Marine life
La Gomera also known as the Canary Islands Green Island, is located in the Atlantic Ocean west of the archipelago and belongs to the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. With a small population, La Gomera now has a population of just over 20,000, covering an area of 369.76 square kilometres, and is the sixth Canary Island in population.
The Gomera looks like a fortress surrounded by high rock walls. Narrow roads snake along cliffs and ravines. It is an island of volcanic origin. The island attracts nature lovers and hikers primarily. In 2011, it was named the Biosphere Reserve in the category of “excellence” due to the quality of its terrestrial and marine ecosystem. Shoreline aridity makes the waters ideal for underwater diving in the canary island. These famous beaches are characterized by blue waters with fine black sand. The most tourist beaches in Gomera are: San Sebastián de la Gomera, Valle Gran Rey, Playa de Santiago and Playa de Vallehermoso.
Where to dive the Gomera?
San Sebastian
This is the capital of the Island of Gomera. The city has excellent tourist facilities, an attractive historic centre, and numerous interesting sites and monuments. It has light blue water, making it one of the best diving sites in the Canary Islands. The marine world of San Sebastián de la Gomera offers rocky formations, cliffs and a diverse fauna. Most diving sites are easily accessible from diving centres.
Valle Gran Rey
Located west of La Gomera Island, it extends from the sea to 800 m above sea level. It is the most popular seaside station in the Gomera. The beach where you can dive in Valle Gran Rey is Playa del Inglés.
Playa del Inglés
It is an endless beach on the south coast of Gran Canaria Island in the Maspalomas area. This station was developed in the 1960s to become a tourist area. Dive Playa del Ingles is a great experience. Its underwater landscape of volcanic reefs, caves, wrecks and these clear waters will appeal to you.
Playa de Santiago
This beach is about half a kilometre long and about 30 metres wide between high and low tide. It is one of the largest beaches on the island. It is a beach of gravel and pebbles, of moderate swell, although it is located in a port area. On the beach of Santiago, especially on the south coast, there is a small complex, which also offers scuba diving. Boat diving is frequent and most sites are within minutes of diving centres. The underwater landscape includes a variety of rock formations, primarily lava and basalt stone. You can find hills with large rocks that offer you a wonderful underwater landscape.
Vallehermoso
It is a municipality in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands community in Spain. It is located west of La Gomera Island. The municipality also has one third of Garajonay National Park. It would be interesting to dive into the famous Laguna de Valle Hermoso, which is a unique natural environment. The 200-metre depth allows for memorable diving baptisms. More experienced divers will be able to benefit from exploration of underwater rock formations.
When to dive into the Gomera?
The peak diving season is May to September. The rainy period is from November to January. The average air temperature is approximately 18 C in winter and 24 C in summer.
How do I get there?
La Gomera is easily accessible through its airport in the south, which is connected to Tenerife and Gran Canaria. There are also boats and daily ferry lines with Tenerife.
Diving Condition
The transparent waters that swim the coasts of La Gomera are ocean-like, with visibility generally exceeding 30 metres. Current can vary from mild to moderate. There are good conditions for diving all year round, with water temperatures ranging from 19 C in winter to 25 C in summer.
What to see in underwater diving?
There are many species of sharks, barracudas, octopus, nudibranches, merous, prawns, lobsters, blueberries, crabs, corals, sponges, labours, demoisella, striped dorade, octopuses, Scorpion fish, sea stars, manta rays, eagle lines, electric rays, sawfish, tuna and perch.
