Top 7 Marine Species You Might Encounter While Diving in Gran Canaria

From camouflaged predators to curious reef dwellers — discover the stars of the Atlantic.

Gran Canaria’s underwater world is a vibrant mix of volcanic rock, sandy seabeds, and thriving reefs — all of which support an incredible diversity of marine life. Due to the island’s unique position at the meeting point of tropical and temperate currents, every dive brings the chance to encounter both familiar friends and rare surprises.

Whether you’re a beginner on your first ocean dive or an experienced explorer, here are 7 fascinating marine species that you might encounter while diving in Gran Canaria:

1. Angel Shark (Squatina squatina)

The angel shark is one of Gran Canaria’s most iconic — and rarest — residents. Resembling a flattened shark or a ray, this bottom-dwelling species spends most of its time buried in sand, waiting to ambush prey. Despite being critically endangered across Europe, angel sharks are still regularly sighted in Gran Canaria, especially between November and May.

Where to spot them: Sandy patches near reefs in Pasito Blanco, Arguineguín, or El Pajar.

2. Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

Highly intelligent and endlessly entertaining, octopuses are a diver favorite. These shape-shifting creatures can change both color and texture to blend in with their surroundings. You’ll often find them peeking out from rocky crevices — and with a bit of patience, they sometimes emerge to say hello.

Best time to spot them: Year-round, especially during night dives.

3. Trumpetfish & Canary Damsel

You’ll see them on almost every reef, and yet they never get boring.

• Trumpetfish are long, slender, and often seen hovering vertically alongside reefs or even other fish. Their stealth and quirky posture make them a fun sighting for any diver.

• Canary damselfish are small, electric-blue locals — bold, curious, and always defending their territory. These shimmering fish are the namesake of the Canary Islands and a favourite of underwater photographers.

Common in: Shallow rocky reefs like Tufia and Risco Verde.

4.  Barracuda (Sphyraena spp.)

Sleek, silver, and unmistakably cool, barracudas are open-water predators often seen cruising alone or in small schools. They tend to hang around the edge of reefs, scanning the surroundings with their sharp gaze.

Best spots: Over drop-offs or near deeper reefs like El Cabrón.

5. Moray Eel (Enchelycore anatina)

Morays are often found tucked into rocky holes, heads peeking out with mouths opening and closing as they breathe. The fangtooth moray is particularly striking, with its yellow snout and sharp teeth.

Despite their fierce appearance, they are shy and non-aggressive, as long as they’re respected.

Best places: Volcanic rock formations like those in El Cabrón, Tufia, and Arinaga.

6.  Eagle Rays

With their spotted wings and elegant glide, eagle rays are one of the most breathtaking rays in the Atlantic. They often appear midwater, soaring silently past divers before vanishing into the blue.

Best sightings: Summer months around sandy slopes near Pasito Blanco or El Cabrón

7. Stingrays

Stingrays prefer to rest on the seafloor, often hidden under sand. Look for a slight mound with eyes peeking out. They remain still unless disturbed and will calmly swim away if approached gently — a quiet and graceful moment for divers.

Where to find them: El Pajar, Risco Verde, and flat sandy bays

Responsible Diving: Protecting What We Love

At our dive center, we believe in giving back to the ocean that gives us so much. Here’s how we promote marine conservation:

✅ Teach buoyancy and reef awareness in all courses

✅ Respect all creatures - look, don’t touch, chase, or harass any marine life

✅ Support clean-up dives and ocean education projects

✅ Partner with local initiatives that protect endangered species

Whether you’re diving with us for the first time or your fiftieth, we invite you to be a guardian of Gran Canaria’s underwater world — not just a visitor.

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✉️ Want to see all this for yourself? Message us and let’s go diving — responsibly, joyfully, and with eyes wide open for ocean magic.