To dive beneath Lanzarote’s surface is to glide through filtered light, black and white sands, caves and crevices that hold secrets, and marine life that reminds you of the precious, delicate balance of nature. As a diver, each dive becomes an act of wonder… and of responsibility. Because this Atlantic corner is well worth exploring, yes, but above all, it is worth caring for and respecting.
The angelote, hidden treasure and jewel of the Canarian depths
Among the marvels you can find diving here, there is one that touches the heart: the angelote, the common name for Squatina squatina, a peculiar, flattened shark, almost invisible when it buries itself in the sand, camouflaged with the seabed. In the waters of the Canary Islands, and specifically Lanzarote, this animal has its last known European refuge.
The angelote is critically endangered; its reproduction is slow, its litters are small, and its coastal habitat makes it particularly vulnerable to accidental fishing and environmental degradation.
Therefore, when diving in the hope of seeing one, it is important to do so with awareness. You must always keep your distance, avoid causing any disturbance, refrain from dragging fins over the seabed, and respect breeding seasons. Several dive centres collaborate with the Angel Shark Project, which monitors sightings and promotes the conservation of this emblematic species.
If you are lucky, on dives between November and March – when angel sharks often come closer to shallower waters – you might cross paths with one. Diving in Lanzarote can therefore be a privilege for anyone who feels a connection with the sea: an opportunity to discover one of the Atlantic’s most endangered species.
Dives for all levels, from beginner to experienced
One of Lanzarote’s great virtues as a diving destination is the diversity of its seabeds and dive sites, suited to different levels. From the first-time diver to those with years of experience, there is an underwater corner for everyone.
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Beginner levels / first dives
- Flamingo beach (Playa Blanca). This beach offers easy shore entry, a sandy bottom with shallow water – up to 18 m – and frequent sightings of marine life: schools of fish, rays, octopuses, and with luck, angelotes or moray eels. Perfect for your first dive or if you are relatively inexperienced.
- Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen). This is another ideal spot to start in, with convenient shore access and good visibility. Many dive centres depart from here. Its drop-off edge allows for medium-depth (20-25 m) to deep dives (50 m+). But remember: it is essential to have good buoyancy control to maintain the depth your certification allows!
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Intermediate levels
- Waikiki (Puerto del Carmen — boat dive). Here you will find reefs with orange coral, schools of fish, shallow caves, and the possibility of seeing rays, angel sharks or moray eels. Ideal for those who already have good buoyancy control.
- Dives on volcanic reefs and rocky seabeds. The Island doesn’t offer tropical corals, but its volcanic seabeds create unique underwater landscapes: crevices, caves, lava tubes, vertical walls, and unique formations. A truly different environment.
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Advanced levels
- Shipwrecks, in Puerto del Carmen. Here, you can observe sunken remains between 18 m and 40 m, ideal for those seeking exploration, underwater history, and a more adventurous experience.
Tips for responsible and respectful diving
Diving in Lanzarote is an experience of connection with nature, but it implies responsibility. If you come with the intention of protecting the sea, here are some tips every passionate diver should know:
- Choose dive centres committed to conservation: many centres collaborate with the Angel Shark Project and marine environment protection initiatives.
- Respect the wildlife: keep your distance, do not touch, and avoid dragging fins over the seabed. In particular, if you are looking for the angel shark, do not disturb its habitat.
- Avoid polluting: do not leave any waste; videos or photos should avoid using intense flash that could harm animals; do not remove fauna or sediments.
- Try to report sightings: many centres collaborate with angel shark monitoring initiatives – you can help too.
- Respect protected zones: some areas, like the Chinijo Archipelago, have special protection; check before you dive.
Underwater lava formations, hidden life, and unique sensations
Ultimately, diving in Lanzarote is entering a landscape born of fire: volcanic tunnels, black walls, reefs of petrified lava, caves, and crevices. It is marvelling at the clarity of the water, the light filtering through rock formations, the schools of fish emerging from the stone, the stillness of a hidden angel shark, the slow dance of a ray over the sand.
And then returning to the surface with salt on your suit, heart racing, eyes wide with awe, knowing you have seen something unique. That you have borne witness to Canarian marine life. That, in silence, you have become a guardian of that inner world.
