Lanzarote is situated just 79 miles off the coast of Africa and is the most easterly of the Canary Islands. The island is 37 miles (60km) long and 12 miles (20 km) wide, making it the fourth largest island in the Canaries. Lanzarote enjoys a mild dry climate with average daytime temperatures ranging from about 21°C in January to 29°C in August. Annual rainfall is just 140mm (5.5 inches).
As with the other Canary Islands, Lanzarote is Volcanic in origin. Due to the recent eruptions during the 18th and 19th Centuries, many parts of Lanzarote appear to be from another world, often described as 'lunar' or 'Martian'.
The dry climate (and lack of erosion) means that the Volcanic Landscape appears much as it did just after the eruptions.
Amongst the many stunning volcanic features of Lanzarote is the longest volcanic tunnel in the world, the Atlantida Tunnel, which is over 7 km long and includes the La Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua.
Despite the volcanic nature of the island, Lanzarote has several beautiful white beaches such as at Playa Blanca and Papagayo.
[Thanks to Oliver Payne for the photograph]
- Most of the diving takes place outside Puerto del Carmen. There are numerous wreck dives, The Rabat wreck - a large tuna trawler that lies at a depth of 30 metres, Los Erizos wrecks - there are 8 wrecks at varying depths from 12 mtrs. to 30 mtrs. and in varying condition, Pinta Tinosa wrecks - these are two fishing boats sunk for divers at 18 & 22 metres, The Temple Hall Wreck at 12 metres. With all of these wrecks you will see good quantities of Barracuda, Jacks, Rays and Tuna.
- The Cathedral - Shore Dive accessed from the beach (Playa de la Barrilla). It is a short surface swim out of the bay and then a free descent to approx. 14mtrs. and then a drop-off which leads down to the 'Cathedral' at approximately 30 metres. The 'Cathedral' is a large underwater lava cave, which funnels down towards the rear. There are alcoves of finger coral and small shrimp and glass fish at the far end and there are many soft corals on the cave walls and roof. Grouper fish are very often found there as well as trumpet fish.
- The Harbour Wall at Puerto del Carmen - an interesting shore dive both by day & by night. It begins from the bay or from the jetty. It is a shallow entry leading leisurely to 24mtrs at its furthest point. At night the bay takes on a different character, fields of anemones burst from the normally featureless sandy bottom. Cuttlefish, octopus and sea horses can be found along the small harbour wall, plus spider crab and small shrimps. For photographers, this is a good dive whether in daylight or at night time.