Diving area

Canary Islands

Volcanic Atlantic diving across islands with distinct coastlines, communities and combinations of shore and boat access.

Scuba diver in blue Atlantic water off Tenerife
WaterAbout 18 to 23°C

Coolest around February, warmest around late summer.

VisibilityOften 20 to 30 m

Weather, coast and sea state matter.

Diving styleShore and boat
LandscapeVolcanic Atlantic

Why dive the Canaries

Lava has formed ledges, arches, rocky reefs and abrupt changes in depth. Sandy areas separate many formations, creating a different experience from a continuous tropical coral reef.

The islands are not interchangeable. Tenerife suits a broad trip with diving and land-based activities, while other islands offer different balances of infrastructure, access and atmosphere.

Conditions and experience

Some areas offer straightforward shore entries and sheltered training sites. Others involve exposed entries, current, deep profiles or boat access. Select the individual site according to certification, recent experience and the conditions on the day.

Go deeper

Choose a location

Island guide

Tenerife

A varied Canary Island base with shore and boat diving, volcanic terrain and sites ranging from accessible reefs to deep, current-sensitive dives.Explore Tenerife

Map

Explore Canary Islands

Pins use geographic coordinates, so they remain attached to the same location as the map moves or zooms. Select a labelled pin to open its page.

Marine life

What you may encounter

  • Rays
  • Moray eels
  • Octopus
  • Barracuda
  • Groupers
  • Trumpetfish
  • Angel sharks in suitable sandy habitat

Sightings vary by site, season and conditions; none are guaranteed.

Practical notes

Plan the dive properly

  • Ask how shore entries are managed and how far equipment must be carried.
  • Confirm what happens when wind or swell affects the planned site.
  • Plan exposure protection for the water temperature, not only the air temperature.
  • Follow current no-fly and altitude guidance after diving.

Sources and further reading

Hello Canary Islands: official diving guideHello Canary Islands: scuba diving conditions