Gran Canaria Scuba Diving for Certified Divers

Key Points

• Full-day experience with 2 guided dives lasting approximately 6 hours total
• Ideal for certified divers seeking underwater exploration across over 15 dive sites
• Includes full equipment rental and transportation from south coast hotels
• Small group sizes limited to 6 participants for personalized attention
• Highlights include wrecks, volcanic formations, and sightings of big fish, rays, seahorses, and possibly angelsharks

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Gran Canaria Offers Diverse Dive Sites for Certified Divers

This tour provides an exciting full-day underwater adventure on Gran Canaria, with access to over 15 different dive sites across the south, east, west, and northwest coasts. Designed specifically for certified divers, it includes shipwrecks, reefs, swim-throughs, and volcanic formations. The variety ensures that each dive offers fresh scenery, from spectacular volcanic rock formations to vibrant coral reefs with colorful anemones and gorgons. The tour can accommodate easy dives for those who prefer a relaxed pace or more demanding dives for experienced explorers.

Access to these sites depends on weather conditions and diver experience, but the guides prioritize safety and the best possible conditions. The small group size—limited to 6 participants—ensures personalized guidance and close supervision by experienced instructors.

What Makes the Underwater Landscape Unique in Gran Canaria

One of the tour’s main attractions is the chance to discover volcanic rock formations that create dramatic underwater landscapes. These formations provide excellent hiding spots for marine life, making each dive a visual feast. The underwater terrain includes reefs, swimthroughs, and caverns, offering a range of environments for exploration.

Colorful marine life such as big schools of fish, seahorses, rays, and angelsharks are common sightings. Additional species like cuttlefish, octopuses, nudibranchs, and sea hares add to the richness of the experience. The crystal-clear waters allow for close-up views of these creatures, heightening the sense of wonder during each dive.

Wrecks, Reefs, and Special Dive Sites from the South and West Coast

Boat dives often depart from the south and west coasts, where wrecks and reefs are part of the landscape. The Atlantida Park is one of the notable sites on the itinerary, offering underwater wreckage to explore safely with guidance.

These sites provide a mix of easy and more demanding dives, tailored to diver experience levels. The wrecks introduce a historical element to the underwater journey, while the reefs and volcanic formations provide vibrant habitats. The marine biodiversity in these areas ensures that encounters with rays, seahorses, and possibly even angelsharks are likely.

Equipment and Safety—What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes full diving equipment such as tanks, weights, and guide support. For convenience, rental gear includes Aqualung or Apeks gear, and diving computers, SMBs, and knives are mandatory and provided.

Participants are welcome to bring their own equipment but should specify height, weight, and shoe size during booking. The tour also provides water and cookies to keep energy levels up.

Safety is a priority: the guides are all highly experienced, and small group sizes allow for close supervision. The tour also includes transfer from hotels in Bahia Feliz and Meloneras, making logistics straightforward.

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Practical Details: Duration, Timing, and What to Pack

The full-day 6-hour tour offers two dives with about an hour surface interval. Starting times vary based on availability and are confirmed after booking. Participants should bring a change of clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, as well as their diving certification and log.

Weather conditions can change, so it’s advisable to bring extra layers and a sweater. Since some dives occur from rocky beaches, flip-flops are not recommended. It is also essential to download the activity app provided for trip updates and safety information.

Participants should avoid smoking, drinking, or eating in the vehicle and alcohol or drugs during the trip. The tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with certain medical conditions like back, heart, respiratory issues, or epilepsy.

Guides and Support: Multilingual, Experienced Instructors

The tour is led by English and Spanish-speaking instructors. The guides are known for their politeness and professionalism, providing clear instructions and ensuring safety at every step. Their extensive experience makes them well-equipped to handle different diver levels and conditions.

Small group sizes help the guides tailor the experience, making it easier to focus on each diver’s comfort and skill level. This personalized approach enhances the overall enjoyment and safety of each underwater adventure.

Cost, Inclusions, and Additional Charges

The $136 per person price covers two shore dives, full equipment, guides, tanks, weights, and transfer from hotel. Water and cookies are also included.

Additional costs include boat dives, which have extra charges, and diving insurance—a mandatory purchase at $6. Bookings are flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reservations with payment deferred to suit travel plans.

What to Expect During Marine Encounters

Underwater, divers can expect to see volcanic rock formations, red gorgons, colorful anemones, and a variety of fish species. Encounters with seahorses, rays, and octopuses are common and add excitement to each dive.

Rarely, divers may spot an angelshark, which is a special highlight. The crystal-clear waters ensure visibility that enhances the experience of observing marine life closely, with calm currents making for comfortable dives.

Potential Challenges and Considerations for Participants

While the tour suits certified divers, it’s important to note that walking with heavy equipment can be physically demanding. A review mentions steep slopes and steps at some sites, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues or carrying heavy gear.

Weather and sea conditions can influence dive availability and safety, making flexibility important. Participants should be prepared with appropriate clothing, especially extra layers in case of cooler weather or wind.

Comparing This Tour to Other Diving Experiences in Gran Canaria

This tour stands out for its small group size, ensuring personalized attention from experienced guides. The focus on certified divers and access to varied sites ranging from wrecks to reefs makes it versatile.

Compared to beginner options, this experience is tailored for those with prior certification, offering opportunities to explore more demanding sites like wrecks and cavern areas. The inclusion of full equipment and hotel transfers adds value, making it a practical choice for serious divers.

Final Thoughts on the Gran Canaria Certified Diving Tour

A full-day exploration featuring diverse sites, marine life sightings, and professional guidance makes this tour an appealing choice for experienced divers in Gran Canaria. The limited group size and excellent safety record provide peace of mind, while the variety of underwater environments keeps each dive fresh.

While the physical demands, especially walking with heavy gear, are worth considering, the overall experience offers stunning scenery and rich marine encounters. This tour is best suited for divers with certification looking to maximize their underwater time in a beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $136?
The price covers two shore dives, full equipment rental, guides, tanks, weights, hotel transfers from south coast accommodations, and water and cookies.

Can I bring my own diving gear?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own equipment, but the tour provides all necessary gear, including diving computers and safety knives.

Are boat dives available?
Yes, boat dives are offered but require an extra charge.

What medical conditions prevent participation?
The tour is not suitable for individuals with back, heart, respiratory issues, or epilepsy, among other health considerations.

How many dives are included?
Participants enjoy two guided dives during the full day, with an interval of about one hour at the surface.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 6 participants to ensure personalized attention and safety.

What should I bring on the day?
Bring diving certification, logbook, extra clothes, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and downloaded app for updates.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
No, this experience is designed for certified divers with previous diving experience.

What are the main highlights of the underwater scenery?
Expect volcanic rock formations, colorful marine life, wrecks, and the possibility of sightings of big fish, rays, seahorses, and angelsharks.

How do I book and cancel?
Reservations are flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. You can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans open.

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