Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Fuerteventura

The Atlantic Ocean offers travelers in Fuerteventura plenty of opportunities for experiences and adventures. You should definitely take advantage of this. In addition to surfing, jet skiing and boat trips also diving and snorkeling belong to the most popular activities on the Canary Island. A great selection is waiting for you and all you have to do is, to simply take the opportunity. But what makes Fuerteventura such a particularly attractive diving area? And what must you know, especially if you want to dive or snorkel for the first time? Find out here, you only need to read this article.

The Underwater World of Fuerteventura

Why You Should Dive or Snorkel in Fuerteventura?

The popular holiday island is characterized by a constant climate all year round and offers fairly stable and moderate water temperatures. What is more important, however, is what you can expect under water. Due to the volcanic origin there are countless reefs and endless sandbanks to explore around Fuerteventura. It may not be as colorful as in the Caribbean, but there is an enormous wealth of fish with whole shoals, there are big fish, even marine mammals, and you have excellent visibility.

You can swim through shimmering schools of fish between the bizarre rock formations and on the sea floor. There are barracudas, tuna, moray eels, squid and rays. It is also very likely that you will encounter angel sharks because they are native to the Canary Archipelago. If you are lucky, you will even meet manta rays and you can dive alongside whales and dolphins. The reefs are covered with sea anemones, corals and microorganisms. They can almost keep up with the world’s most beautiful reefs near Egypt or Indonesia.

Where Are the Most Beautiful Diving Spots in Fuerteventura?

The Great Moray Reef

The large moray reef is right next to the small one, but it’s the more spectacular of the two. The two reefs are located on a 40 meter deep wall that falls into the Atlantic near the Morro Jable lighthouse on the Jandía peninsula. Here you will mainly encounter moray eels, but also angel sharks, barracudas, rays and more. The large moray reef is one of the top diving spots in Fuerteventura and is known to every old hand among the divers.

Las Salinas

This spectacular diving spot is located near Caleta de Fuste and is dominated by steep walls, stone arches and jagged rocks. You will find black corals, red sea fans and encountering large fish is basically guaranteed here. The Las Salinas dive site is only suitable for experienced divers.

Bajón del Río

At Corralejo you will find this alien-looking place. The 18-meter-deep sandy bay is covered with magma rocks, their shape resembles an umbrella. Here you dive through mushroom-shaped structures that are teeming with life. These “mushrooms” are covered by countless sponges. In addition to the usual marine life of Fuerteventura, you will also encounter parrot fish and whole schools of different types of bream. Depending on the currents, this place is suitable for both beginners and advanced.

El Jablito

It is considered the perfect diving location for beginners and is also ideal for snorkeling. This spot is also situated near Corralejo in the northeast. At this place you can immerse into Neptune’s realm directly from the beach. The spot has a maximum depth of 15 meters and is protected from currents due to its location. In addition to angel sharks and barracudas, you will also meet giant crabs.

Why Go Snorkeling in Fuerteventura?

Snorkeling in Fuerteventura is suitable for those who like to move in the underwater world, but do not want to burden themselves with heavy diving equipment or having to take courses. You simply put on a diving mask, place the snorkel tube in your mouth, pull the fins over your feet and off you go. Or use Easy Breath, a new snorkeling system in which the mask and tube are integrated. When snorkeling, you should not go deeper than 4 to 5 meters, because you have to keep coming up to take a breath, as you will not have any air supply otherwise. For this reason it is more suitable for staying on the water surface. You only hold your head that deep under water that the end of the snorkel still protrudes from the water, this way you can breathe normally.

Does Diving Work Without Oxygen Cylinders?

This new way of diving was copied from industrial and military divers. A so-called air supply device floats on the water surface. A long hose is attached to it, which directs breathing air directly into your diving mask. With this type of bottle-free diving you can go up to 6 meters deep, also as a novice without a diving license but accompanied by a diving instructor. The clear advantage of this technique is that you do not have to swim to the surface for breathing as when snorkeling but you don’t have to wear heavy diving equipment either. The instructors will give you detailed information and explain what you should pay attention to and how you should behave.

Is Fuerteventura Suitable for Diving Beginners?

If you have never dived before and you do not have a free diving license such as PADI Open Water, you cannot dive without a diving instructor. Find a diving center on site so that you are either accompanied by an instructor or to learn how to dive and, if necessary, to get a diving license. Fuerteventura is ideal for beginners, as there are lots of places around the island that have little or no currents all year round and the view is almost always perfect. The best way to find out if you enjoy diving is to join an introductory dive at a diving center.

Can I learn to Dive in Fuerteventura?

Yes. There are many diving centers that have certified instructors and where you can make diving certificates according to the standards of PADI, SSI or IAC. The courses usually take several days. So you should plan your vacation longer in advance and look for a suitable diving school near your holiday resort in Fuerteventura.

What Needs to Be Considered?

What Are the Requirements for Diving and Snorkeling?

The important things first. No matter whether it is for diving or snorkeling; you need to be healthy and able to swim for both. If you suffer from heart problems, lung problems, epilepsy or diabetes, you should abstain from diving. This also applies if you are pregnant or have had surgery recently. For diving with a bottle and breathing machine, you need a medical certificate to prove you are fit for diving. You can either have it issued before departure or at a local doctor.

If you want to go diving without an instructor, you need a PADI Open Water license or an equivalent. You can rent equipment at any dive center. However, you cannot go diving without a companion. Only specially trained solo divers are allowed to do this. So if you are not traveling with diving friends, you should book organized dives with a dive center. In this way you are accompanied and you also get to know like-minded people.

Personal diving accident insurance is mandatory in the Canaries. Either you already have your own private insurance or you have to take out and pay for it on site. In the latter case, your insurance is only valid for the period in which you want to dive on Fuerteventura.

No insurance or medical certificates are required for snorkeling.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Booking?

Read the offers of the diving schools carefully. Pay attention to what is included in the prices. As it may be the case with the diving courses that teaching material for the theoretical part has to be paid extra. The same applies to the required equipment, diving accident insurance, boat trips and hotel transfers. If your English is not perfect, check which languages the dives and courses are held in. In the upper part of our detailed descriptions you will find small flags, which show the languages. Furthermore, look under “Please Note!” and “Services & Prices”.

What Should You Bring for Diving and Snorkeling?

• Documents: For dives and courses you must have your diving license, certificate and insurance certificate with you (see point “What are the requirements for diving and snorkeling?”). A license is not required if this is your first diving course.
• Swimwear and towels: You should wear swimwear under the wetsuit.
• Sunscreen: Please apply before diving or snorkeling. And then best again afterwards.

In the detailed descriptions of our snorkeling and diving offers you will find specific information about everything that needs to be considered. The personal requirements, tips and recommendations are listed under “Please note!” and in the “Services & Prices” section you can find out which costs you will have to pay and which services are included and what is excluded.

The most important thing is that you spend an unforgettable holiday in Fuerteventura. Enjoy the time with your loved ones and do not miss the opportunity to immerse into always fascinating worlds.