Health and safetyBeaches in Gran Canaria are well-regulated and monitored, but be sure to follow advice given by lifeguards and pay attention to any warning flags. Red flags mean no swimming, and you should take this very seriously - the sea may look tranquil but strong tides can pull unwary swimmers out to sea.
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Most beaches have marked swimming areas were it is safe to swim in calm shallow water. If you feel like swimming in deeper water, just don't go out beyond the buoys and you are perfectly safe. If you do snorkel in open water, use a dive buoy to make sure that boats can see you.
if you prefer a relaxing holiday in quiet resorts, some of the places to avoid in Gran Canaria include areas where mass tourism is prevalent, such as the resorts of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas. The island offers so much more than this, with diverse landscapes to explore, and a myriad of activities to enjoy.
Gran Canaria beats Tenerife when it comes to beaches. One of the most iconic beaches on the island is the previously mentioned Maspalomas ,which is reminiscent of the desert and includes a nudist zone.
Sea temperatures around Gran Canaria vary between 18ºC and 25ºC depending on the season and the depth of the water. The ocean is at its warmest in September and October because the sea around the island is calm during the summer and is heated by the strong sunshine.
Sharks. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are one of the few remaining locations with a substantial population of angelsharks. It is quite a common sight while snorkeling. The basking shark, a harmless plankton feeder, visits the island in large groups during the winter, but is rarely seen.
In the coastal part of the island (especially in the south) the water of the sea is warm enough for you to swim all year round and freely enjoy deep dives in the crystalline waters of Tenerife. In the winter season, there is a slight drop in temperatures.
Water temperatures in the Canary Islands are pretty stable, but you'll still need a wetsuit during the colder months. Water temperatures peak in the range of 22-24°C (72-75°F) in late summer and early autumn, and drop to 17-20°C (64-68°F) in winter.
Sea temperatures around Gran Canaria vary between 18ºC and 25ºC depending on the season and the depth of the water. The ocean is at its warmest in September and October because the sea around the island is calm during the summer and is heated by the strong sunshine.
The tapwaterThe tap water is not drinkable in Gran Canaria. You can buy water at the various supermarkets, bars or restaurants. Brushing your teeth, taking a shower etc. is of course no problem.
The island of La Palma in the Canary Islands is at risk of undergoing a large landslide, which could cause a tsunami in the Atlantic Ocean. Volcanic islands and volcanoes on land frequently undergo large landslides/collapses, which have been documented in Hawaii for example.
La Palma - best for jaw-dropping sceneryIt's no wonder that the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands is known as both La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island) and La Isla Verde (The Green Island). The capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is an attractive history-rich town that's well worth a day (or two) of exploration.