Shipwrecks and Other Ideas For Diving in Lanzarote, Canary Islands

The Canary Islands off the coast of Spain were originally formed by volcanic activity and the accumulation of hot lava. Lanzarote is one of the most popular destinations for those on holiday in the Canaries, and diving in Lanzorate is a popular past time. This is because its marine life and underwater features offer something more extraordinary than many other diving locations.

The Canary Island chain is broken up into seven major and one minor island. The islands are quite close together, yet each has something unique to offer diving enthusiasts. Diving can get deep very quickly in the Canary Islands, however, it is not necessary to go deep to enjoy many of sites.

There are a number of scuba dive sites in Lanzarote, especially off the south and east facing coasts. Dive sites can be accessed from the shore itself or by boat for a more exciting trip. Generally, the farther out the dive the more advanced it is. In 1993, the island was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

In addition to its dive sites, Lanzarote is also home to over 500 species of fish, such as moray eels, octopuses, barracudas, angel sharks and sea horses. Some, including the red octopus and sand eel, can only be seen at night. Underwater volcano caves are another big draw for those who enjoy night time diving. . Night diving in Lanzarote is very popular, and those who take the plunge are well rewarded with views that are unique to the Canaries.

El Emisario, for example, is home to a beautiful lava reef, while Pechiguera, with its majestic underwater landscape is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Canaries". Many of the 500 species found in the Canary Islands make Pechiguera their home, so it is well worth checking out.

Since the Portuguese and Spanish first came to the Islands in the early 14th century, the region has seen many shipwrecks. Many scuba diving tour operators offer trips to Lanzarote's wrecks, which is an experience that can't be missed. The wrecks can be divided into old wrecks and new wrecks. And with a rich sailing tradition, there are some beautiful ships on display.

The Harbour Wrecks (Los Erizos Wrecks) is one of the more popular wreck locations in Lanzarote. It is home to some particularly eye-catching ship wrecks, many of which were sunk on purpose.

Diving in Lanzarote offers amazing value to any divers of any experience level. It has a lot to offer during the day and night, and has many diving centres to help guide you. Those interested in marine life will be thrilled bored by the sheer magnitude of species on offer.

5 Things Do to in Lanzarote (Other Than Lie on a Beach)

Lanzarote attracts millions of visitors every year, from all over Europe. This is partly down to the climate as there are no 'seasons' in Lanzarote. It is sometimes said to be in a state of 'ever spring'. In the winter temperatures rarely drop below 20 degrees during the day although the nights can be much cooler.

Due to the climate, which it gets from its close proximity to the Sahara, Lanzarote is a very popular all year round beach holiday destination, but there is much more to the island that just lying on the sand and soaking up the rays.

The Island of Lanzarote has a history of volcanic activity that can be seen in the magnificence of the landscape, especially within the Timanfaya National park. This history, along with the artistic flair on one man, Cesar Manrique, has created an individual identity to Lanzarote, something that you will not see on the other islands in the Canary archipelago. This identity has also created some of the most unusual, if not amazing, visitor attractions in Europe. The natural wonders of the island and the creative mind of one man creates a number of ideas for things to do other than lie on the beach....

Here are 5 things you can do other than top up your tan:

1. Visit the Timanfaya National Park. The west side of the island was devastated by Volcanic eruptions in the 1800's which have left a distinguished mark on the landscape of the island. You can also visit the El Diablo restaurant and have your food cooked on a grill where the heat is supplied from natural sources, just a few feet underground.

2. Go Scuba Diving. The waters around Lanzarote are said to be some of the most active in the world. Lanzarote has a biosphere status, which means that the waters surrounding the island are protected. The marine life is attracted to the minerals in the volcanic rocks which makes Lanzarote one of the best places to go diving in the world!

3. Go Quad Biking! With such an amazing terrain who wouldn't want to jump on a quad and go biking around the island. There are specially created Quad tracks that go up the island through the Timanfaya National Park, although unfortunately Quad bikes are not allowed on the main roads as in some European Countries.

4. Take a ride in a yellow submarine. Yep, thats right. Head over to Puerto Calero and take a ride in a yellow submarine safari. If Scuba diving isn't for you then don't miss out on what the shores of Lanzarote have to offer. The submarine safaris are a great way of seeing the Lanzarote marine life and you don't even have to get wet!

5. Go Shopping. There are craft fairs and local markets happening in Lanzarote almost every day of the week. Playa Blanca holds a market at the Rubicon every Wednesday and Saturday morning and the main market on the island takes place in Teguise every Sunday. Local crafts can be purchased, along with Lanzarote wines and Aloe Vera.

So whilst many people simply associate Lanzarote with the sunshine, there is so much more to do. We haven't even listed the Cesar Manrique attractions here... thats for another time.