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Let’s explore the best diving sites in Lanzarote! The island is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for diving enthusiasts. So, if you’re looking for where to dive on your next trip, here we tell you about some places you cannnot miss.
Why is Lanzarote a world-class diving destination?
If you want to explore Lanzarote in all its glory, you must visit the island’s best diving sites. The unique volcanic seabeds, the biodiversity in its waters, and the pleasant temperatures are just a few reasons to dive in Lanzarote.
The island has more than a hundred diving spots, for both beginners and experts. And if you’ve never practised this sport, you can take a course on the island, thanks to its well-developed diving infrastructure.
The crystal-clear waters will allow you to see in detail what’s around you, as visibility can reach up to 40 meters. This way, you’ll enjoy underwater formations, such as caves, tunnels, and reefs.
Moreover, the abundant marine life includes more than 500 different species of fish.
When to dive in Lanzarote?
One of the advantages of Lanzarote is that you can dive at any time of the year, at least in most diving sites. So, the best time to dive in Lanzarote depends on your personal preferences and your budget.
If you travel during the high season, tickets and lodging on the island will be more expensive. In contrast, during the low season, they are more accessible.
Diving conditions also change throughout the year. Between April and October, the water temperature is warmer, making it ideal if you are a beginner or do not tolerate the cold. From September to November, it’s easier to observe species like angel sharks and stingrays.
On the other hand, the months with the best visibility are from December to February, allowing you to enjoy the underwater views more clearly.
1. Playa Chica – Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is one of the must-visit diving centres in Lanzarote, perhaps the most visited on the island. And among the most popular diving spots is Playa Chica. The abundant marine life is one of its main attractions, in addition to having options for both beginner and advanced divers.
Diving site features
Playa Chica is a diving centre with calm waters that can be accessed by walking from the beach. Many people choose this spot for their first dive. The depth ranges from 12 to 45 meters, and reaching some areas will require an advanced diver’s certificate.
Marine life you can find
From the moment you enter the water, you’ll enjoy the different species you can find at Playa Chica. Bream, damselfish, salema, wrasse; in addition to marine slugs, crabs. At greater depths, you can discover more species.
One of the attractions at this point are the seahorses that can be hidden on the caves.
2. Museo Atlántico – Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca, in the south of the island, is another diving area suitable for people with or without diving experience. It also has various diving points, one that you can’t miss is the Museo Atlántico, one of the most interesting tours in Lanzarote.
A unique underwater museum
The Museo Atlántico is the only underwater museum in Europe, where you’ll explore underwater sculptures that form an artificial reef. It’s a creation of the artist Jason DeCaires Taylor and has been open since 2016. The dive in the museum is between 12 and 15 meters, and can only be accessed by boat.
Marine species in the Museo Atlántico
In addition to the sculptures, the Museo Atlántico also hosts numerous marine species. Among them are parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, butterfly fish, and triggerfish. There are also angel sharks, sea turtles, rays, and invertebrates.
3. La Burrera – La Graciosa
The Chinijo archipelago, of which La Graciosa is a part, is a neighbour of Lanzarote and also has diving areas of great interest. You can get to La Graciosa from Lanzarote and from there take any of the available routes.
Enjoy this garden in the waters of La Graciosa
La Burrera is one of the easiest diving points in La Graciosa, accessible to people with any level of experience. What makes it more attractive are the multitude of colors of the flora and fauna that inhabit it.
The bottom of this point is covered by rocks and algae that, along with the fauna, give it a unique appearance.
Biodiversity
La Burrera is a good point to see the species that inhabit the Canary Islands. The name of this area comes from the smooth trunkfish that abound in the area. Additionally, there are groupers, croakers, Canary lobsters, among others.
4. El Ascensor – Mala
To the northwest of the island is Mala, in the municipality of Haría. It’s a small town and from there you can enjoy some of the best diving sites in Lanzarote.
Diving in a volcanic environment
The diving areas in Mala include Charco del Palo, El Cañón, and El Ascensor. What characterizes these points is that you can see how volcanoes have affected the marine landscape. Volcanic tongues and black corals are part of its attraction.
What to expect from El Ascensor?
El Ascensor is a volcanic tube through which you can descend and admire the effects generated by the light entering through the cave windows. To explore El Ascensor, an advanced level is required.
In this area, there are two possible routes: the large Elevator and Puerto Moro, the latter leading to the small Elevator.
5. Barranco del Quíquere – Between Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero
In the municipality of Tías is the Barranco del Quíquere, near the beach there are three sunken fishing boats. Around these wrecks, marine life flourishes, making the tour even more interesting.
A fascinating underwater canyon
Access to the water is made from the stairs on the cliff. After diving for about 40 meters, you can see the first two wrecks, where many fish gather. The third vessel is the oldest and, to reach it, it is preferable to do so by boat as it is further away.
Angel sharks, stingrays, sea eagles, and barracudas are some species found in the place.
Book transfer from Lanzarote airport to Puerto del carmen and enjoy this diving place.
Tips for divers in Lanzarote
- Check the availability for diving. There are areas where the weather does not allow diving at certain times of the year.
- Respect the rules of safety and marine conservation.
- Dive with certified companies and professionals.
- Use all the necessary equipment for the dives.
Conclusion
Lanzarote is a world-class diving destination thanks to its unique volcanic seabeds, the biodiversity in its waters, the pleasant temperatures, and the excellent infrastructure for divers. The island offers a variety of diving sites for all levels of experience, from beginners to experts.
You can choose any of the best diving sites in Lanzarote for a dive. Make sure to do it with a responsible company and to have the necessary level for the site you pick. Don forget to book your Lanzarote transfers to Costa Teguise with us.
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