Learn about the Canary Islands’ fascinating undersea world. From shipwrecks and underwater volcanic landscapes to submarine rides and an underwater museum – the Canaries offer a multitude of ways to explore the universe beneath the surface of the sea.
Discover the Fascinating Universe Below the Surface of the Seas off the Canary Islands
For those who are drawn to explore the wonders that lie beneath the surface of the sea, there is one sun-filled destination that should definitely pique your interest – the Canary Islands. Spain’s Canary Islands form a sub-tropical archipelago that nestles in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the edge of Morocco’s coast. Perhaps, because of their location in the midst of the Atlantic and a mere 62 miles from the shores of North Africa, the Canaries offer a cornucopia of marine flora and fauna for snorkelers, scuba divers and even submariners to discover.
Should you decide to take a look at some of the spectacular underwater sites that can be found throughout the Canary Islands, you might want to consider making Tenerife your base. The largest and most popular of the Canaries, Tenerife showcases year-round sunshine, temperatures that average 25 degrees, a dramatic volcanic landscape, stunning black and white sand beaches and relatively easy access to many of the most breathtaking undersea attractions in the Canaries.
Best of all, you’ll have your pick of superb places to stay, such as one of CLC World’s Tenerife resorts. Each CLC World Tenerife apartment, including CLC Sunningdale Village, provides luxurious accommodation, an array of first-rate amenities and a collection of delicious dining establishments.
Once you’ve settled into your plush CLC World Tenerife home-away-from home – here are a few of the most compelling ways for you to experience the Canary Islands’ magnificent underwater habitats.
Copyright Jason DeCaires and CACT Lanzarote
Underwater Museum – Lanzarote
Imagine an underwater attraction that melds human creativity with a thriving natural ecology. That’s exactly what you’ll come across when you pay a visit to the Museo Atlantico, an undersea museum created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Made up of over 300 sculptural pieces installed 14 metres beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, this museum requires that you don scuba gear in order to really appreciate the exhibits.
Situated off the south coast of the island of Lanzarote – reachable from your CLC World Tenerife headquarters via ferry – Museo Atlantico covers an astonishing 2,500 square metres of the ocean floor. Set in the UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve of Bahía de Las Coloradas, this unique museum has been carefully designed to enhance, rather than disturb, the surrounding marine life. Each of the sculptures has been created using environmentally friendly pH neutral materials, and together they form a vast artificial reef.
This means that, as you wander through the Museo Atlantico, not only will you see sculptural works that include reflections on migration and divisions within society, you’re also likely to come across wildlife, such as barracudas, octopuses and angel sharks.
Incredible Scuba Diving Sites – Across the Canaries
For those who prefer their scuba diving to be devoid of manmade artwork (no matter how accomplished or thought-provoking), the Canary Islands showcase a wide variety of options which are sure to please.
In the waters off Gran Canaria, you’ll find the renowned La Catedral dive site, famed for its impressive volcanic formations, that include a myriad of lava tubes, caves, arches and crevices. Gran Canaria’s seas also have something special to offer those who get their kicks from shipwrecks. One of the best of these is the Arona, a well-preserved merchant ship that rests 40 metres below the ocean’s surface and which is still basically in one piece.
Off the tiny island of El Hierro, you can dive on La Restinga, a marine reserve that only a few years ago was devastated by the eruption of an undersea volcano. Yet today, La Restinga has virtually restored itself to pre-eruption levels. Here, you’ll be able to witness a whole host of oceanic animal life going about its business, including turtles, tuna, dolphins and occasionally even whale sharks.
Right off the coast of Tenerife sits the thrilling deep-sea dive site of Cuevo del Palm Mar. Its crystal-clear waters allow an incredible level of visibility for you to view its many wonders, such as a cave, lobsters, Atlantic barracudas and several species of moray eels.
No matter which of these Canary Island sites you choose to dive on, they are all within fairly close proximity to your CLC World Tenerife resort.
Submarine Safari Adventure – Tenerife
If, for some reason, you’d prefer to check out what rests beneath the surf without getting wet, you’re in luck. Simply step aboard the Sub Fun Cinco submarine and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the teeming wildlife that lives off Tenerife’s shores – all from the cosy confines of your state-of-the-art submersible. It’s also the perfect way to introduce younger family members, or those who are still brushing up on their swimming, snorkelling or diving techniques, to the ocean’s magical ecosystem.
In fact, a ride onboard a Submarine Safari – which is easily accessible from your CLC World Tenerife resort – promises unforgettable memories for everyone. Grab a front-row seat, as your submarine descends beneath the blue surface of the Atlantic Ocean. Gaze at a colourful parade of fish and sea life in every shape and size, as they swim past the large picture windows. Observe every detail of a huge stingray, as a diver guides its massive expanse right up to the vessel’s windows directly before your eyes.