Lanzarote Diving – Best Scuba Spots & Tips in the Canary Islands

Recommendation: start with a dawn shallow-water routine at a sheltered shore, where currents stay mild and views improve before deeper exploration. If gear is limited, consider shop options nearby to rent compact regulators; this approach is useful for beginners and veterans alike.

Along this volcanic arc, timanfaya landscapes reveal lava tunnels and black lava flows that create natural arches. Several local centers offer guided sessions, with analytics showing best days for visibility. Bookings can be made in shop fronts or online; without relying on heavy logistics, always carry passport for cross-border access if you venture beyond port limits. Some routes are situated within protected zones, so follow signs and respect restricted areas.

Depth and wildlife vary by site; several reefs sit off rocky pockets, with depths around 12–20 meters and views of blue water. Expect mild surge near lava shelves; entry from a quiet shore avoids heavy currents near cliff faces. In october visibility can approach 25 meters, delighting butterfly rays and cactus-like corals along basalt walls. Always carry a line, a compact slate, and extras for safety; coordinate with local operators to keep sessions secure.

Gear and planning ensure you have available insurance and a dive card; check analytics from operators before booking; prefer quiet mornings rather than crowded afternoons, avoid noise from advertising banners near docks. Bring a compact camera; click to capture shots with minimal disturbance; keep secure equipment handling. A quick check on passport validity is advised if crossing borders for longer itineraries.

Logistics and culture note that this island chain hosts largest volcanic landscapes; shore access is varied, with several mooring points. If you plan to stay longer, consider october windows and book in advance via shop partners; many centers offer extras like guided night sessions or macro photography tours. After been to this region, you will value careful planning and skipping crowded slots.

Best beginner-friendly dive sites around Lanzarote

Diver should begin with easy, shallow site around 6–12 metres, where visibility is clear, currents mild, and fish life abundant, including parrotfish, wrasse, and juvenile damselfish. Booking with a certified operator is essential; choose a shop that runs basic gear checks, offers personal briefings, and provides a qualified guide. When travelling, verify smooth booking process and track meeting times; gdpr for data handling by operators should be respected.

Site picks and depth ranges

Arrecife reef features entry from a rocky shoreline, sandy pockets, and lava formations at 6–10 metres; visibility on good days ranges 6–20 metres; flows remain mild under atlántico winds, enabling safe movements. Another calm option lies along Costa Teguise bay at 6–8 metres with sheltered entry and abundant small fish such as damselfish and gobies. La Graciosa lava-arc offers 8–12 metres, lava tubes, and schools of fish; access commonly by short boat transfer from a port area. walk access exists at several spots, and cycling routes connect nearby towns.

Safety, gear, and practical tips

Various selections of dives can be planned across days; before days of travelling, check tides and winds; bookings should note number of divers per guide and payable fees. walk or short cycling routes connect access points; carry a basic safety kit, including SMB and whistle. Bring personal equipment such as mask and fins; for beginners, prefer a perfect, relaxed pace with a certified instructor. A museo visit or local music track can help unwind after a day’s sessions; plan ahead to ensure selections are affordable, with fees payable on booking.

How to pick a Lanzarote dive operator

Choose outfits with public safety credentials, trained guides, and clear risk briefings. Prefer options offering levels for all skills and a variety of underwater sites that appeal to manta encounters and unique marine life.

Check logistics: proximity to airports, beach access, round trips, and year-round operations. Theres value in third-party reviews to verify reliability, and operators that adapt during november holidays and summer peaks. there are documented safety checks.

Gear and training: verify suit sizes, cressi gear availability, reliable air quality, and higher safety margins. Ensure training options cover multiple levels and teach gear use along with emergency response. Programs that provide pre-outing safety drills.

Pricing and discounts: request upfront breakdown, discount bundles, and what content is included (maps, site lists, briefing notes). Selected operators publish clear terms for holidays such as november and summer holidays.

Experience and fleet: check years active, largest fleets, manta site visits, and live boats offering guided itineraries.

• Public safety credentials, trained guides, clear risk briefings.
• Levels and variety: options for all skills, sites including manta opportunities.
• Equipment: suit sizes, cressi gear, maintenance, air management.
• Logistics: proximity to airports, beach access, round-year operation, holidays coverage.
• Pricing: discount options, upfront breakdown, content delivered.
• Experience: years active, largest fleets, live boats, guided itineraries.
• Research: read testimonials, request sample content, ensure alignment with needs.
• Selected outfits should provide them with flexible gear setups.

Packing checklist for a Lanzarote diving trip

Begin with a 70–90 litre large wheeled bag plus a 20 litre daypack for a short walk between harbour areas and Tiñosa. Outdoor layers matter: a 3–5 mm wetsuit or a two-piece setup, a lightweight fleece, a windproof shell, and breathable socks.

Gear essentials: mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, BCD, weights, backup lights, and a compact compass. Preferred cressi mask may fit comfortably; bring spare strap. ritichies snorkel is common in local shops.

Beginners should start with simple rig: mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BCD; plan to rent heavier weights or bring own for better fit. Including spare mouthpiece, anti-fog solution, and a small repair kit. If you want extra confidence, consider a quick session of basic skills before first charter.

Documentation: passport, bsac or gstc cards, and training records.

Insurance papers, medical clearance, emergency contacts.

Meds: seasickness tablets, pain relievers; first-aid kit; antiseptic wipes.

Electronics: plug adapter (plugin) for different outlets, power bank, waterproof phone case, spare chargers.

Prices for rental gear vary by centre; analytics from shops aid budget, including charges for extra weights, tanks, or repairs. That thing about budgeting has been checked.

Meeting points near harbour; some operations depart from Tiñosa or nearby towns; confirm meeting time 30 minutes ahead.

Depth limits: beginners stay around 18 metres; higher training allows deeper metres.

Important reminders: carry copies of passport pages, keep digital backups, verify travel insurance, and share urgent contacts with a trusted companion.

Seasonal visibility and water temps in Lanzarote

october delivers optimal clarity and water around 21–23°C; plan a stay around this month to enjoy long sightlines and comfortable immersion. Currents in atlántico corridors steer visibility; sheltered sites show higher clarity when winds blow from northeast.

1. Winter months (december–february): visibility 15–25 m; water 17–19°C; wetsuit 5–7 mm; currents mild, mainly along atlántico-facing walls; top places include Verdes reef and ritchies wall; site types include wall, macro-friendly slopes, and drift in protected lanes; resources from local operators help plan.
2. Spring (march–may): visibility 20–30 m; water 18–21°C; wetsuit 3–5 mm; currents moderate at open sites; ideal for walls, caves, and drift along sandy flats; adults often choose longer sessions; third-party guides offer flexible itineraries; Verdes location remains productive; types vary by site.
3. Summer (june–august): visibility 25–35 m; water 22–26°C; wetsuit 2–4 mm; currents light; ideal on sheltered bays and lava formations; sunrise to mid-morning sessions preferred; perfect for beginners and higher level divers; hire boats reach remote sites.
4. Autumn (september–november): visibility 20–30 m; water 21–23°C; wetsuit 3–5 mm; currents variable; october stands out with long days and clear water; amended schedules may appear as wind shifts; some third-party operators withdrew permits; verify with Verdes resources or ritchies lists; this period suits adults seeking relaxed wall and reef sites.

Practical planning notes:

• Flight search via easyjetcom can feature offerdiscount codes; combine with resort packages for extra value.
• Resources from Verdes and third-party guides help map places, navigate needs, hire gear, and plan safe visits.
• Adapting level of challenge: for beginners, choose sheltered sites with calm seas; for experienced, drift routes along atlántico walls provide extra variety.
• Preparation: bring extra 2–3 mm layer for autumn mornings; check current conditions before leaving resort; carry spare mask strap and fins; adults should wear a properly fitted buoyancy vest during longer sessions.
• Visit during october for optimal clarity and comfortable temps; stay aware of currents and plan to hire guides if tackling new locations.

Must-do wrecks and reefs near Lanzarote with depth notes

Begin with a dated shallow wreck at 20m depth, reachable from a round harbor in minutes; hours for trips are 09:00 and 14:00. This site features a round bow, a hole in midship, plus impressive life around propeller remains. A trusted provider operates boats, gear, and guides; privacy zones for families lie near surface while deeper sections are explored. Shopping, hotels, and a resort area lie within easy reach of shore. Youre ready to spend an afternoon here before moving to deeper spots.

Deep wreck at 28-35m demands level 2 certification; descent follows a steel hull along a shelf into deeper sections to heavy stern. Impressive life gathers here, with amberjacks, groupers, morays. Expect 40–60 minutes at depth; ascent varies 7–12 minutes; currents usually calm in morning hours. Cathedral arches deepen mood; several swim-throughs provide dramatic shots. Private areas exist for advanced divers.

Reef near shore at 12-18m delivers a wide life matrix: parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish; swim-throughs and arches reminiscent of underwater cathedral, widely praised by professionals. Area is popular with photographers; shore entry is easy; afternoon sessions recommended; plus gentle currents help beginners. Youre able to spend time in crevices and around shallow wrecks, with privacy options for quiet moments.

Second reef option around 14-22m features arches and holes, ideal for family days; privacy zones among rocks; hours from boats typically 09:00–15:00; provider offers discount packages for multi-day stays; shopping in town and hotels nearby; plus round clusters of fish circling rocky outcrops; ideal for afternoon light; youre able to include a short shore walk after immersion.

Facebook updates from local providers keep schedules current; number of seats varies by day; ideal to check ahead for discount codes and weather windows.

Tips for flawless underwater photos and videos in Lanzarote

Begin with RAW capture, manual white balance, fixed focus, and consistent exposure. Use shutter 1/125 s, aperture f/5.6, ISO 200–400; plus two strobes positioned roughly 60 degrees from front, 0.3–0.6 m from subject, through which salt water shifts color can be corrected in post.

Gear plan should include rental units from trusted brands; verify seals, test with fresh charges; if a third-party housing is used, ensure it is applied with correct O-ring lubrication; carry backups, and note cancellation policy plus rooms required in case restrictions arise under adverse weather. Whether weather restricts access, withdrawn plans save costs; final backup options include interior shoots or post edits.

In-water technique and composition

Move slowly through tunnels and arches; frame subjects with front lighting angle around 45–60 degrees; for macro, basic targets such as butterfly and cactus offer crisp detail; salt patterns on reef surfaces add texture; if a child is present, keep distance and maintain signals; they respond well to bright contrast; avoid repetitive motion, which tires viewers.

Gear, planning, and field logistics

Trip plan covers rental gear, third-party brands, seals, and basic maintenance; apply a test before entry; run a function check on strobes, filters, and connectors; schedule through monthsthe tide windows to minimize glare; if cancellation occurs, pursue refunds or reschedule with provider; also keep spare O-rings, salt-free lubricants, and a compact bag for gear.