Gran Canaria Scuba Diving for Certified Divers

Getting into the underwater world of Gran Canaria offers a special kind of thrill for those with a diving certification. With a full-day tour that covers multiple dive sites across the island, you can expect to see everything from volcanic rock formations to lively schools of fish, rays, and maybe even an angelshark. This experience is well-suited for experienced divers who want to explore reefs, wrecks, and swimthroughs with a knowledgeable guide by their side.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the focus on safety and small-group sizes. You’re in good hands with instructors who are highly experienced, and the limited group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. However, one consideration is the physical aspect: some reviewers mention walking with heavy gear over steep slopes from the shore, which could be a challenge for those less mobile or carrying extra weight.

This tour is ideal for seasoned divers looking for variety and adventure on their holiday. Whether you’re interested in wrecks, night dives, or cavern explorations, this trip offers a flexible itinerary that can meet diverse interests and skill levels within the certified diver community.

Key Points

• Diverse Dive Sites: Over 15 locations across all island coasts, including wrecks, reefs, and volcanic formations.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 6 participants, ensuring safety and personalized guidance.
• Comprehensive Equipment: Full gear is included, and you can bring your own if preferred.
• Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to see rays, seahorses, cuttlefish, octopuses, and possibly angelsharks.
• Flexible Options: Shore and boat dives available, with visits to notable sites like Atlantida Park.
• Safety and Professionalism: Guides are highly experienced, with safety as a priority.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This full-day tour is designed for certified divers who want to maximize their time exploring Gran Canaria’s underwater charm. Starting with two shore dives, you’ll have roughly an hour’s surface interval to relax and recharge, making it perfect for those who appreciate a more leisurely, safety-conscious approach. The dives are from various locations across the south, east, west, and northwest coasts, offering a wide range of underwater landscapes.

Each site promises a unique visual feast. You might find yourself swimming through volcanic rock formations, which create natural tunnels and swimthroughs that are both fun and photogenic. Expect to see colorful anemones, red gorgons, and schools of fish that dance around you as you glide through the water. The clarity of the water in Gran Canaria is generally excellent, giving you clear, close-up views of marine life.

The tour also features wrecks and cavern dives, adding an element of historical intrigue and adventure. If you’re interested in wreck exploration, the Atlantida Park is one of the highlights, offering a chance to see submerged vessels that tell stories of the past. For those keen on seeing larger marine species, rays, seahorses, and even the elusive angelshark are possible sightings, as noted by previous guests.

The Guides and Equipment

You’ll be in the capable hands of instructors who speak both English and Spanish, which helps ease communication. One review mentions Alejandro, who was praised for being polite and fluent enough in English to make the diver feel comfortable. Small groups—limited to just six participants—mean you get more tailored advice and better support during your dives.

Full equipment is provided, including tanks, weights, and safety gear like SMBs and knives—important for safety and regulation compliance. If you prefer, you can bring your own gear, but the rental equipment is modern and well-maintained, with high-quality brands like Aqualung and Apeks. The inclusion of a dive computer is essential for tracking your dive profiles and safety.

Physical Considerations and Practicalities

One viewer shared a useful insight: the walk to and from the shore can be physically demanding, especially if you’re carrying heavy gear. She described having to trek down and then up a steep slope and steps, which might be tiring for some. It’s important to be prepared physically, especially for those with mobility issues or less endurance.

Transportation is included, with transfers from your hotel in the south coast areas (Bahia Feliz, Meloneras). The tour lasts roughly six hours, which feels just right—long enough to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed. You’ll want to bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear, plus your certification and logbook.

Pricing and Value

At $136 per person, including two guided dives, equipment, tanks, and transfers, this tour offers good value for experienced divers. It’s a comprehensive package that covers the core needs—guidance, gear, transport—making it easier to focus on the experience itself. The option to book and pay later offers flexibility, which is especially useful if your travel plans are still fluid.

Boat dives are available at an extra charge, offering the chance to visit offshore wrecks or more remote sites. Keep in mind, this is an experience designed for certified divers, so if you’re not yet certified, you’ll need to look at introductory options.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for divers with certification who want to explore diverse underwater environments in Gran Canaria. It’s perfect for those interested in wrecks, caves, or night dives, as the tour is adaptable to various preferences. The small group size makes it ideal for travelers seeking personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.

If you’re physically fit and comfortable with walking and carrying gear, you’ll enjoy the full range of activities. But if mobility is an issue, the walk-in/walk-out nature of some sites might be a challenge. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people with certain health issues, including back, heart, respiratory problems, or epilepsy.

Final Thoughts

This scuba diving experience in Gran Canaria offers a well-rounded adventure for certified divers. The combination of varied sites, expert guidance, and excellent equipment makes it a solid choice for those wanting to see the island’s underwater world up close. The chance to spot big fish, rays, and seahorses adds excitement, especially in the crystal-clear waters that make viewing so enjoyable.

While the physical demands of walking with gear could be a consideration, most experienced divers will find the itinerary rewarding. The small-group format ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the inclusion of transport, gear, and safety equipment simplifies the planning process.

If you’re after a well-organized, authentic dive experience that showcases the natural beauty of Gran Canaria’s underwater landscapes, this tour deserves serious consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own diving equipment?
You can bring your own if you prefer, but the tour provides full equipment, including tanks, weights, and safety gear like SMBs and knives.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers to and from your hotel located in the south coast area (Bahia Feliz, Meloneras) are included.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 6 hours, with time allocated for two dives and some surface intervals.

Are boat dives available?
Yes, boat dives can be arranged at an additional charge, allowing access to offshore wrecks and sites farther from the shore.

What should I bring on the day?
Bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, your diving certification, your logbook, and a downloaded app for safety and information.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
No, it’s designed specifically for certified divers with prior experience. Beginners or uncertified divers should consider introductory or try-diving options.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s the best time to book?
Check availability in advance, especially during peak seasons, and consider booking early if you want to secure a spot in small groups.

In essence, this tour offers an immersive, safe, and visually stunning dive experience for those ready to explore Gran Canaria’s underwater treasures. Whether your aim is to encounter large rays or explore underwater wrecks, you’ll find this trip a worthwhile addition to your island adventures.