Scuba diving in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is a surprising scuba diving destination, and a relevant alternative to the Red Sea in terms of price and distance. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, to the West of Morocco, the islands enjoy a mild climate with a water temperature of 20 degrees water all year round... so much so that the locals speak of an eternal spring! The Archipelago cover quite a vast area, with 7 main islands, 6 smaller ones and a few islets. Every single one is different from the other though they're all of volcanic origin. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most densely populated but other islands are actual deserts!
Underwater it's the same topography as topside: dramatic and all over the place, a reminder of the volcanic eruptions. The dive sites are varied and will accomodate all divers, whatever the level and experience. For the history lovers, there are about 50 shipwrecks around Gran Canaria; Fuerteventura is more of a drop-off island with odd lava shapes; El Hierro and Lanzaroteoffer the most dense and diverse fauna.El Hierro is bathed with warm currents which brings tropical fishes! Last but not least Tenerife, sheltered from the winds thanks to the impressive El Teide volcano, peaking at 3700 meters. Hosting several good dive centres, Tenerife has beautiful dive sites with a typical Atlantic fauna and a few subtropical species. Marine mammals and big pelagics are here all year round... 4 to 5 hours away from the main European capital cities, the Canary Islands are an unexpected diving destination that you will enjoy immoderately!
For more details on the numerous islands and diving opportunities of the Canaries:
Scuba diving in the Canary Islands
The Canary Islands is a surprising scuba diving destination, and a relevant alternative to the Red Sea in terms of price and distance. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, to the West of Morocco, the islands enjoy a mild climate with a water temperature of 20 degrees water all year round... so much so that the locals speak of an eternal spring! The Archipelago cover quite a vast area, with 7 main islands, 6 smaller ones and a few islets. Every single one is different from the other though they're all of volcanic origin. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most densely populated but other islands are actual deserts!
Underwater it's the same topography as topside: dramatic and all over the place, a reminder of the volcanic eruptions. The dive sites are varied and will accomodate all divers, whatever the level and experience. For the history lovers, there are about 50 shipwrecks around Gran Canaria; Fuerteventura is more of a drop-off island with odd lava shapes; El Hierro and Lanzaroteoffer the most dense and diverse fauna.El Hierro is bathed with warm currents which brings tropical fishes! Last but not least Tenerife, sheltered from the winds thanks to the impressive El Teide volcano, peaking at 3700 meters. Hosting several good dive centres, Tenerife has beautiful dive sites with a typical Atlantic fauna and a few subtropical species. Marine mammals and big pelagics are here all year round... 4 to 5 hours away from the main European capital cities, the Canary Islands are an unexpected diving destination that you will enjoy immoderately!
For more details on the numerous islands and diving opportunities of the Canaries:
The Canary Islands is a surprising scuba diving destination, ...
