Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands, offering its many tourists a wide array of colourful fish and incredible coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of the staggering number of fish in Gran Canaria, diving here is a wonderful experience. 550 different kinds of fish swim in the Atlantic Ocean round coasts of the Canary Islands, including 60 kinds of cartilaginous fish like rays or angel sharks. These offer divers a spellbinding view under the sea, awash with colour and beauty.
The volcanic origin of the Canary Islands has formed caves and grottos in the sea which play host to morays and other fish. Around the underwater cliffs are amberjacks, barracudas and European congers. In the south of Gran Canaria, close to Puerto de Mogán, dolphins and even whales can be seen.
As the water temperature of Gran Canaria is 19 degrees in winter and 25 degrees Celsius in summer, diving is very popular all year round. In the south-east of the island, close to Playa Aringa is the marine reserve El Cabrón, the most famous diving area in Gran Canaria. Another favourite diving destination is the 2004 wreck of the Desdemona, which sank two kilometres away from the popular diving area Caleta Baja. While the area is definitely worth visiting, there are a great many barracudas there, and it should therefore be aproached with caution.
Diving is also possible without a boat, since the spectacular inhabitants of the ocean may be seen very close to shore. As the water is very deep close to the coast, boats are not needed to drive divers to the best diving areas. Going diving with instructors is recommended though, as their knowledge of the best diving areas is unparallelled. For example they may take you to the wreckage of the “Meteor II”, a Russian ship many believe to be the wreck of a spaceship. Tuna and bonitos swim around the wreck and leave the divers overawed by the view. Whether you want to see tropical fish, whales, underwater caves or a shipwreck, diving in Gran Canaria has something for everyone.
