Lanzarote is one of the eight islands that make up the Canary archipelago. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1993, this island is celebrated for its mild climate year-round and its unique volcanic landscape. These features create a one-of-a-kind natural setting, where arid land contrasts beautifully with the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic.
As the oldest of the Canary Islands in geological terms, Lanzarote is renowned not only for its terrestrial beauty but also for the underwater paradise that draws divers from around the world, making it one of the top diving spots in Spain.
Unique Features of the Island
Lanzarote’s landscapes are shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions that have left a unique imprint on the terrain. This volcanic origin has imparted extraordinary characteristics not only to the island’s surface but also to its underwater scenery, with features like submerged lava formations, caves, and tunnels adding a special dimension to the diving experience.
Lanzarote’s climate, with mild temperatures year-round and minimal ocean currents, makes it an ideal location for water sports. Additionally, underwater visibility is excellent, reaching up to 30 metres, allowing for a clear and immersive experience.
A Marine Paradise Full of Riches
Diving Lanzarote is marked by the clarity of its waters, some of the purest in the Atlantic, creating ideal conditions for diving at any time of the year. Moreover, water temperatures range between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, allowing divers to enjoy comfortable dives without needing overly thick wetsuits.
One of the island’s main attractions is the richness of its marine life. Lanzarote’s waters are home to a wide variety of species, many of which are endemic to the archipelago and find a safe haven in its seabeds. Some of these species are critically endangered, such as the angel shark—a species of shark that, while not endemic to the Canaries, finds an important refuge in the island’s waters. During a dive, it is common to encounter species such as groupers, amberjacks, bream, parrotfish, rays, and many more.
Some of the Best Diving Spots in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is known as one of the best diving destinations in Spain, with numerous spots suitable for divers of all levels. The island boasts 30 dive sites across its coastlines and the nearby Chinijo Archipelago. You can explore many of these sites and their unique characteristics through the Lanzarote Diving Guide. Below are some of the island’s most iconic dive sites:
Veril de Playa Chica, Puerto del Carmen
Playa Chica is the best lanzarote diving center. The shallow areas are perfect for decompression stops, while advanced divers can explore the depths and enjoy stunning cave dives, volcanic tubes, deep-water corals, and even encounters with sharks and, occasionally, whales. This location is a must for divers in Lanzarote.
The Cathedral, Puerto del Carmen
Also located in Puerto del Carmen, this site is famous for its impressive underwater cave shaped like a cathedral, situated around 30 metres deep. Inside, divers can encounter schools of fish, moray eels, groupers, and even rays and angel sharks.
Punta Berrugo, Playa Blanca
This dive is like a treasure hunt along the border between sand and rock, following a small drop-off that forms. The landscape takes on artistic forms, creating small hideouts where it’s hard to resist peeking in to spot marine life. Remnants of an old shipwreck are also visible here, nearly consumed by the sea.
Playa Montaña Roja, Playa Blanca
This spectacular underwater site boasts a diverse flora and fauna supported by the largest protected seagrass bed in the island’s southern area. With its clear, shallow waters, it is especially suitable for beginner dives. Its proximity to the Pechiguera Lighthouse and deeper waters allows for surprising sightings of deep-water species such as tuna, barracuda, and angel sharks.
Veril de Fariones, Puerto del Carmen
Also in Puerto del Carmen, this spot is a paradise for underwater photographers. Clear, calm waters and abundant marine life make each dive a spectacular experience. This site offers the opportunity for divers to fulfil their dreams of spotting manta rays, dolphins, turtles, or even the gigantic fin whales.
Charco del Palo, Northwest Coast of Lanzarote
For the more adventurous divers, Charco del Palo on the island’s northeast coast provides volcanic underwater landscapes that look like another world. This location is ideal for those wishing to explore caves and tunnels formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. It showcases a rich representation of many Canary ecosystems within a compact area.
Playa Flamingo, Playa Blanca
This dive impresses with its simplicity and the quantity and diversity of fish schools that frequent the area. With superb visibility for most of the year, divers can admire schools of grunts, barracuda, and sardines. The white sand offers shelter to electric rays, angel sharks, and manta rays, so it’s worth looking closely at the sea floor to spot their silhouettes.
Why Lanzarote is the Best Diving Destination in Spain
Lanzarote not only stands out for its natural beauty and marine biodiversity but also for its excellent infrastructure and a wide range of diving centres, ensuring that anyone—whether beginner or expert—can enjoy the experience safely. The unique underwater landscapes, easy accessibility by air and sea, favourable year-round climate, and rich cultural and culinary offerings make the island an unmissable destination for diving enthusiasts.
If you’re planning a trip to Lanzarote for diving, here’s everything you need to know about the island’s sporting facilities and diving centres. Dive into the aquatic experience of Lanzarote!
