Safety · Destination Guide
Volcanic shore dives, angel sharks, and lunar-landscape rest days in the Canary Islands
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 26 sources
Lanzarote is approachable, but it is still the Atlantic. Respect wind, swell, lava entries, depth, and Spanish diving rules. The safest trips use local guides, conservative profiles, visible surface signaling, proper insurance, and flexible site choices. Conservation is practical: do not touch angel sharks, rays, seahorses, sponges, gorgonians, seagrass, sculptures, or lava life, and follow marine-reserve authorization rules in the north.
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.
Atlantic surge on lava entries
Even sheltered entries can become awkward when surge runs across volcanic rock. Wear booties, listen to local briefings, and do not force an exit if your guide changes the plan.
Wind-exposed departures
Lanzarote is windy by nature. Boat dives, freedive line sessions, and northern trips can move or cancel when surface chop makes pickup or supervision unsafe.
Depth creep at lava-wall sites
Sites such as Blue Hole, Cathedral, and some La Graciosa walls can tempt divers deeper than their training. Spain's recreational framework and local operator standards require conservative, qualified planning.
Sun and heat exposure on lava
Black lava, open viewpoints, and summer afternoons can dehydrate travelers quickly. Carry water, a hat, and closed shoes, especially after repetitive dive mornings.
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.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when atlantic surge on lava entries. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Emergency Number | Police, ambulance, fire, and diving emergency dispatch | 112 | 24/7 |
| DAN Europe Emergency Hotline | Diving medicine emergency advice and coordination | +39 0642115685 | 24/7 |
| Hospital Universitario Doctor Jose Molina Orosa | Main public hospital serving Lanzarote | +34 928 595 000 | 24/7 emergency services through official channels |
| Hiperox Lanzarote | Hyperbaric medicine support in Arrecife | Activate through 112, DAN, or local dive-operator emergency protocol | Emergency activation through local medical system |