Las Canteras Snorkeling adventures
Are these some questions you have in mind:
It's allowed to snorkel/dive at Las Canteras?
How are the conditions right now on the beach?
What is happen with the tide there?
Do I need something special for my session?
What kind of fish I can see?
No worries - we will help you!
Before we dive into the cool waters of Las Canteras, let's discuss a few fundamental aspects.
First and foremost, the entire bay is a protected area. Everything we see in the water should stay there - although, of course, you're encouraged to collect any trash you find.
Now, let’s explore the various snorkeling paradises the beach has to offer.
Perhaps the most renowned spot is "La Barra" in front of Playa Chica.
But the Playa Grand of Las Canteras and up towards Roque Tortugas by La Isleta’s rocky coast also offer splendid snorkeling opportunities.
These areas are not only famous for their clear waters and diverse marine life, but also for their unique underwater landscapes, making each snorkeling experience distinct and memorable.
Whether you're a novice or an experienced snorkeler, these spots provide perfect settings to explore the vibrant underwater world while adhering to conservation guidelines to protect this natural wonder.
Beach Maps
La Barra Las Canteras
What are the rules?
The document ORDENANZA MUNICIPAL REGULADORA DE LOS USOS, ACTIVIDADES E INSTALACIONES, EN LAS PLAYAS, PASEOS MARÍTIMOS Y RESTO DEL LITORAL DE LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA provides "Artículo 86. De la práctica libre del buceo y snorkel" where we have to deal with.
Article 86. On the free practice of diving and snorkelling.
1. It is recommended that the free practice of diving and snorkelling be carried out in the sports sector authorised by the Coastal Demarcation or the competent Administration for the practice of the same. Even so, extreme precautions must be taken to make oneself visible to other users, such as the use of signalling buoys, except in the case that the practice of snorkelling is carried out in areas close to the shore and outside the places reserved for other uses, in which case the use of a signalling buoy is not required, although its use is always recommended.
2. It is recommended to be a member of a federation especially for the practice of diving.
3. Night diving is not permitted unless authorised.
Translated by translate.google.com
This comes across with Boletín Oficial de la Provincia de Las Palmas. Número 8, miércoles 19 de enero 2022.
Anything else?
Yes, we have to have a look into the Real Decreto 550/2020, de 2 de junio, por el que se determinan las condiciones de seguridad de las actividades de buceo.
Article 6: Limitations and Conditions on Diving Activities
The exercise of diving activities must respect the limitations established in the regulations for reasons of national security, such as the existence of areas declared to be of interest for National Defense, or areas designated as prohibited, restricted, or dangerous, or security zones for military installations, as well as for historical or archaeological interest, environmental value, or protection of the site where the activity is practiced.
Areas considered prohibited are those close to military installations, as determined by the regulations of the Ministry of Defense.
Any person who, during a dive, encounters submerged objects that may have artistic, archaeological, scientific, or economic value, or that could pose a danger (such as ammunition and explosive devices), is required to report this to the competent authority.
Article 14: Signaling and Safety Distance
It is mandatory to signal the exit and presence on the surface of the diver, using a surface signaling device included in the minimum equipment for each diving modality in Annex III, when diving operations are conducted without a boat or when the area where the activity is carried out is not marked.
Except for the support boat, all vessels or boats must maintain a minimum safety distance of 50 meters from the diving area and must act in accordance with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, taking into account factors such as the type of vessel and the speed of navigation.
Article 54: Limitations on Extractive Diving
The practice of diving for the extraction of marine living resources is subject to the following limitations:
a) Work may only be conducted under weather conditions that allow for the safe deployment and retrieval of divers aboard the support platform. Visibility conditions in the water must allow divers to visually identify obstructions and hazards around the work area.
b) Only manual or autonomous tools, whose power units are not located on the surface, may be used.
c) The following dives are prohibited:
Night dives.
Dives in confined spaces.
Dives where direct ascent to the surface is not possible.
Dives in contaminated waters.
Translated by translate.google.com
Conclusion about the rules
- It's not required to have a signal buoy, but we higly recommend it also for snorking. Sometimes the tide and current could be strong.
- For snorkeling it is not required to be in a federation, but you shoulb be able to swim a couple of hunderet meters.
- What’s in the water stays in the water, except for some trash. But even then, an old can might be home to a hermit crab, so don’t just mindlessly bring every piece of trash back to shore.
- They do not allow night diving without a permit, but night swimming/snorkeling is not prohibited.
because of the unclear legal notes we wrote an Email to Ayuntamiento to get an clear answer. And here we go:
Buenos días.
Le informamos que, siempre bajo su responsabilidad, se puede practicar snorkel individualmente de noche en la playa. Para una actividad colectiva, tendría que solicitar una autorización a Costas del Gobierno de Canarias.
Si fueran 2 o 3 amigos que van a hacer snorkel, cada uno asume su riesgo individualmente.
Si se hiciera una actividad regulada de alguien que enseña y con beneficio monetario, se tendría que pedir el permiso a Costas del Gobierno de Canarias.
Espero haber aclarado sus dudas al 100%
Saludos.
Concejalía Ciudad de MarTlfno.: 928.44.68.55
C/ Sagasta, 47-bis esquina Tenerife
35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Marine Life
Las Canteras beach in Gran Canaria offers a mesmerizing snorkeling experience, perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. During the day, the clear waters reveal a vibrant array of marine life. As you snorkel along the reef, you’ll be captivated by the sight of colorful Parrotfish grazing on algae-covered rocks. Schools of shimmering Atlantic Horse Mackerel dart through the water, while the curious Triggerfish and graceful Gilt-head Bream explore the coral crevices. Look out for the stealthy Moray Eel peeking from its hiding spot, and the vibrant Canary Damsel adding splashes of color. The energetic Striped Red Mullet and the majestic Grouper are common companions in these waters, and you might even spot a Stingray gliding effortlessly over the sandy seabed.
As the sun sets, the underwater landscape of Las Canteras transforms, offering a unique and thrilling night snorkeling experience. The calm of the night brings out creatures rarely seen during the day. You’ll encounter the mysterious Angelshark, often resting on the seafloor, and the nocturnal Octopus, master of disguise, as it hunts for prey. The Moray Eel becomes more active, slithering out from its den, while the Greater Amberjack prowls the dark waters. The glowing eyes of Cardinalfish and the ethereal movements of Cuttlefish create an enchanting atmosphere. You might also spot the elusive Basket Star unfurling its arms or the Spiny Lobster scuttling along the reef. The Lionfish, with its striking spines, and the Squirrelfish add to the nocturnal spectacle.
While snorkeling in Las Canteras, it’s essential to be mindful of the environment. Wearing a wetsuit and gloves not only protects you from the cool water temperatures but also shields you from stinging creatures like jellyfish and sea urchins. These protective layers help you enjoy the beauty of the underwater world without the risk of injury, ensuring a safe and memorable experience as you explore the rich marine life of Las Canteras.
The following document can be a good entry point for fish identification:
Click here to download the file "aplica-peces.pdf"
"Speaking of water"
Never underestimate the tides!
Know the moon phase
The strength of the tide can vary depending on the moon phase. On our weather page, we also provide information on the moon phases!
Check the tide
It’s highly recommended to check the tide level and whether it’s rising or falling before heading out. Choosing the wrong time can not only impair visibility but also turn a fun activity into a dangerous adventure.
You can use our weather page to select the tide that best suits the time you plan to enter the water.
Check the Weather Forecast
It’s essential to check the weather forecast before planning your activities, especially in the northern part of Gran Canaria. The weather here can change quickly, turning sunny skies into rain and strong winds. These shifts can lead to rougher seas, making the conditions less enjoyable and potentially hazardous. By staying informed about the weather, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the water.
Click here to visit the "Las Canteras Window" page with all the required information
Let’s take a closer look at the conditions in Las Canteras. First and foremost, always be aware of the tides. The tide isn’t always your friend, and it can certainly work against you if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s crucial to check the current tide status before heading out.
For beginners, low tide is usually the best time to snorkel—not just because you can see the most fish, but because it’s generally safer. However, it’s important not to start your snorkeling adventure right at the peak of low tide if you plan to stay in the water for a couple of hours.
Why is this important? As you’ll see on beach maps, there are small reefs and underwater canyons that, during changing tides, can create strong currents. These currents can carry you far from your intended spot.
ATTENTION: Never fight the current head-on; swimming sideways is often more effective. A buoy isn’t just handy if you lose sight of your buddy; it can also give you that much-needed rest when the current has worn you out, allowing you to regain your strength while staying safely afloat.
What about equipment?
Minimum
We highly recommend the following basic equipment:
- Boots
- Fins
- Gloves
- Mask
- Snorkel
Additionally:
- Torch
- Knife
Wetsuit
Without it, you can't really enjoy your snorkel session. Keep in mind, 20°C isn't that warm ;)
For a session of one hour or longer, a 5mm wetsuit is mandatory!
To really enjoy your session without freezing, you should wear a 5mm suit with a hood.
If you don't want to buy one, check out www.nomadsupplystation.com where you can also rent snorkel equipment for your stay.
Safety buoy
Easy to carry, helpful in strong currents, and useful for swimming back to the beach after a long session.
There are some models available where you can store your belongings.
We recommend using this along with an additional dry bag for items like your mobile phone, keys, and so on.
Check this out: Bouy and dry bag in one
Snorkel, Mask, Fin's are clear - for sure! But what about the rest?
Why boots? It's much better to stay on "la barra" or walking into the water with proper boots. At least, it's warming your feet!
Why gloves? 20° water temperature isn’t exactly warm, and in some situations, it’s crucial to grab onto stones on a reef to maintain your position. For example, imagine an octopus in a small cave near the spot where you need to grip to hold steady against the current. Trust me, it feels much better with gloves on ;-)
A knife, really? In some situations, it’s helpful, but it’s definitely not necessary for relaxed, lazy sessions.
Daylight and a torch? Nope, this is for sessions around sunset or at night.
What about the suit? Do I really need one? Short answer: Yes! The problem with wetsuits is that even the toughest ones start feeling like ice blocks after 30 to 60 minutes. If something goes wrong at the end of the session and you're freezing, it could turn into a not-so-pleasant situation. Stay warm and enjoy!
Dry bag and safety buoy? Yes! You can keep all your belongings with you, safe from theft. It’s also useful for keeping track of where your buddy is.
Remember: currents can be strong, and if you take the wrong exit, you could be swept off the beach in the blink of an eye.
Where you can buy or rent equipment
Here are some places where you can buy or rent dive and snorkel gear in Las Plamas.
Decathlon in Tamaraciete - on Google Maps
Subzone Free Diving Gran Canaria - on Google Maps
Where you can find a dive buddy
Check our recommendation Live it up, Las Palmas! Community. People often ask for snorkel buddies there and you might even find some WhatsApp groups with others who share your interests.