Many of those who visit us come to Dunas Hotels & Resorts to relax on their holidays, others come to discover the island; and there are visitors who come to live unique experiences, to find out all the leisure offer in this “miniature continent”. Thanks to its many beaches, snorkeling in Gran Canaria is always an option to consider.
Let Gran Canaria surprise you with its fabulous seabed, there is no better place. Its variety, authenticity, and good conditions make it a superb place for this kind of activity. The Canary Islands offer very special and different scenarios from what you may find in the rest of Spain; above all because of its geographical location.
Gran Canaria’s marine life is perfect for a romantic snorkeling day with your other half or a fun one with your family. Transparent and warm waters with an average temperature of 20°C, allow great visibility... snorkeling is the perfect plan to enjoy the sea in Gran Canaria. This island has more than 200 kilometres of coast, and in most of it you can find the best conditions and many points to practice underwater activities, such as scuba diving or snorkeling.
Snorkeling over here is entering an exciting parallel world of old sunken ships, great variety of volcanic landscapes and unique marine species of the Canary Islands. The snorkeling beaches of Gran Canaria are perfectly suited to enjoy shallow seabed.
Everyone who has been snorkeling in the island while staying at Dunas Hotels & Resorts speak wonders of this experience. Most of them recommend it, and many repeat it.
Snorkeling in Gran Canaria: North & East
Vast Gran Canaria’s litoral has many of hidden spots that always make everyone happy. But, while sitting anywhere on the beach is fun, probably their best parts are underwater.
Las Canteras
One of the perfect beaches in Gran Canaria to practice snorkel is Las Canteras Beach, north of the island. It is a 3 kilometres long beach located in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It’s protected by a natural reef called La Barra that shelters it from the waves, so its waters are calm. It is recommended not to surpass it, since currents from there on are very strong and the reef area offers a significant number of species like sea bream, parrotfish, labridas, damselfish, etc.
Puerto de las Nieves
In Puerto de las Nieves, located in the northwest town of Agaete, you can go snorkeling on the beach, but taking into account that the current can be very strong so it is essential to have a good swimming level. It is only recommended for sea experts that will have a good energy management to reach the shore in the event of unexpected currents.
El Cabrón Marine Reserve
One of the greatest places for snorkeling in Gran Canaria, El Cabrón Marine Reserve, is located next to the eastern town of Arinaga, as it has great marine life and flora areas in its volcanic reefs. It is an area of colourful fishes, cephalopods and molluscs, as well as prickly eels, thorny drums, cuttlefish, octopus, ray fish or barracudas only a few meters from the surface.
It is a perfect area to go with children, as the seabed is shallow and the tides are quiet and low. In the rocky areas you’ll discover many diverse species like fulas, sea cucumbers, sponges, anemones, etc.
Since the asphalted road only gets to a certain point, it is recommended to leave the car and access the beach walking. Following the east coast of the island, around Arinaga, you’ll find very good conditions for those who like seabed watching.
Zoco Negro
Zoco Negro, right in Arinaga, is a perfect place for snorkeling initiation, as it is a shallow natural pool protected from any type of currents and waves. You’ll discover bright coloured fish and occasionally you may come across rays and angel sharks which high tides bring to this point. In addition to this, the accesses are very well looked after.
Risco Verde
Risco Verde, also in Arinaga, is totally open and deeper. It has easy access and parking. In this same area of Arinaga around the area of Muelle Viejo and Nuevo Muelle, in the town’s centre, you’ll also find good access and lots of marine life to watch while practicing snorkeling.
Snorkeling in Gran Canaria: South
Snorkeling is a safe sport if you snorkel responsibly and choose not to snorkel in places beyond your ability and confidence. Just a disclaimer to always be aware of your surroundings. Monitor the water conditions before entering, don’t snorkel off rocky shores and avoid any swell.
Playa del Águila
Just before Playa del Inglés Beach and the Maspalomas Dunes, you will find Playa de Águila. Its rocky seabed has great conditions to practice snorkel. One thing to take into account is that is very deep and so visibility is more limited. However, the walk between San Agustín Beach, Las Burras Beach and Playa del Inglés Beach is superb for watching crabs on the rocky shore.
Meloneras
Meloneras Beach, a stony beach that attracts many of the smallest species we can find in the Canaries is more protected from the waves than Maspalomas Beach, another good option for snorkeling in the island.
Amadores
Amadores Beach is another place to go snorkeling. The best time of day are the early hours of the morning since the sea is calm and so there is better visibility. There are species such as sole, sea bream, balloon fish and damselfish. In the centre part of the beach there is a small group of rocks that attract other species of colourful fish.
A top spot for snorkeling in Gran Canaria attracts many expert snorkelers that go to the right side of the bay, closer to where the waves break. Concrete blocks have become a great source of food for fish and sometimes you can see cuttlefish and octopus.
Taurito
Taurito Beach is an easy diving zone with plenty of marine life. Near the coast line the water is shallow (2 to 3 meters) and there are loads of fish to be watched. It is a good and quiet place for beginners.
Puerto de Mogán
Puerto de Mogán it is another great place for beginners, very protected from the waves and an area where marine life begins its life course.
Other places to snorkel in Gran Canaria
Other spots where you can practice snorkeling on the beaches of Gran Canaria are the next ones:
- Roque Tortuga
- Punta Arucas
- Las Merinas
- Sardina del Norte
- Caleta Baja
- Taliarte
- Tufia
- Punta de la Sal
- La Gerardia
As you can see, Gran Canaria offers many opportunities for those who’d like to enjoy the island’s seabed rather than just swimming. So, do not hesitate bringing your tube and glasses and get ready to enjoy a great experience on your next trip to Dunas Hotels & Resorts! Snorkeling in Gran Canaria is waiting for you!
