Fuerteventura

There is no general island-wide dive tag equivalent to Bonaire for standard guided recreational dives in Fuerteventura. The key requirement is suitable recreational diving insurance, which Spanish rules and local operators may ask you to show before diving. If your plan includes landing on Isla de Lobos for snorkeling or hiking, you also need the Lobos visitor authorization, which is separate from ferry or water-taxi transport. Dive operators handle site permissions for normal boat operations, but you should still ask what is included in the package price.

Angel-shark sightings are never guaranteed, but the best planning window is usually winter into early spring, roughly November to March. Dive sites with sandy patches, such as La Caleta and El Canon, are the right habitat style when animals are resting on the bottom. Any encounter should be slow and conservation-led: keep at least 1.5 m away, do not touch, feed, uncover, or chase the shark, and do not swim directly over it. Let the guide position the group and accept that the best sighting may be brief.

Yes, as long as beginners choose the right base and operator. El Jablito, La Caleta, and sheltered Caleta de Fuste sites are useful for try dives, Open Water courses, and first Atlantic check dives, with modest depths around 10 m to 15 m. The island also has advanced options, so beginners should not self-select sites by name alone. Wind, boat movement, current, and cooler water can surprise tropical-only divers. A 5mm or 7mm suit, honest briefing, and conservative first day make the trip much easier.

Fuerteventura is a good freedive training destination, especially with local schools around Corralejo, Lobos, La Lajita, and the north coast. It is not mainly known as a big competition destination, but it offers structured SSI and AIDA-style courses, volcanic scenery, sand bottoms, and enough depth for beginner to intermediate progression. The main variable is wind. September to November is the easiest open-water line season, while summer trade winds or winter swell may push sessions into protected bays, confined water, or revised sites. Never freedive alone here.

The most reliable snorkel choices are sheltered rather than exposed. El Puertito de Lobos and La Concha de Lobos are classic clear-water options when you have the Lobos authorization and the ferry is running comfortably. La Concha in El Cotillo is a family-friendly lagoon choice on suitable tide and wind, while El Jablito and Caleta de Fuste can work well for rocky reef fish when calm. Avoid west-coast surf beaches for casual snorkeling, even on sunny days, because rip currents and shorebreak can be serious.

Wind is one of the island's defining features, especially in June, July, and August. It does not automatically cancel diving, because local operators choose sites by coast, tide, swell, and diver level, but it can create choppy boat rides, route swaps, and less comfortable surface intervals. Freediving and snorkeling are more sensitive because line stability and shallow comfort depend on smooth water. Build flexibility into the plan, avoid booking your dream site for only one possible day, and treat a conservative site change as good local judgement.

Plan Lobos in two separate steps. First, secure the official visitor authorization for the day and time shift you want. Second, book ferry, water taxi, or tour transport from Corralejo. The crossing is short, but wind can still affect comfort and schedules. Bring water, sun cover, food if needed, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag, then focus on La Concha, El Puertito, and marked trails. The permit is for access, not a safety guarantee, so check conditions before snorkeling and avoid feeding wildlife or leaving waste.

Most scuba divers are happiest in a 5mm suit in warmer months and a 7mm suit or 5mm plus hooded vest in winter or on repetitive dive days. Water can feel cool after several Atlantic dives, especially with wind on the boat. Bring your mask, computer, SMB, certification card, insurance proof, and any personal exposure layers. Rental gear is widely available, but fit-sensitive items are worth packing. Freedivers should bring personal mask and fins if preferred, while snorkelers should add a rashguard or 3mm shorty and reef shoes.

Non-divers have a strong itinerary without repeating beach days. From Corralejo, they can walk the dunes, visit Lobos with authorization, snorkel sheltered coves, and enjoy restaurants while divers boat out. Inland, Betancuria, viewpoints, and Majorero cheese stops make a relaxed cultural day. El Cotillo works for lagoons and sunset, while Cofete and Jandia deliver the island's dramatic remote scenery if driving conditions are suitable. In the evening, Sicasumbre is a good stargazing target when skies are clear and the moon is not too bright.