The Marine Fauna and Flora of Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands and Maderia have long been recognised as a special place for marine bio-diversity, with marine species from the Mediteranean, the Caribean, from the Atlantic and from Africa. The Canaries, Azores and Maderia are cllectively known as the 'macronesia' and there are many similarities in the marine life. There are estimated to be over 400 distinct marine species in the warm waters which surround these islands, and even in shallow waters scuba divers and snorklers and swimmers can enjoy a huge variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Sea life is so prolific that many experts put the diving on a par with the Red Sea or the Caribbean.

We have arranged a gallery of photographs taken by one of Gran Canaria's leading underwater photographers, Brian Goldthorpe, to give an insight into the marine life you can expect to see while scuba diving in Gran Canaria. As most divers lack a detailed understanding of fish families and species, we have simplified this and split the species up into 3 groups below - common, uncommon and unusual; or you can select from the Alphabetical list of species

Common Species

Virtually any dive around Gran Canaria will introduce the diver to our common species, often coming into the shallowest areas close to the shore during the day. Simply by snorkelling from an appropriate point you are likely to meet these creatures.

Uncommon Species

For these you will have to dive a bit further - probably below 10m, or to special areas where they are locally common.

Rare or Unusual Species

For these you either need to try a more adventurous dive, or have a bit of luck - or both!. Some of these creatures are nocturnal and mostly seen either in deeper caves or on night dives. Others are inhabitants of deeper water only rarely straying up into shallower waters. Others are so well camouflaged that they can be easily overlooked.

Press any of the links above to enjoy our personal selection of macronesian marine life in each category.