Davy Jones Diving: Messages

Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Meloneras are the most popular tourist areas on Gran Canaria, because of the dunes and the big sandy beaches which fringe them. However all this sand mens that the scuba divining in Playa del Ingles is very poor - lots of sand, no scenery and limited marine life in very shallow water. However this can be a good place to stay if you have a family as there are plenty of other attractions for the non-divers, and it is half way between the dive sites on the west and on the east coast of Gran Canaria. Maspalomas and Meloneras offer much better diving.

Just outside the harbor at Mogan are two small wrecks sunk to provide interest for the 'Yellow Submarine' adventure which runs there every day. Their shallow depth and compact nature makes them an ideal site for a first wreck dive, and experienced divers can cover both wrecks in one dive. Listen out while under water, and if you hear a loud whirring then watch out for the submarine as it makes it's hourly circuit around the two wrecks.

El Pajar is the wreck of a 30m long Russian hydrofoil ferry which sank during 2003, largely intact. Originally it sat upright on the bottom in 18m and was solid and intact making it an ideal first wreck dive. You could easily enter the main cabin and exit through some of the Plexiglas windows, explore the pilots’ cockpit with its Russian radio and controls, or relax in one of the airline seats in the rear cabin. Unfortunately during late 2006 the wreck was blown apart during a storm and is now a shadow of its former glory.

Just outside the harbor at Arguineguín, this reef lies in 14-16m and has a large permanent shoal of roncadores. Stingray, trumpetfish, morays and other common reef dwellers can also be found. Following the edge of this volcanic reef you come can hunt among the nooks and crannies for smaller species, until you arrive at the fish-ball, which will part to let you pass and then reform behind you.