The Eastern Canary Islands
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The diving can be fun anywhere in the archipelago but certainly there are differences. Around Gran Canaria it's possible to do any kind of dives, because there are huge wrecks and nice reefs as well, but sometimes the currents and the waves make the dives more challenging and you can expect longer transfers. Fuerteventura has some nice places but be sure to choose a reliable dive center who knows perfectly the local conditions. I had frightening boat rides in the windy afternoon hours... Near Lanzarote you can do easy shore dives or you can organize a day trip to the famous Graciosa marine park. You won’t be disappointed on any island or spot you choose. The underwater flora and fauna is an interesting transition between the Mediterranean and Atlantic, the places similar to the European dive sites with some impressive extras- for example the divers have the chance to see angel sharks here and some species of rays are common. Although the archipelago is on the same latitude as Egypt, you won’t see coral gardens.
Because of the conditions you have to be careful in any season, near any island. The underwater photographers need to accommodate themselves to the actual situation. If the visibility is worse, they need to prepare for macro photography. It can be exciting, there are always animals in the holes or on the seabed like arrow crabs, nudibranch or octopus. Listen carefully to the dive briefing and you'll know where to expect huge shoals of fish with a wide angle lens. The safety standards are usually high in the reliable dive centers, and there are several decompression chambers in the islands.
If you come here for a week I suggest booking of self-catering apartments which are affordable and contact a local dive center who organize 3-5 days of diving. Renting a car is very useful if you want to explore the islands on your own. You'll find English speaking people at the airport, in car rental offices, hotels and especially in the diving centers, but many of the local people speak only Spanish. The currency is the euro and the prices aren't that high in the islands: you can expect 20-25 euros cost per dive, depends on the island and the package discounts.
Although the Eastern islands show only one face of the Canaries, there are many things to see and do. My advice is instead of lying on the beach you should go trekking, sightseeing, diving. This place is a heaven for active holidaymakers, and a world class dive destination as well.
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