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Diving in fuerteventura: Why You Should Go Diving in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

Опубликовано: May 17, 2020 в 11:12 am

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Diving in Fuerteventura: a descent into paradise

The Canary Islands are the perfect destination for lovers of scuba diving. As these are volcanic islands, the topography of the Canaries consists largely of caves, caverns, reefs, canyons, drops of up to 1,000 metres and sunken ships that are waiting to be discovered. With an average annual temperature of 20 °C, the waters of the Canary Islands are warm. This, in turn, facilitates the existence of a wide variety of marine species. Doesn’t diving in Fuerteventura seem like the perfect plan with your friends?

Diving in Fuerteventura: get ready to have fun

Fuerteventura has many dive sites and diving centres, which are spread across the whole island. While it is renowned for being the Canary Island with the most spectacular beaches (with it being the closest to Africa, the sand comes directly from the Sahara Desert), its western coast is also worthy of highlighting: a paradise of cliffs and small coves, with wonderful rock formations.

Fuerteventura’s seabed is a mixture of tropical, Mediterranean and Atlantic habitats, home to over 390 marine species: groupers, parrotfishes, white seabreams, tunas, barracudas, barred hogfishes, red porgies, moray eels, manta rays, angelsharks and even the odd whale shark. Its rich fauna and, above all else, its crystal-clear waters—offering visibility of over 30 metres—make Fuerteventura a perfect diving destination.

 

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Diving on the Island of Lobos

Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already an expert, the diversity and wealth of this island’s dive sites allow you to explore the incredible underwater alcoves without any problems whatsoever. Due to the marine currents, some dive sites can only be accessed by experienced scuba divers. Don’t worry, however, as there are many different sites to choose from.

The Island of Lobos is a small island spanning 5 km2 that lies between Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Its name comes from the monk seals, or ‘sea wolves’—as lobos means ‘wolves’ in Spanish—which previously inhabited the island. The Island of Lobos is a nature reserve with various converging currents, leading to huge diversity and optimum conditions for many different shoals of fish. The water is no deeper than 30 metres at any single point, with an average visibility of 20 metres. This area is famous amongst divers, owing to its volcanic overhangs and mushroom-shaped rocks, home to a vast range of different species. With over 20 dive sites, the Island of Lobos is one of the most spectacular and diverse areas in the Canary Islands. Some must-see sites include:

Diving in Fuerteventura

  • Cala Mareo: Stretching from Corralejo to the Island of Lobos. This is a 20-metre-deep vertical wall with a series of caves, caverns and passages. It’s not the deepest dive, making it suitable for divers of all abilities.
  • Lobos lighthouse: This 32-metre-deep reef, located opposite the lighthouse on the Island of Lobos, is home to large dusky groupers and various shoals of island groupers. As this dive site is deeper and exposed to strong currents, divers must hold the Advanced Open Water Diver licence.
  • La Lagunita: Just a 20-minute boat trip away, this 25-metre-deep dive site is brimming with different types of fish. It is home to gigantic dusky groupers and wahoo fish measuring up to two metres long, which can be found going in and out of the caves.
  • Bajón del Río: Located in the strait between Corralejo and the Island of Lobos, this reef has three rock formations rising out from the sandy seabed. This is one of the island’s most famous dive sites, with a depth of 18 metres. Dives are sometimes called off when there are strong currents. The flashes of lights between the rocks are truly stunning.
  • Marrajo: Located very close to the Island of Lobos, this is the perfect dive site for beginners as it is protected from wind and only measures 9 metres in depth. This reef is frequented by multiple shoals of fish, while offering perfect lighting conditions for lovers of underwater photography.

Other places to dive in Fuerteventura

Seabed Image

Southern Fuerteventura boasts a perfect dive site for divers of all abilities: the Veril Grande, opposite the Jandía lighthouse. At 20 metres deep, you will start to see a vertical wall that drops to 40 metres below sea level. This is home to all kinds of species, such as garden eels, white seabreams, moray eels, stingrays and angelsharks. Sometimes, if you’re in luck, you may catch sight of whale sharks or devil rays.

The area of Las Salinas, close to the Playa del Castillo on the east coast of Fuerteventura, has a 25-metre-deep vertical wall with canyons, bridges and caves that reach as deep as 40 metres below sea level. Barracudas and amberjacks hunt in these waters, which is fantastic to watch.

El Jablito, located in northeast Fuerteventura, is no more than 15-metres-deep, making it the perfect site for novice divers. This area is home to a great number of fish, and can be accessed from the beach of the small fishing village. This peaceful location is the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying yourself.

Diving centres: Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and Jandía

The Corralejo area and the eastern coastline of Fuerteventura is where you’ll find most of the island’s diving centres. Each centre offers different diving activities, based on the ability and experience of the diver in question. These can range from free dives to Open Water, Advanced Open Water and Dive Master courses. Below is a list of some of the diving centres where you can start your adventure:

  • Abyss: Located in Corralejo. This centre offers safe dives in small groups, for which a medical certificate is required.
  • Punta Amanay: Located in the quay of Corralejo. This centre offers professional facilities and equipment, with a small boat that can be used for reduced groups.
  • Deep Blue Diving: Located in the quay of Caleta de Fuste in eastern Fuerteventura, this centre is perfect for dives in this part of the island.
  • Fuerteventura Diving: Found in the Esquinzo area of the Jandía peninsula, this centre offers dives for groups of up to four people. The equipment provided is of a fantastic quality.

If you’ve never dived before and fancy giving it a go, Fuerteventura is the perfect place to learn how to do it. It’s also great for experienced divers, who will be blown away by the wealth of beautiful marine creatures and fantastic rock formations of the Fuerteventura seabed.

 

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Dive sites in Fuerteventura



    The bottom is a mixture of basaltic formed volcanic rocks, shaped like huge mushrooms, with loose rocks around the bottom. The rocks are up to 10m in height. Species hiding around these rocks are Black Bream, Zebra Bream, Ornate Wrasse, Parrot Fish, Guelly Jacks, Trumpet Fish, Cow Breams, Saddled…





    A trench with a sand bed surrounded by volcanic formations with small caves and cracks. The sandy center is at 16m in depth, with some Eagle Rays, as well as Angel Sharks. In the surrounding rocky areas and small caves are Canarian Lobsters, Groupers, Zebra Breams, Parrot Fish, Amber Jacks,…





    Lava reef









    Vizarre Lava reff





    Wall and Sea Fans









    Overhanging rocks along the whole reef shelter scorpionfish, groupers, trumpet fish and glass eyes. In the 12m-area barakudas wait for pray whilst curious amberjacks examine the divers closely, patroling in regular intervals.



    Barranco
    Fuerteventura, Spain


    Along the reef, with its edges and crevices, gather huge swarms of breams, zebrabreams and guelyjacks. In the slots and holes several moray eels are at home: tigermorays, black moray eel and big mask morays are all very common here. A bit further away from the reef on the sandy areas we meet…






    El Muelle
    Fuerteventura, Spain


    A dive across the outer wall of the habour, which is re-enforced by lots of concrete crosses. Sting rays and butterflu rays can be seen in teh sand around the wall.










    The entrance to the sea by the same zone where sea water enters the salt and have to take a small jump. With good weather you can get out of the sea almost anywhere, but with bad weather there is the possibility of escape through an area of natural rock, which he called The Puertito, which is about…







    A lareg rock formation coming up from sand bottom at 20m. Drop down to around 35 – 40m at one sode of rock. Large Dusky Grouper and Goldeline present around rocks. Eels also finding inbetween rocks.







    Dive site is named after a large number of old anchors found there. It is a trench found along the reef that stretches from Corralejo to Playa Blanca (Lanzarote). You can find many types of rays as well as lobsters, Barred Hog Fish, Groupers, Breams, Barracuda’s, Glasseyes, and the occasional deep…






    Mole
    Fuerteventura, Spain







    Pelagic Zone




    Wall Dive




    Lava Wall




    Lava reff with nice Scape formation




    Vizarre Lava formation




    Rocky lava reff



    La…
    Corralejo, Spain


    Area to see Pelagics, Jacks, tuna, casual Sharks




    Wall with a lot of Anemones with diferent colors, big fisch, pelagics




    Small lava reef with a lot of small life, angel sharks, sting rays, etc.




    Vizarre lava formation with a lot of White trevally, kingfish, parrot fisch, school of White, Zebra, Two-banded seabrems, schools of Salemas, sting rays, eagle rays, Angel sharks.


Diving Canary Islands – The no 1 dive site in each of the 7 Canary Islands

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With countless days of sunshine, stunning rock formations, and golden beaches the Canary Islands are quickly becoming the ‘’go to destination’’ for holiday makers and divers alike. The geographical location of the Canary Islands next to the African Coast ensure the weather stays constant all year round and you can go scuba diving 365 days a year!

The Canary Islands are an archipelago (which means a group of islands) and they are located in the North Atlantic ocean. They are a part of Spain but they have their own laws and are made up of seven predominant islands. The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions, and with this being said it makes for some pretty incredible scuba diving!

So, why should you scuba dive in the Canary Islands?

  • The volcanic eruptions have created breath taking topography creating a labyrinth of caves, arches and caverns. 
  • Warm sub-tropical climate. The water temperature ranges from 16-26 degrees in the summer months.
  • Marine life ranging from small colorful Nudibranchs to majestic Manta Rays, Sharks and Dolphins.
  • Crystal clear waters with visibility often reaching 30 + meters. 

So let’s take a look at the number 1 dive site in each of the Canary Islands and you can get booking your plane tickets!

What criteria did we use to decide the number one dive site in each island?

  • We reached out to many different dive centers and experienced divers who love to dive the Canary Islands in order to gain their opinion on what they believe to be the number one dive site on each of the Canary Islands.
  • We looked at different reviews of each dive site to make sure our selection was validated by the opinions of non biased clients.
  • Of course if you feel different please feel free to leave your opinion in the comment section of this blog.

Please click on one of the Canary Islands below to discover it’s top dive site!

Gran Canaria

★ El Cabron ★

Lanzarote

★ Underwater Museum ★

Tenerife

★ Los Chuchos ★ 

Fuertaventura

★ Salinas Reef ★

La Palma

★ Las Cabras ★

La Gomera

★ Punta Guincho ★

El Hierro

★ El Bajon ★

GRAN CANARIA

Gran Canaria is often referred to as the “Miniature Continent,” as it boasts a large diversity in it’s landscape. You can enjoy long golden beaches in the South of the island and dense pine forests on the West coast. 

The number 1 dive site of Gran Canaria – El Cabron

El Cabron is only one of three Marine Reserves in the Canary Islands. Located on the East Coast of Gran Canaria, it was voted as one of the top ten dive sites in Europe. The rocky and rugged terrain combined with the underwater volcanic landscape and average water temperature of 20 degrees is why El Cabron deserves a spot on the list.

In 2006 El Cabron was declared a site of special scientific interest and given the title ‘’Marine Reserve.’’ This title prohibits fishing, boating or invasive activities such as mining from taking place. With this said, it is believed that the biomass of fish species living in Marine Reserves increases by 450% and this is certainly the case with divers frequently being able to spot giant Stingrays and Angel Sharks.

The site is comprised of many different entry points and routes, meaning you will need to spend a few days here to enjoy everything that this dive site has to offer. The most famous dive routes include Punta de La Monja and the Table top. The rocky entry points mean that this dive site is best suited for more experienced certified divers. 

Lanzarote

Situated just 70 miles off the coast of Africa, Lanzarote is the youngest of the seven Canary islands and the fourth largest in size. It is home to stunning volcanic rock formations, but what do we think is the number one dive site in Lanzarote?

The number 1 dive site of Lanzarote – The Underwater Museum

Lanzarote is home to Europe’s only underwater sculpture museum! The underwater museum was created in order to promote education and protect the natural environment. Each installation was created from environmentally friendly resources in order to promote and sustain new ecosystems. The stunning underwater display combined with the educational foundation behind the creation is why the underwater museum is the number one dive site in Lanzarote.
Jason deCaires Taylor created 300 life size human figures ranging over 2,500 square meters. At a depth of only 12 meters this dive site is open to all levels of certified scuba divers and even Discover Scuba divers!

The first of its kind in Europe and already populated by many varieties of flora and fauna, the underwater museum in Lanzarote is guaranteed to delight both novice and the more experienced diver.

If you would like to book a dive in The underwater museum please get in contact with Rachel the owner of Manta diving Lanzarote

Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest and most populated Canary Island. It also boasts the highest mountain in Spain – Mount Teide. A go to destination for those looking for a week in the sun, but what is it like to dive Tenerife?

The number 1 dive site of Tenerife – Los Chuchos

One of the most famous dives in Tenerife is Los Chuchos which translates to English simply as ‘’Rays.’’ The name itself is a big clue as to why it is a favorite among divers and why this dive site has made it to this list! The dive site is situated near the southern town Las Galletas and the depth ranges from 17-21 meters, making it accessible for most divers with recent experience. Los Chuchos allows you to observe Stingrays in their natural environment and marvel at the beauty of the underwater world and those that inhabit it. Many local dive centers feed the Rays allowing you to get up close and personal with them. (We will let you make up your mind as to whether you think its right to feed them or not!)

You can spot as many as six different species of Ray in one dive with the Rays growing as large as 2.5 meters in length! It is no wonder why the locals refer to this dive site as the ‘’Stingray village.’’ As if this wasn’t enough, nearby there is a small wreck which you can visit on the same dive.

If you would like to dive Los Chuchos get in contact with Chris and Sarah owners of Diving Tenerife Scuba

Fuertaventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest Canary Island and is known for being the windiest! It is one of the least developed Canary Islands but that doesnt mean it isn’t home to some fantastic dive sites.

The number 1 dive site of Fuertaventura – Salinas reef

Unlike most dive sites on the Canary Islands Salinas Reef located South of the airport in Fuerteventura is composed purely of a rocky bottom composition. The 1.5 Kilometer rocky reef is home to twelve different dive sites so, similar to El Cabron in Gran Canaria you will need several days or a minimum of a two tank dive to explore Salinas reef in all its glory

The beautiful volcanic rock formation is highly vegetated allowing a wide variety of marine life to flourish including Nudibranchs, Spider Crabs, Groupers and Parrotfish. There is also the chance to see Black coral and red gorgonians (soft coral). Do you want to know the best thing? This dive site is accessible for all levels of certification and experience level, ensuring it is a ‘’must see’’ for seasoned professionals and those looking to try scuba diving for the first time.

With steep cliff walls, caves, arches, caverns and a diverse array of marine life if you are visiting Fuerteventura, scuba diving Salinas Reef is a must.

If you would like to book a dive in Salinas Reef get in contact with Deep Blue Diving Fuerteventura

 

La Palma

The island La Palma is not as heavily populated with tourists as some of the other Canary Islands, however this certainly isn’t because La Palma is a less desirable holiday destination. In fact, it’s far from the truth with La Palma being home to some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. Commonly referred to as the ‘’wild beauty of the Canaries’’ if you are looking for a relaxing holiday and some super awesome scuba diving then the dive site Las Cabras in La Palma is the dive site for you.

The number 1 dive site of La Palma – Las Cabras

The dive site Las Cabras is located on the Southern end of the island and you will enter the water in a small bay via the beach. Upon entering you shall descend and follow the incredible lava tubes down to depths of 30 to 40 meters. The topography of this dive site means that in places you can reach the limit of recreational diving quite quickly, combine this was the possibility of strong currents this dive site is recommended for experienced certified divers who are comfortable with deeper dives.

At a depth of 30 meters you will be greeted with breathtaking black coral and it is common to come across devil Manta Rays. Stunning underwater landscape with vertically sloping walls and jaw dropping rock formations Las Cabras certainly deserves a spot as one of the top dive sites in the Canary Islands.

If you would like to dive in Las Cabras get in contact with La Palma Diving

La Gomera

La Gomera is the second least populated island, with a little over 20.000 people, it is only accesible via Tenerife, so is it worth the the visit? After researching the number 1 dive site in La Gomera, we can confirm that it is!

The number 1 dive site of La Gomera – Punta Guincho

The third smallest island La Palma is the Northernmost Canary Island. The close proximity to the Canary Islands stream ensures that the average water temperature is approximately 2 degrees more than the rest of the Canary Islands. The average is between 23 to 24 degrees with the water temperature reaching a tropical 26 degrees in the summer months! After much research into the different dive sites on La Palma (there is over 20 of them!) The most famous dive site on La Palma has to be Punta Guincho. The underwater landscape is made up of of large volcanic rock formations, all of which are home to Anemones, Crabs, Moray eels and Nudibranchs. But what makes this dive site stand out, is the volcanic arch situated at 20 meters in depth full of subtropical species of fish including Trumpet fish, Damselfish, Electric Rays and Parrot fish.

If you would like to dive in Punta Guincho please get in contact with Splash Gomera

El Hierro

El Hierro island is the smallest of the Canary Islands. The island is declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 60% of the island being protected for conservation purposes. Upon reaching out to fellow scuba diving enthusiasts it was easy to see that many believe El Hierro offers the best diving on the Canary Islands. Many divers have been fortunate to spot Manta Rays and different species of Sharks which aren’t common in the other six main Canary Islands. 

The number 1 dive site of El Hierro – El Bajón

El Bajon is the most famous dive site in El Hierro, and with a vertical cliff that drops down to the crystal clear blue depths of 100 meters it is easy to see why! Located at the Southern tip of the island by the fishing town of La Restinga this dive site allows you to be engulfed in the prolific amount of marine life that inhabit the underwater world of El Hierro.

Many local dive center owners say that you can observe all the species of the island in this one dive site, including the occasional visit from Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Because divers get the opportunity to spot marine life such as rare Sharks, Dolphins and devil Manta Rays, this confirms that diving in El Bajon is world class diving on your doorstep.

The rock formation in the dive site El Bajon was created by volcanic activity and this has forged, caves, tunnels and arches all waiting to be explored. Be sure to bring your torch because within the crevasses you often find Moray eels, Lobster and Octopus.

You can expect excellent visibility all year round in El Bajon, with the visibility rarely dropping below thirty meters. So what are you waiting for, go and explore the beautiful island of El Hierro and the stunning underwater world of El Bajon.

If you would like to dive in El Bajon get in contact with Alexis owner of The Green Shark the only PADI 5 star centre on the island!

Summary

Although diving in the Canary Islands is not as tropical or full of prolific marine life which you can expect to see in the Red sea, the water is mild all year round with excellent water clarity and stunning volcanic rock formations. Nearly 700 species of fishes have been catalogued in the waters of the Canary Islands and even in El Hierro you can spot Whale sharks and Manta rays! As these selection of dive sites have shown, you do not need to travel far to experience excellent diving within Europe.

So there you have it, the number one dive site in each the seven main Canary islands, all of which should definitely be on your bucket list. But be quick, more and more divers are coming to realize just how special diving in the Canary Islands is.