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Water Sports in Gran Canaria
The good weather conditions all year round make Gran Canaria the perfect destination for those looking for plenty of fun in the sea. Sea temperatures rarely drop below 19ºC, the average temperature being around 23°C.
Sailing
Gran Canaria is a sailor’s dream, especially from April to October. The sailing centres are Las Palmas, where the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) departs from, and the south coast, specifically Puerto Rico, Pasito Blanco, Arguineguin and Puerto de Mogán. In these ports a number of schools offer equipment hire and tuition. Gran Canaria has some of the best practicing conditions and local sailing clubs have produced several Olympic champions. Head to any resort by the sea and you will easily find a school or company providing you with what you need to start sailing.
Windsurfing
Gran Canaria is considered one of the best places in the world for windsurfing. It can be practised all along the coast from the east to the south, but there are also very good conditions at Playa de las Canteras in Las Palmas and at Gáldar in the northwest corner.
If you want to see the top windsurfers in action head to Pozo Isquierdo, where winds can go up to 60 km/h per hour and to Playa de Vargas, venue for the PWA Wave Classic Grand Prix.
If you’re just starting this sport, it’s best that you stick to sheltered harbours like Puerto Rico and Puerto de Mogán.
Bodyboarding and Surfing
These water sports are best practised on the north coast, between Las Palmas and Gáldar. Constant on-shore winds provide surfers with ideal conditions and waves that can be up to 5 metres high.
There are also good conditions on the east coast, around Arinaga, and in the south between Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas.
If you don’t want to bring your own board, there are several places on site where you can hire the necessary equipment.
Scuba Diving
The underwater world in Gran Canaria is fascinating, with subtropical fishes, shipwrecks and caves being some of the beauties you will be able to see on your way down.
Finding a fully certified diving school in one of the major seaside resorts won’t be a problem. Most of them offer beginner and advanced courses for more experienced divers and also rent out diving equipment. Beginners should always start in sheltered harbours first before trying the open sea.
When diving in Gran Canaria you shouldn’t miss the marine reserve of El Cabrón off the east coast at Playa del Cabrón (here the diversity of fish and marine vegetation is really amazing), Pasito Blanco with its ideal conditions for underwater photography and two wrecks to explore for experienced divers or the fascinating diving sites of La Isleta in the northeast and Sardina in the northwest of the island.
Deep-sea Fishing
If you are into Big-Game Fishing, this is the place to come – especially during the main season from May to September. But there is also some good bottom-fishing available all year round.
The major resorts in Gran Canaria have several companies offering deep-sea fishing, but the best harbours to set out from for this sport are Puerto de Mogán, Pasito Blanco and Puerto Rico - Puerto Rico’s more than 50 deep-sea fishing world records speak for themselves. The main species to be found off the coast in these regions are several varieties of tuna and marlin, swordfish and, occasionally, sharks.
Marine Excursions
Cruises along the coasts, underwater excursions in a glass bottom boat, dolphin and whale watching, on half day or full day tours… there is a wide range of offers available at most of the major tourist resorts, but the biggest choice you will find in places like Puerto Rico or Puerto de Mogán, where several companies offer off-shore leisure trips. Don’t rush into a decision, keep looking and compare prices and services. You will see that some offer more for a lower price, but usually most of them provide you with a good quality service.
Parascending, Jet & Water Skiing
Parascending, jet skiing, water skiing, a trip on a speedboat and other adrenalin producing activities are mainly offered at the major south resorts. The ever popular banana boats, pedal boats and sea kayaks are also available for hire and make a good way of getting out on the water with your children.
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Sailing
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Windsurfing
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Bodyboarding
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Scuba Diving
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Deep Sea Fishing
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Parascending
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