An Underwater Paradise
Gran Canaria offers exceptional conditions for diving and snorkeling. With crystal-clear waters, year-round average temperatures of 20-24°C, visibility up to 30 metres, and unique biodiversity, the island is a reference destination for European divers.
The combination of Atlantic and Mediterranean fauna, along with underwater volcanic formations, creates unique landscapes beneath the waves.
---
Best Diving Spots
1. El Cabrón (Arinaga) ⭐
Gran Canaria's most famous marine reserve. Extraordinary biodiversity.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Arinaga, southeast |
| Depth | 5-25 metres |
| Level | All levels |
| Marine life | Exceptional |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 35 km (30 min) |
#### What to See
- Fish schools: Sea bream, salema, damselfish
- Rays: Stingrays, eagle rays
- Octopus and cuttlefish: Very common
- Moray eels: In cracks and caves
- Turtles: Occasionally
- Angel sharks: Endemic species
---
2. Sardina del Norte
Fishing village with very accessible shore dives.
| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | North of the island |
| Depth | 3-18 metres |
| Level | Ideal for beginners |
| Type | Shore dive |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 40 km (40 min) |
#### Features
- Easy entry from sandy beach
- Calm waters
- Abundant marine life
- Ideal for discover scuba dives
- Restaurants nearby for afterwards
---
3. Risco Verde (Arinaga)
Volcanic walls with grottos and tunnels.| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Arinaga |
| Depth | 10-30 metres |
| Level | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Type | Wall with caves |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 35 km (30 min) |
#### What to See
- Vertical walls covered in sponges
- Caves with shrimp and lobsters
- Large fish schools
- Barracuda and jacks
- Unique volcanic formations
---
4. Pasito Blanco
Boat dives in the south with excellent visibility.| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | South, near Maspalomas |
| Depth | 15-40 metres |
| Level | Intermediate-Advanced |
| Type | Boat dive |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 55 km (45 min) |
---
5. La Catedral (Mogán)
Spectacular rock formation with natural arches.| Information | Detail |
|-------------|--------|
| Location | Puerto de Mogán |
| Depth | 18-28 metres |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Type | Arches and formations |
| Distance from Las Canteras | 65 km (50 min) |
---
Best Snorkeling Spots
Accessible Snorkeling
| Spot | Location | Level | Features |
|------|----------|-------|----------|
| Las Canteras (La Barra) | Las Palmas | Easy | Tropical fish, sheltered |
| Sardina Beach | North | Easy | Gentle entry, marine life |
| Tufia | East | Medium | Natural pools, octopus |
| Playa del Cabrón | Arinaga | Medium | Marine reserve |
| Puerto de Mogán | Southwest | Easy | Calm harbour |
Las Canteras: Snorkeling 30 Metres from Casita Palmera
The La Barra area of Las Canteras is perfect for snorkeling:
| Aspect | Detail |
|--------|--------|
| Access | Direct from beach |
| Depth | 1-3 metres |
| Marine life | Sea bream, salema, black bream |
| Best zone | Around La Barra |
| Ideal tide | Mid to high |
| Distance from Casita Palmera | 30 metres |
---
Dive Centres
In Las Palmas
| Centre | Specialty | Discovery Dive Price | Contact |
|--------|-----------|---------------------|---------|
| Davy Jones Diving | PADI, courses | €65-80 | Marina |
| Gran Canaria Divers | Guided dives | €50-70 | Las Canteras |
| Top Diving | Small groups | €60-75 | Santa Catalina |
In Arinaga (El Cabrón)
| Centre | Specialty | Discovery Dive Price | Note |
|--------|-----------|---------------------|------|
| Davy Jones Arinaga | El Cabrón experts | €70-85 | Best centre in area |
| El Cabrón Dive Center | Local dives | €60-75 | Small groups |
---
Indicative Prices 2026
Diving
| Service | Price | Includes |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Discover Scuba Diving | €60-85 | Equipment, instructor, 1 dive |
| Guided dive | €40-55 | Guide, equipment, tank |
| 5-dive pack | €180-220 | Volume discount |
| 10-dive pack | €320-400 | Best price |
| Open Water course | €350-450 | PADI/SSI, 4-5 days |
| Advanced course | €280-350 | 2 days, 5 dives |
Snorkeling
| Service | Price | Includes |
|---------|-------|----------|
| Guided snorkel trip | €30-45 | Equipment, guide, transport |
| Snorkel equipment rental | €10-15/day | Mask, snorkel, fins |
| Buy basic equipment | €25-40 | Complete set |
---
Marine Life of Gran Canaria
Common Species
| Species | Probability | Best Season |
|---------|-------------|-------------|
| Sea bream | Very high | Year-round |
| Octopus | High | Year-round |
| Moray eels | High | Year-round |
| Rays | Medium-High | Spring-Summer |
| Barracuda | Medium | Summer-Autumn |
| Turtles | Medium | Summer |
| Angel sharks | Medium | Winter |
| Manta rays | Low | Summer |
Endemic Species
- Canarian angel shark: Unique bottom-dwelling shark of the Canaries
- Parrotfish (Vieja): Colourful parrotfish, Canarian emblem
- Canarian comber: Small local grouper
---
Water Conditions
By Season
| Season | Water Temp | Visibility | Conditions |
|--------|------------|------------|------------|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 18-20°C | 20-30m | Excellent visibility |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 19-21°C | 15-25m | Plankton, more life |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 22-24°C | 20-35m | Optimal |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 22-24°C | 25-40m | Best visibility |
Recommended Equipment
| Season | Wetsuit | Accessories |
|--------|---------|-------------|
| Winter | 5mm full | Hood, gloves |
| Summer | 3mm shorty | Optional booties |
| Year-round | 5mm versatile | Recommended |
---
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best diving spot in Gran Canaria?
El Cabrón in Arinaga is most famous for its exceptional biodiversity. The marine reserve protects abundant and varied fauna. For beginners, Sardina del Norte is more accessible.Can I dive without certification?
Yes, Discover Scuba Diving experiences allow you to try diving with an instructor. Maximum 12 metres depth. No prior experience required, just ability to swim.
How much does diving cost in Gran Canaria?
A discovery dive costs €60-85. Guided dives for certified divers €40-55. 5-dive pack from €180. Complete Open Water course €350-450.
What is the best season for diving?
Autumn (Sep-Nov) has the best visibility (up to 40m). Summer offers warmer water. In reality, you can dive year-round with good conditions.Can I snorkel at Las Canteras?
Yes, the La Barra area is excellent for snorkeling. Calm waters, 1-3 metre depth, and abundant fish. It's 30 metres from Casita Palmera.
Are there sharks in Gran Canaria?
The Canarian angel shark is a small bottom-dwelling shark (1-2m) endemic to the Canaries. It's harmless and highly sought by photographers. Encounters are more common in winter in sandy areas.
Do I need a car to go diving?
Not necessarily. Las Palmas dive centres usually include transport to the spots. If you prefer going on your own, Arinaga is 30 minutes by car.
What equipment do I need for snorkeling?
Basic: mask, snorkel, and fins. You can rent (€10-15/day) or buy a basic set (€25-40). For cool water in winter, a shorty wetsuit helps.