Dive Conditions
The Canary Islands are among Spain’s most popular dive destinations, thanks to their subtropical climate and year-round diving opportunities. Made up of islands like Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria, this Atlantic archipelago offers mild conditions and excellent underwater visibility almost all year. Water temperatures in the Canary Islands range from around 17°C in the winter to 26°C in the summer, making it comfortable for diving with a 5mm wetsuit or lighter gear during the warmer months. Visibility is typically exceptional, often ranging between 20 and 30 meters, even during the winter season.
Currents can vary depending on the dive site, with calmer waters typically found on the southern sides of the islands, while northern and eastern sites can be rougher due to exposure to Atlantic swells. These currents, part of the Canary Current system, bring nutrient rich waters that support a diverse array of marine life. The volcanic topography creates dramatic underwater landscapes with walls, caves, tunnels, and arches, adding visual excitement and habitat variety for marine species.
Marine life is abundant and includes everything from parrotfish and barracuda to angel sharks, moray eels, sea turtles, and even rare species like the Canary lobsterette. Bioluminescent plankton can add a magical element to night dives, particularly around Fuerteventura. Diving is excellent year-round, but May to October is often considered the peak season, thanks to warmer waters and ideal weather conditions.
The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, offer a completely different diving experience in the Mediterranean Sea. Water temperatures here range from about 15°C in the winter to a comfortable 27°C in the summer. Most divers prefer visiting between April and October, when conditions are warmest and visibility peaks at around 30 meters in some locations. In winter, visibility can drop slightly due to plankton blooms, but it generally stays between 15 and 25 meters.
The Balearic Islands are best known for their calm conditions, clear waters, and easily accessible dive sites. Currents are generally mild, making this region ideal for newer divers or those looking for relaxed exploration. Mallorca in particular features wreck dives, sea caverns, and underwater cliffs, while Menorca offers lush underwater seagrass meadows and protected marine zones teeming with fish.
These meadows of posidonia oceanica are vital ecosystems and support everything from cuttlefish and seahorses to groupers, octopus, and various crustaceans. Many dives here also feature underwater caves and tunnels, adding an adventurous element. Notable sites include the Boreas wreck off Mallorca, resting at around 40 meters, and several dramatic caverns found around Ibiza and Menorca.
Mainland Spain also offers several excellent diving areas, with some of the most popular being the Medes Islands off Catalonia’s Costa Brava, the Costa del Sol near Málaga, and the Costa Blanca around Alicante. Each of these regions provides a slightly different experience, influenced by local geography and marine protections. The Medes Islands are part of a marine reserve and are known for their high biodiversity and well protected underwater habitats. Water temperatures here generally range from 15°C in the early spring to around 25°C in the summer. Visibility can vary, but typically stays between 10 and 20 meters, with better clarity during late spring and summer. The area is particularly rich in groupers, barracuda, nudibranchs, and invertebrates. Gorgonian fans and large schools of fish make this a hotspot for underwater photography and ecological diving.
Costa del Sol, located in southern Spain near Málaga, offers warm water Mediterranean diving with water temperatures ranging from 15°C in winter to about 24°C in summer. Visibility typically hovers between 10 and 20 meters, and currents are mild. The region offers a mix of rocky reefs, artificial structures, and caverns, and is home to a variety of species including groupers, eels, bream, and even the occasional angel shark. This area is particularly appealing for its accessibility, varied dive profiles, and warm climate.
Further east, the Costa Blanca near Alicante features similar Mediterranean conditions, with water temperatures ranging from 15°C in the cooler months to around 27°C in the summer. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 25 meters in summer and rarely falling below 10 meters. Dive sites include caves, wrecks, and steep drop offs, with healthy populations of reef fish, moray eels, and nudibranchs. The combination of vibrant underwater topography and diverse marine life makes Costa Blanca a favorite for both beginners and advanced divers.