Practising snorkelling in Gran Canaria is one of the leisure activities commonly enjoyed on this island, where both tourists and locals have the opportunity to take part in different kinds of water sports in spectacular locations.
In this article, we will show you some of the best beaches where you can go snorkelling.
Where to go snorkelling in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria is an extraordinary island with more than 200 kilometres of coastline, along which you can discover a large number of beaches where you can admire the mysteries and wonders hidden beneath the sea. There, you will find a unique variety of native Canarian marine flora and fauna, as well as some sunken ships and incredible volcanic landscapes.
In these marine environments, you will be able to enjoy unique underwater scenery thanks to the transparency of the water, which guarantees excellent visibility. In addition, you will enjoy an average water temperature of 20°C.
Some of the most recommended beaches for practising snorkelling in Gran Canaria are the following:
1. Las Canteras Beach
This beach is one of the most popular places to begin snorkelling in Gran Canaria, as the area is quite calm thanks to a reef that protects it from the waves.
Las Canteras Beach is 3 kilometres long and is located in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, in the north of the island. It is considered one of the best urban beaches in Europe, where you can admire wonderful species such as parrotfish, wrasse, damselfish and sea bream, among others.
2. El Cabrón Marine Reserve
This is a highly recommended place where you can practise snorkelling in Gran Canaria and fully enjoy this adventure. It stands out for its reefs and extensive areas of marine flora.
To reach El Cabrón Marine Reserve, you must head to the town of Arinaga and drive along a dirt road, or park before the start of that small road and continue the rest of the way to the beach on foot.
It is known for being a beach with excellent underwater visibility. From here, you can observe spectacular colourful fish, molluscs and cephalopods. Just a few metres below the surface, you may also see species such as barracudas, rays, spiny puffers, octopuses, cuttlefish and seabream, among others. In the rock pools, you can also find creatures such as sponges, sea cucumbers and damselfish, among others.
If you decide to visit El Cabrón Beach, it is advisable to plan ahead and bring food and drinks, as there are not many facilities nearby where you can buy these products.
3. Puerto de Mogán
This is a very popular place for snorkelling in Gran Canaria, right along the pier in the marina. Its waters are particularly clear and full of small colourful fish.
Puerto de Mogán is located on the south-west coast of the island and, although the beach is protected by a barrier, you should take extra care around the harbour area and make sure conditions are suitable, as when there are waves or currents it is not suitable for snorkelling. You should also be careful with the small boats in the marina next to the beach.
4. Sardina del Norte
This town in the municipality of Gáldar is considered one of the best places for snorkelling or diving in Gran Canaria. Sardina del Norte is located between rocky formations that come together to form a sandy beach. It can be accessed by car via a road leading to the beach or by a stone staircase that connects directly to the pier.
In Sardina del Norte, there are large marine species that impress even the most experienced underwater enthusiasts, such as angel sharks, large rays and even whale sharks. It is known for its shallow seabeds without currents, making it perfect for those looking to get started with snorkelling in Gran Canaria.
It offers excellent visibility and its seabeds are in outstanding conservation condition. Here, you can snorkel both during the day and at night, as with a torch you can enjoy the experience of observing the area’s marine life explosion.
In this environment, you can observe Canarian lobsters, octopuses, sea cucumbers and occasionally even seahorses, as well as frogfish, John Dory fish, angel sharks and stingrays found on the sandy seabed. In addition to being ideal for snorkelling, in Sardina del Norte you can also enjoy delicious Canarian fish dishes in the restaurants located next to the pier.
5. Risco Verde
Risco Verde is a small and sheltered bay on the coast of the municipality of Arinaga and is ideal for practising snorkelling in Gran Canaria. It can be reached via a staircase located beside the López de Orduña seafront promenade in Arinaga.
At Risco Verde, you can follow a clearly defined route, as there are no strong currents. It is a highly recommended beach for fully experiencing snorkelling in Gran Canaria, particularly because of its combination of drop-offs, sandy seabeds and rocky platforms, which will appeal to those looking for a well-preserved marine environment for observation.
6. El Puertillo
This beach in the municipality of Arucas is especially recommended for snorkelling in Gran Canaria, as due to its location the water is very calm and full of crustaceans and small fish. You can enter the water directly from the beach and observe the small fish hiding beneath the rock formations.
El Puertillo has facilities nearby and can be reached by car. Its sand is quite unique and it features two natural rock pools. It is an ideal place if you are looking for things to do in Gran Canaria with children, as it is protected from currents, allowing little ones to swim and snorkel safely.
7. Playa de Águila
The rocky seabed of this beach is another of the places we recommend for practising snorkelling in Gran Canaria, although it has the drawback that the water becomes deep very quickly, which limits visibility in the area.
It is located in the south of the island, very close to the Maspalomas Dunes and Playa del Inglés.
Gran Canaria is a perfect destination for sea and snorkelling lovers thanks to the clarity of its waters, its pleasant temperatures all year round and the great variety of marine seabeds that can be found across the island.
From urban beaches such as Las Canteras to marine reserves like El Cabrón or small coves in the north and south of the island, you will always find the perfect place to discover Gran Canaria’s marine life.
If you are planning your holiday, staying in the south of Gran Canaria will allow you to easily access many of these beaches and enjoy the sunny climate all year round. From the Lopesan hotels in Gran Canaria, you can organise excursions, water activities and discover some of the best places for snorkelling on the island while enjoying a complete seaside holiday.
