Lanzarote Diving and Snorkeling

No wonder that snorkeling and scuba diving are among the most popular things to do in Lanzarote. The breathtaking underwater areas off the coast of this canary island moreover offer excellent conditions for professionals and beginners alike. And if you have decided to discover this new world, you can take the necessary course for this, in the various diving centers of the island. But what is there to consider when scuba diving? And what should you pay attention to when diving for the first time? You can read all the necessary information and the best tips about this wet adventure here.

The Ocean World Around Lanzarote

Why Is Diving or Snorkeling Worthwhile in Lanzarote?

For one thing, countless volcanic eruptions shaped this black beauty in the Atlantic. Not only did the impressive part of the island above the surface of the sea rise. But also a variety of interesting reefs, caves and sandbars have formed underwater. Added to this is the almost constant and moderate water temperature. Together these conditions form the perfect habitat for a species-rich and colorful underwater fauna. The region around Lanzarote is consequently characterized by its great abundance of fish; they come in large shoals and can be considered large fish. And with a little luck, you may even meet marine mammals.

If you dive or snorkel in Lanzarote, you will also be amazed by the great visibility under water. You have a clear view of everything you encounter down there. Countless corals, sea anemones and microorganisms have settled on the reefs and give them a lively and colorful appearance. You will also see schools of magical sparkling fish and watch barracudas or even tuna while hunting. Above all, don’t get scared by rays or moray eels that appear out of nowhere. Mantas and even larger marine mammals are regularly seen by divers on Lanzarote.

What Are the Best Lanzarote Dive Sites?

Lanzarote impresses with some very exceptional dive sites. In the northern part, for example, you will find impressive caves and grottos. There are countless reefs and overhangs around the entire island. Last but not least, the submarine area of Lanzarote overwhelms with a number of wrecks that can be dived. Below we have compiled a small selection of the most beautiful diving spots of Lanzarote.

Charco del Palo

This dive site is located far to the northeast of the island and is an overwhelming testimony to the island’s volcanic past. Because huge lava flows poured into the sea here, creating a bizarre submarine landscape with overhangs, caves and tunnels. These black and gray rock formations sit on a bright white sanded seabed here, which creates a stunning contrast. At this spot, advanced as well as beginners can embark on their diving adventure at a depth of up to 20 meters. In addition to the schools of fish, there is a good chance that you will also encounter large fish such as manta rays, sunfish and angel sharks.

The Cathedral

The name says it all at this spot. The cathedral is located near Puerto del Carmen and is one of the most famous diving spots in Lanzarote. At a depth of about 30 meters you will find a huge cave, with a rock formation at its end, which is rising up like a church altar. This is why the cave is named correctly. For those who want to upgrade their PADI Open Water Diver to PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, this area is a good training spot. Take your tome to have a good look around while diving in this cave. Here you will encounter the big grouper and the crevices are full of surprises.

The Coloradas Reef

The Coloradas reef located in front of Playa Blanca runs parallel to the coast and is therefore well protected from currents. You can go diving from 12 to 18 meters. Therefore, this spot is suitable for beginners and advanced. Here you can dive into small caves and arches and meet barracudas, stingrays and angel sharks.

Diving and Snorkeling at Papagayo

Most holidaymakers are probably familiar with the Papagayo beaches. Very few people know that there also is an excellent spot for diving and snorkeling. While snorkeling there you can see a lot of underwater creatures. Particularly noteworthy are the rare bear crabs, which are native to the Papagayo. Divers can dive through a large column on the eastern side of the Colorado reef. Just don’t wake the stingrays that have gone for a sleep under the ledges.

Can You Snorkel in Lanzarote?

Snorkeling Lanzarote is worthwhile for everyone who is looking for extraordinary experiences in another world. It is also ideal for the completely inexperienced. You don’t need any complex equipment or licenses. All you need is a mask, snorkel and fins and you’re ready to go. Snorkeling is most fun when you can stay on the surface of the water so that the snorkel tube protrudes from the water, allowing you to breath regularly. This way you can calmly observe what is going on underneath you. Therefore, it’s best to look for the flatter areas on the beaches. You are also welcome to dive, although depths of more than 4 to 5 meters are not recommended. Another tip: For some time now there has been a new snorkeling system in which the breathing tube is integrated in the diving mask. This system is called Easy Breath. The mask covers the mouth and the snorkel, which is firmly attached to the mask and is located on the rear part.

How Can You Dive Without Oxygen Cylinders?

So-called helmet diving has been used in the military and in industry for many years. With this method the diver wears a helmet with an integrated hose. Clever inventors have developed a device that supplies the diver with oxygen via this hose from the water surface. This air supply device floats on the water and can therefore follow the diver. With this system even beginners can dive to depths of up to 6 meters in the presence of a diving instructor. No diving licenses and no diving courses are required. You will of course be instructed in detail at first before you dive off. And you can try a walk on the ocean floor without an oxygen cylinder at Lanzarote Sea Trek.

Can Beginners Dive on Lanzarote?

If you have never completed a dive or have not yet acquired a license for free diving (e.g. PADI Open Water), you are not allowed to go diving alone. If you want to go diving, you have to find the scuba diving center Lanzarote. There you first take a course to obtain a diving license. You preferably start with an introductory diving. Here you can quickly find out whether diving is the right activity for you. If this is the case, you can finally go on further dives accompanied by a trained diving instructor in order to obtain a proper license. There are a few spots off the coast of Lanzarote that have little current. Combined with the excellent underwater view, Lanzarote has proven itself as a designated place for diving beginners.

Can I Attend a Diving College in Lanzarote?

On Lanzarote you will find various dive centers where you can get licenses according to the guidelines of the diving associations PADI, SSI or IAC. The certified diving instructors will guide you through the courses that often take several days covering theory and practice. So if you are thinking of taking a diving course in Lanzarote, you should count in various days and be looking for a diving center near your holiday destination.

Important Information and Tips

What Are the Requirements For Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

1. Health: The most important requirement for snorkeling and diving is your health. We strongly advise to abstain from this activity if you have heart problems, lung problems, epilepsy or diabetes. Diving can also be a dangerous undertaking for pregnant women and people who have recently had surgery. You have to show a medical certificate to prove your physical condition is adequate for diving. You can have this issued in your home town or go to a doctor in Lanzarote.
2. Insurance: In addition to the medical certificate, you also need personal diving accident insurance. This is a legal requirement in the Canaries. As a regular diver, you have most likely already completed this in your home country. If not, you can take it out from the dive center in Lanzarote. However, this only applies to the period shown in the insurance policy.

If you just want to go snorkeling, you do not need a medical certificate or insurance.

3. Equipment: Diving equipment is available for rent in most diving centers.
4. License: If you have a free diver license like the PADI Open Water Diver, you immerse into the underwater world without a trained diving instructor. You can only dive all by yourself, i.e. without at least one other accompanying person, if you have a special solo diving license. If you don’t have such a license or a companion, simply go to a dive center and book guided dives there. In this way, you not only meet the requirements, you also minimize the risks and make contacts with like-minded people.

What Should You Consider When Booking?

It is important that you look at the offers in detail. When choosing, the price should not always be the decisive criterion for your choice. It rather is about what services are offered. The course material and the necessary diving equipment should be included in the diving courses. Also check whether the diving insurance, boat trips and hotel transfers are included in the price. Also pay attention to the languages in which dives or courses are conducted and whether any foreign language skills are required. You can find all this information in the detailed descriptions of our offers in the menu items “Please note!” and “Services & Prices”.

What Should You Bring For a Diving Safari and Snorkeling?

• Documents: For diving and for the diving courses you need to show any existing licenses, the medical certificate and, if you already have diving accident insurance, the appropriate policy.
• Swimwear and towels: You need towels to dry off after the dives. Swimwear is a must under the wetsuit.
• Sunscreen: Don’t forget to rub sunscreen properly before and after diving and snorkeling.

If you take a look at our snorkeling and diving offers, you will always find all conditions you have to meet under “Please Note!” And further information and recommendations. The menu item “Services & Prices” lists in detail what you will have to pay, what is included in that prices and for which services you may have to pay extra.

If you take our tips and information to heart, nothing stands in the way of a successful diving adventure in Lanzarote. We wish you a great vacation on this fantastic island.