot fish, Wrasse, schools of Anchovies and Baracuda…and this is only inside the bay!
Picture yourself surrounded by the tranquillity of the sea, guided by our experienced instructors who turn learning into a laughter-filled adventure.
Sardina del Norte: Submerged Chronicles Unveiled
Our final stop is Sardina del Norte, a dive site that whispers tales of sunken treasures and underwater adventures.
A scenic one-hour journey from our base in San Agustin is a small price to pay for the captivating experience that awaits. Suitable for divers of all certification levels, the ease of entry, marked by a giant stride from the pier steps, makes the underwater adventure even more enticing. The old port ensures a comfortable and secure entry into the sea, leading to various tours where a rich tapestry of marine life unfolds.
Upon descent into the crystalline waters, the enchantment begins. A stroll down the steps of a quaint fishing village leads to an effortless entry, and once submerged, you’ll find yourself surrounded by shoals of sardines. The gradual descent along the artificial breakwater reveals Moray eels and Groupers hiding within the rock formations. The pristine sandy bottom and the sheltered bay contribute to year-round crystal-clear visibility, enhancing the allure of Sardina del Norte.
The marine life in this underwater haven is diverse and captivating. Angel sharks, African striped grunts, Sea Horses, Parrotfish, Stingrays, Butterfly rays, and Garden Eels grace the underwater landscape. Sardina del Norte stands out as a favorite diving site in Gran Canaria due to its absence of strong currents and the tranquillity of the sea, making it accessible for divers of any expertise.
From October to February, Angel sharks and certain species of rays become regular visitors. Schools of “roncadores” and barracudas add to the spectacle, creating a truly immersive experience. In this large sheltered bay, complete with diving facilities, the underwater world of Sardina del Norte awaits exploration. Whether you follow the common dive route along the rock formations or meander through the extensive sandbar, the beauty, simplicity, variety, and comfort of diving in Sardina del Norte are bound to leave you with lasting memories.
Boat Diving Adventure
But wait, the adventure doesn’t end there! Explore the south, where our main diving sites include Pasito Blanco, the Artificial Reef, and the Meteor II wreck.
With relatively shallow depths (you can stay above 18 m), almost no current and plenty of marine life, Pasito Blanco is delightful whether you’re an Open Water diver or a seasoned underwater photographer.
If diving on a sandy bottom with a few concrete constructions and metal tubes spread here and there can sound off-putting at first, wait until you get there. The amount of marine life these structures gather is incredible. This Artificial Reef is one of the five locations of a project led by the University of Las Palmas. The idea was to study which material and shape work best to attract and give shelter to marine species of the Canary Islands.
Venture to the east, and discover the Arona wreck, our premier diving site in this region. The sunken stories of the Arona wreck are waiting to be unveiled, and we’re here to guide you through this captivating underwater journey. You need your deep diver certification though!
Feel the thrill of boat diving as you cruise to these underwater wonders, each site promising a unique spectacle beneath the waves.
Boat dives in Gran Canaria are usually from a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), which means that you have to enter the water with a back roll. We, at Brothers Diving, have access to a couple of hard boats that can offer a better diving experience.
In Conclusion: Dive, Laugh, Explore with Brothers Diving
In a world where the ocean meets laughter, Brothers Diving stands as your gateway to the underwater wonders of Gran Canaria. Whether you’re exploring Playa de Tufia, marveling at the natural beauty of El Cabron Marine Reserve, taking your first dive at Risco Verde, embarking on a boat diving trip, or uncovering the sunken stories of Sardina del Norte, every adventure is a testament to the magic that awaits beneath the waves.
So, gear up, dive deep, and let Brothers Diving be your guide to the enchanting underwater world of Gran Canaria. Unveil the mysteries, share a laugh, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
