Volcanic Atlantic diving with angel sharks, city beaches, and summit-to-sea road trips
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 28 sources
Top species linked to approved dive spots in Gran Canaria.
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Quick shortlist before you jump into the full planning page.
Guided cave dive in El Cabrón's volcanic reserve.
Boat-access artificial reef with concrete sculptures off Arguineguín.
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Last updated: April 20, 2026 • 28 sources
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Overview
Gran Canaria is a year-round Atlantic dive island built around local operators, shore entries, and short day boats rather than liveaboards. The underwater personality changes by coast: Arinaga and El Cabron deliver volcanic arches, drop-offs, and fish-packed ledges; Sardina and Tufia are calmer shore favorites for macro, training, and night dives; Mogan and Puerto Rico add wrecks and south-coast boat reefs; Las Canteras gives snorkelers a rare city-beach lagoon protected by La Barra. Water is cooler than the Red Sea but mild for Europe, usually around 18°C to 26°C. Add protected angel sharks, easy flights into LPA, mountain villages, dunes, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landscapes, and a strong non-diver itinerary, and the island becomes one of the most flexible short-break dive destinations in the Canaries.
Gran Canaria is primarily shore and day-boat diving. You can combine El Cabron, Sardina, Tufia, Las Canteras, and south-coast boats in one week without committing to a liveaboard schedule.
Angel sharks are fully protected in the Canary Islands and are a realistic winter highlight. Respecting the code of conduct is part of the experience, not an optional extra.
Non-divers can spend the same week hiking Roque Nublo, walking Vegueta, photographing Maspalomas Dunes, visiting Puerto de Mogan, or swimming at Las Canteras while divers are on local sites.
Gran Canaria Airport has broad European and inter-island connectivity, and the main dive areas are usually reachable by rental car or operator transfer within the same trip.
25 linked spots
Best time to go
April to November, warmest September to November
Warmest water around 23°C to 26°C, comfortable evenings, calmerfeeling mornings, and strong mixed diving plus topside value.
Main caution: Surface chop can add a little more texture on exposed entries.
