The Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve offers some of Europe's best diving — rays, angel sharks, barracuda, and occasional sea turtles in crystal-clear volcanic water.
The waters surrounding Lanzarote and the adjacent Chinijo Archipelago — comprising the islets of La Graciosa, Alegranza, Montaña Clara, Roque del Este, and Roque del Oeste — form one of Spain's most significant marine protected areas. The Chinijo Archipelago Natural Park's marine zone covers approximately 70,000 hectares of the Atlantic Ocean and enforces strict limits on commercial fishing and anchoring, allowing fish populations and marine habitats to recover to densities rarely encountered elsewhere in European waters. Dive conditions in Lanzarote are accessible year-round; underwater visibility typically exceeds 20 metres between April and October when trade winds reduce surface turbulence, and remains above 10 metres even during winter months. Water temperatures range from 18 degrees Celsius in February to 24 degrees in September, requiring a 5mm wetsuit for cooler months and a 3mm suit or shorty in summer. The volcanic seafloor geology creates dramatic underwater landscapes including lava tunnels, sea arches, and large boulder formations draped in gorgonian fans, black coral, and anemone colonies. Frequently sighted marine life includes eagle rays and common stingrays, moray eels, barracuda schools, octopus, and the emblematic angel shark (Squatina squatina), listed as critically endangered and among the most reliably observed of any European dive site. Sea turtles, mainly loggerhead, appear with increasing regularity as conservation measures take effect. Dive Lanzarote, based in Puerto del Carmen, operates day trips to reserve dive sites by rigid inflatable, with typical two-tank guided dives lasting approximately four hours door to door including equipment fitting and boat transit. PADI Open Water certification courses are available for non-certified visitors. The dive centre maintains current equipment to a high standard and employs instructors multilingual in English, German, and Spanish. The reserve's regulations mean most standard guided sites involve no-decompression profiles, making the experience accessible to Open Water-certified divers across a broad range of experience levels.
Activity facts
- Where
- Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve, Lanzarote
Highlights
- Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve spans 70,000 hectares; fishing restrictions have created exceptional marine biodiversity
- Angel sharks, eagle rays, and barracuda schools are commonly sighted in the volcanic lava formations
- Visibility typically exceeds 20m from April–October, with year-round diving possible in mild Atlantic waters
- Dive Lanzarote (Puerto del Carmen) provides PADI Open Water courses for first-time divers
- Lava tunnels and sea arches form dramatic volcanic underwater geology unlike typical Mediterranean dive sites
Tips for visiting
- Book guided dives at least 48 hours ahead in summer; limited RIB capacity means spaces fill quickly on peak-season weekends
- A PADI Open Water certificate is the minimum qualification for reserve dives; confirm certification status before booking
- Bring a 5mm wetsuit if diving between November and March — water drops to 18°C and extended exposure becomes cold quickly
- Morning departure dives typically offer calmer surface conditions; afternoon departures can encounter stronger trade-wind chop
- Log all underwater photos of angel sharks — dive centres can advise on research-tagging programmes that track sightings
- Sea sickness tablets are worth considering for the RIB crossing to outer reserve sites; winter swell makes transit rough
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diving certificate to explore the Lanzarote Marine Reserve?
A PADI Open Water certification or equivalent is the minimum qualification for guided dives. Complete beginners can book a PADI Discover Scuba Diver experience — a supervised introductory dive that does not require prior certification.
What marine life is most reliably seen in the reserve?
Angel sharks resting on sandy areas, eagle rays in open water, large moray eels in rock crevices, and barracuda schools are the most consistently sighted species. Sea turtles appear with increasing frequency as conservation efforts mature.
Is the diving suitable for children?
PADI Junior Open Water certification is available from age 10. Supervised introductory dives (Discover Scuba Diver) are typically offered from age 8. Operators should be consulted for their specific age and weight requirements.
Can dives be self-organised, or is a guide required?
Within the protected areas of the Chinijo Marine Reserve, guided dives with an authorised centre are the practical norm. Independent diving is technically possible for certified divers but requires prior knowledge of entry points and reserve regulations.
What is the best time of year for diving in Lanzarote?
Visibility is at its peak from April to October. Year-round diving is feasible, and winter months offer smaller crowds and comparable marine life sightings, though surface conditions can be rougher and water temperature lower.