Gran Canaria Scuba Diving for Certified Divers

Exploring Gran Canaria’s Underwater Wonders: A Guide to the Certified Diver Experience

If you’re someone with a passion for underwater adventure and already hold a diving certification, the Gran Canaria Scuba Diving tour might be just what you’re looking for. This full-day excursion offers a chance to explore the island’s marine life, volcanic formations, and shipwrecks, all with the reassurance of experienced guides. Whether you prefer shore or boat dives, this tour covers a variety of sites, promising a diverse and memorable underwater journey.

We’re particularly drawn to how this experience prioritizes safety and small group sizes, making it suitable for divers who appreciate personalized attention. Plus, with the opportunity to see everything from rays and seahorses to angelsharks, it’s clear that nature has plenty in store. One consideration is that the tour requires some physical effort, especially when carrying gear on rocky beaches—something to keep in mind if mobility is a concern. This tour seems well-suited for seasoned divers looking to explore Gran Canaria’s underwater beauty in a relaxed, guided setting.

If you love discovering vibrant marine ecosystems, historic wrecks, and engaging with knowledgeable instructors in small groups, this experience will likely appeal to you.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Small groups (max 6 participants) ensure personalized guidance and safety.
• Access to over 15 diverse dive sites across the island, catering to various levels and interests.
• Expert guides and instructors who prioritize safety and local knowledge.
• Variety of underwater landscapes including wrecks, reefs, volcanic formations, and swimthroughs.
• Wildlife spotting opportunities like rays, seahorses, and possibly angelsharks.
• Includes full equipment rental, tanks, weights, and transfers within the south coast area.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour is designed for certified divers eager to explore Gran Canaria’s underwater scenery. The full-day experience lasts about 6 hours, with two dives separated by a surface interval of roughly an hour. The package covers two shore dives with full equipment, tanks, weights, guidance, and transfers from your hotel in the south coast area—namely Bahia Feliz or Meloneras.

We love how the tour offers small group sizes, limited to six participants. That means you’re less likely to feel rushed and more likely to get tailored attention from your guide. It also enhances safety, as instructors can focus on each diver’s needs and skills.

The equipment provided includes Aqualung or Apeks gear, with essential safety features like a dive computer, SMB (surface marker buoy), and a knife. You can also bring your own gear if preferred, which some experienced divers find more comfortable. The flexibility to rent or bring your equipment is a thoughtful touch, especially for those traveling with existing gear.

Dive Sites and Underwater Highlights

Gran Canaria’s underwater landscapes are as diverse as they are beautiful. The tour covers sites across the south, east, west, and northwest of the island, giving you a broad taste of what the marine environment has to offer.

Expect to see volcanic rock formations, which create stunning backdrops for underwater photography. The reef systems are teeming with colorful anemones, red gorgons, and other marine flora, providing a vibrant scene for underwater life.

Marine life spotting is a highlight here. Divers have reported seeing schools of big fish, rays, seahorses, cuttlefish, octopuses, and even the elusive angelshark—a real treat for keen naturalists. One reviewer shared how the site exceeded expectations, with a huge stingray, nudibranchs, and many other creatures, making each dive feel like discovering a new world.

Wrecks are also part of the itinerary, with some sites offering wreck exploration, and the Atlantida Park being a popular visit point. Wreck dives can be particularly engaging if you’re into history or just enjoy exploring submerged structures.

Diving Conditions and Suitability

Weather and sea conditions generally influence which sites are chosen each day, making the experience adaptable. The tour emphasizes safety and small groups, which is especially valuable when navigating varied and sometimes challenging underwater terrain.

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with specific health issues like back, heart, respiratory problems, or epilepsy. Since the tour involves physical effort—walking with gear on rocky beaches and steps—it’s best suited for divers with a good level of fitness.

One reviewer pointed out the physical demands: “The only thing that could be improved is if I hadn’t had to walk so far down and then up a very steep slope and steps, carrying all my heavy equipment.” So, if mobility or carrying gear is a concern, plan accordingly.

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The Price and Overall Value

At around $136 per person, this tour offers a good value for the quality of experience. It includes full rental gear, guidance, tanks, weights, and transfers, which adds convenience and peace of mind. The small group size enhances the overall experience, giving you more personalized attention.

Of course, boat dives come with an additional charge, so if you’re interested in exploring wrecks or more distant sites by boat, be prepared for extra costs. The tour also doesn’t include dive insurance, so make sure you have your own coverage if necessary.

Compared to other similar experiences, the price reflects the focus on safety, small groups, and the variety of sites covered. If you’re a certified diver wanting to maximize your time underwater and see as much marine life and scenery as possible, it’s a worthwhile investment.

The Experience: What You’ll Feel and See

From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel, you’ll notice the professionalism of the guides. The transfer is smooth, and the guides are fluent in English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

We loved the way the guide explained each site’s unique features, setting expectations for what creatures or formations you might encounter. The dives themselves offer a chance to float among colorful schools of fish, glide past volcanic rock formations, and explore wrecks that whisper stories of the past.

The water in Gran Canaria is typically crystal-clear, providing excellent visibility. This clarity allows for close-up views of marine life, making each moment underwater a true delight. Some divers have reported seeing seahorses, rays, octopuses, and cuttlefish, with the possibility of spotting larger species.

The small group setting means you’re not crowded, and your guide can tailor the experience based on your comfort level and interests. The inclusion of safety equipment like dive computers and SMBs underscores the focus on secure, confident diving.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, and beachwear for after your dives.
• Wear sturdy footwear suitable for rocky beaches—flip flops aren’t recommended.
• Be sure to have your certification, dive log, and downloaded app ready.
• Weather can change unexpectedly, so pack some extra clothes or a sweater.
• If you have special equipment preferences, you can bring your own gear.
• The tour is not suitable for non-certified divers or those with certain medical conditions, so check your eligibility beforehand.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is tailored for certified divers with some underwater experience, looking for a focused, guided exploration of Gran Canaria’s reefs and wrecks. Given the emphasis on small groups and expert guidance, it’s perfect for those who appreciate personalized attention and safety.

If you love spotting a variety of marine species—seahorses, rays, octopuses—and want to see the island’s volcanic underwater landscapes, this is a solid choice. It’s also ideal if you’re comfortable with physical activity and don’t mind walking or carrying gear on rocky beaches.

While not designed for families or beginners, experienced divers seeking a scenic, wildlife-rich day underwater will find this tour rewarding. It’s a chance to add some memorable moments to your diving log while exploring the diverse underwater scenery of Gran Canaria.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You can bring your own gear if you prefer, but full equipment is available for rent, including tanks, weights, and safety gear.

How many dives are included?
The tour features two shore dives, with about an hour interval at the surface between them.

What sites will we visit?
Sites are chosen based on weather and diver experience, covering the south, east, west, and northwest of Gran Canaria. You may explore wrecks, reefs, volcanic formations, and possibly Atlantida Park.

Is the tour suitable for non-divers?
No, this is designed for certified divers only. Non-divers can explore other activities, but not this specific tour.

What if the weather is bad?
Site selection depends on weather conditions, and the tour can be adapted accordingly. Safety is a priority, so some dives may be rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a seasoned diver eager to explore Gran Canaria’s vibrant underwater world, this tour offers a well-organized, safe, and immersive experience. The variety of sites, from wrecks to volcanic landscapes, combined with small group guidance, makes it a compelling choice for those who want quality over quantity.

While there’s some physical effort involved—walking with gear and navigating rocky beaches—the chance to see rays, seahorses, and colorful reefs makes it worthwhile. The attention to safety, personalized attention, and beautiful underwater scenery mean you’ll likely leave with memorable stories and exceptional photos.

This tour is best suited for divers who value good instruction, small groups, and the thrill of discovering new marine environments. For experienced travelers wanting to make the most of their diving time on the island, it’s a reliable, rewarding option.

You can check availability for your dates here: