Lanzarote

Spain's recreational diving framework sets clear expectations: dive within certification, maintain buddy procedures, carry appropriate surface signaling, avoid diving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use suitable equipment, and keep recreational scuba conservative. Standard recreational scuba limits include no planned decompression and a maximum depth of 40 m within the applicable training and gas rules. Local operators may set stricter limits, especially around the Blue Hole, Cathedral, La Graciosa, night dives, and weather-sensitive boat days. If wind, swell, or exit conditions deteriorate, accept the site swap.

For any suspected diving accident in Lanzarote, call 112 and state clearly that it is a diving emergency. The island has hospital services in Arrecife and hyperbaric support is coordinated locally; dive operators also commonly activate chamber and emergency protocols. DAN Europe operates a 24/7 emergency hotline for members and diving incidents. Do not self-drive a symptomatic diver to save time if emergency dispatch gives a different instruction, and keep dive computer profiles available for responders.

La Graciosa and the Chinijo Archipelago are protected by a marine-reserve framework with zoning, authorization, and integral no-take/no-dive areas. At all Lanzarote sites, maintain neutral buoyancy, keep fins off sand where angel sharks may rest, avoid touching seahorses or rays, never collect shells or marine life, and do not stand on living reef, seagrass, sponge, or sculpture surfaces. Use reef-safe sun protection, reduce single-use plastic on boat days, and follow guide instructions when wildlife approaches. Good behavior matters because many of Lanzarote's best sites are accessible and heavily used.