Gran Canaria

The El Cabron Marine Reserve at Arinaga is the best dive site we went to on the island, and has its own guide book. The dives were wonderful and varied from 6 to 30m and not only is it packed with fish, the variety and bio-diversity astounded us. We saw Barracudas, Morays, Grunts, Trumpetfish, Bream, Sea Horses, Damselfish, Rays, Parrotfish, wrasse and cephalopods are all found in huge numbers. Eduardo, our dive guide, told us that different seasons can bring stingray, angelshark, Blue Shark, and many other species into the area. Don't turn your nose up at the fact that this is a shore diving area - all the sealife was packed in close to the shore and the underwater lava scenery was stunning, with caves, swim-throughs and big arches. There are however no shore facilities (at all!) in the reserve, so it is best to use an operator based in Arinaga, such as Davy Jones Diving, who not only provided local tide and entry information but who also provided the transport into the off-road areas and expert guidance around the reserve.