Scuba diving opens up the world of travel for so many people. From the tropical warm waters in Asia to the cooler waters in the USA, there truly is something for everyone. But what about Europe?
Europe is home to some of the top diving destinations in the world, and where better to start us off than in Gran Canaria and leading dive center, Leagues Ahead Diving.
The tourist hub of Gran Canaria, Playa del Ingles is now home to the newest dive center on the Island leagues Ahead Diving Gran Canaria. Nestled directly next to a surfing shop it creates an environment that is perfect for those that love water sports or are even looking to try something new on holiday!
Scuba Diving Gran Canaria With Leagues Ahead Diving
Passionate about conserving the environment the owners James and Sophie created a dive center from recycled wood and pallets and every aspect of the center was created from scratch.
With safety and customer service being at the forefront of their business all dives are completed in small and personal groups ensuring their clients make unforgettable memories when diving in Gran Canaria.
With the location of the island being off the north-western coast of Africa, Gran Canaria is home to some of the best weather in Europe. This means that Leagues Ahead Diving are open for business 365 days a year with tours typically starting at 9:00 am.
With this said, let’s dive into more detail about the dive sites that Gran Canaria has to offer and why you should pay them a visit on your next scuba diving vacation.
What Dives Are Available In Gran Canaria?
The third-largest island in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria is a volcanic island that boasts a rich array of rock formations both in the mountains and underwater. If you visit the North of the island you will be surprised with a green leafy terrain as opposed to the dry and barren terrain you can expect to find in the South.
Gran Canaria is renowned for its underwater volcanic landscape and diverse array of marine life including giant Stingrays and Angel Sharks. However, what makes diving Gran Canaria extraordinary is the diversity within each dive site.
Gran Canaria has dive sites to suit everyone, no matter what you are looking for or what level of certification you are. With too many to choose from, we have listed 3 of the main dive sites that Gran Canaria has to offer below.
1. El Cabron
- Maximum depth: 38 meters
- Minimum level of certification: Something for everyone
- Entry: Open water diver
El Cabron was voted as one of the top ten dive sites in Europe, with divers traveling across the globe to sample what this marine reserve has to offer. Situated on the East coast of Gran Canaria with rugged rocky entries, caves, and caverns this is a dive site for the more experienced certified diver.
El Cabron has a marine reserve title. This title prohibits boating or fishing from taking place in the area and consequently allowing marine life to thrive. It is said that the biomass of fish species living in a marine reserve increases by 450% and this is certainly true with the giant Stingrays, Moray eels, and Groupers you can expect to see in the deep blue waters of El Cabron.
With several different entry points and routes, many clients choose to complete a diving package in this one dive site. This will really allow you to discover the many delights of El Cabron and sample each different route.
2. Amadores Bay
- Maximum depth: 14 meters
- Minimum level of certification: Discover Scuba Divers
- Entry: Shore
A stark contrast to El Cabron is Amadores Bay, located in the sunny South of Gran Canaria. Amadores Bay validates the diversity of Gran Canarias dive sites with an easy shore entry making Amadores Bay the perfect dive site for those taking their first breaths underwater.
With golden white sand and tropical blue water, it makes the perfect backdrop to discover the shoals of Damselfish, Wrasse, and Parrotfish which inhabit the waters of Gran Canaria and discover the wonders of scuba diving.
If you are looking to take the plunge and experience scuba diving for the first time, the team at Leagues Ahead Diving run Discover Scuba diving lessons. This excursion allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters with no prior experience!
3. The Arona Wreck
- Maximum depth: 35 meters
- Minimum level of certification: Advanced Open water + Deep diver specialty
- Entry: Boat
The Arona wreck sunk in the year of 1972, caused by a fire in the engine. The 96.7-meter long wreck creates a scuba diving playground for Leagues Ahead Diving’s clients.
Located at 35 meters in depth it is the perfect dive site for those wanting a little adrenaline rush or those looking to advance their scuba diving skills. The positioning of the wreck allows you to penetrate the wreck and discover the Stingrays hiding inside.
In conclusion diving, Gran Canaria is guaranteed to delight both the novice and professional diver. With subtropical climates all year, crystal clear water and spectacular volcanic rock formations, diving Gran Canaria should be on your scuba bucket list!
Leagues Ahead Diving lead scuba diving tours in the best dive sites on the island, and if you are thinking of taking the plunge and diving Gran Canaria then check out their website for more information.
